PHYSIOLOGY. 209 



to consider the application of them to the particular secretions, 

 and also to consider more particularly the several secreted 

 fluids ; but we omit both these subjects, as we presume the 

 former will be obvious from what is already said ; and with re- 

 spect to the latter, we have not yet a sufficient number of ex- 

 periments to proceed any length in it. 



CHAP. IV. OF NUTRITION. 



CCLXXXVI. Under this title we might consider how the 

 matter both of the fluids and solids of the body is supplied ; but, 

 after what we have formerly said of the taking in and assimila- 

 tion of the aliment, we have nothing now to add with respect to 

 the supply of the fluids ; and we therefore confine ourselves 

 here to consider in what manner the solid parts obtain their in- 

 crease of matter and growth, or have their occasional waste re- 

 paired. 



CCLXXXVII. There is no doubt that the solids are form, 

 ed of the fluid prepared from the aliment in the manner we 

 have said ; but it is required now to say what portion of the 

 fluids is employed in nourishing the solids, by what channels 

 the nourishment is conveyed to them, and, being applied there, 

 how from fluid it becomes solid. 



CCLXXXVIII. With regard to the first question, we have 

 no doubt in asserting, that in oviparous animals, it*is the albu- 

 men ovi that is employed in nourishing the chick ; and we pre- 

 sume that it is an analogous fluid which is employed in nourish- 

 ing the bird during the whole time of its growth. We think the 

 analogy may be safely applied with respect to all animals, the 

 solid matter of which is of the same kind with that of the ovi- 

 parous. 



CCLXXXIX. This analogous fluid we take to be the glu- 

 ten of the blood, properly diluted and freed from any adhering 

 saline matter. 



CCXC. To determine in what manner this nutritious fluid is 

 applied to the nourishment of the solids, it is necessary to con- 

 sider, what are the simple fundamental solids of which all the 

 others are formed. 



CCXC I. It seems to be the opinion of the greater part of 



VOL. i. o 



