6os GENERATION. SECT. XXXIX. 8. 



of the motions of the fibres, which Oompofe the 

 mouth of that lacteal veffel ; the fenforial power is 

 the proximate caufe ; the contraction of the fibres 

 of the mouth of the veffel is the proximate effect ; 

 and their embracing the particle of chyle is the re- 

 mote effect ; and thefe.four links of caufation con- 

 f lit me abforption. 



Thus when we attend to the rifing fan, firft the 

 yellow rays of light ftimulate the fenforial power 

 refiding in the extremities of the optic nerve, this 

 is the remote caufe. 2. The fenforial power is ex- 

 cited into a (late of activity, this is the proximate 

 caufe. 3. The fibrous extremities of the optic nerve 

 arc contracted, this is the proximate effect. 4. A 

 pleafsrable or painful fenfation is produced in con- 

 fequencc of the contraction of thefe fibres of the 

 optic nerve, this is the remote effect ; and thefe four 

 links of the chain of caufation conflitute the fenfi- 

 live idea, or what is commonly termed the fenfa- 

 tion of the rifing fun. 



5. Other caufcs have been announced by medi- 

 cal writers under the names of caufa procatarctica, 

 and caufa proegumina, and caufa fine qu3. non. All 

 which are links more or lefs diflant of the chain of 

 remote caufes. 



To thefe mufl be added the final caufe, fo called 

 by many authors, which means the motive, for the 

 accomplifhment of which the preceding chain of 

 caufes was put into acYion. The idea of a final 

 caufe, therefore, includes that of a rational mind, 

 which employs means to effect its purpofes ; thus 

 the deiire of preferving himfelf from the pain of 

 cold, which he has frequently experienced, induces 

 the favage to conftrudt his hut ; the fixing flakes 

 into the ground for walls, branches of trees for raf- 

 ters, and turf for a cover, are a feries of fucceffive 

 voluntary exertions ; which are fo many means to 

 produce a certain effect. This effect of preferving 



himfelf 



