ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY 



THE term PHYSIOLOGY, signifies " a discourse on Nature," 

 smd hence is applicable to an explanation of the laws 

 which govern the growth of vegetables, and the crystalliza- 

 tion of minerals, as well as to a discourse on the functions 

 of animal life. 



Animal Physiology is divided into two distinct depart- 

 ments, namely, comparative and human. Comparative 

 physiology, is a discourse or treatise on the corporeal func- 

 tions of the inferior animals. Human physiology explains 

 the corresponding i^etions of man. 



In pursuing the subject of animal physiology, the student 

 will constantly be reminded that nothing has been left un- 

 done, even to the minutest detail, which could in any way 

 advance the welfare and comfort of living existences, taken 

 as a whole. On the contrary, he will find that each 

 animal is placed in a situation most congenial to its own 

 organization and capacities, and that it is provided with 

 instruments, and endowed with senses and capabilities ex- 

 actly befitting the condition in which it is placed. The 

 earthworm, for instance, has no use for eyes, since it never 

 voluntarily comes to the light ; nor for hands or wings, 

 since these would be worse than useless in the place and 

 manner of its existence. Nor has the fish any use for 

 lungs or feet, since its organization prevents it from breath- 



What is the meaning of the term physiology? How is animal physiol- 

 ogy divided ? What is said of the adaptation of the organs and capacities 

 of animals to their wants ? 



