NERVOUS POWER. 325 



here considering, should be carefully distinguished 

 from that power which is an attribute of another 

 portion of the nervous system, and which, being 

 connected with sensation, volition, and other intel- 

 lectual operations, has been denominated sensorial 

 power* The functions of digestion, circulation, 

 absorption, secretion, and all those included under 

 the class of nutrient or vital functions, are carried 

 on in secret, are not necessarily, or even usually 

 attended with sensation, and are wholly removed 

 from the control of volition. Nature has not per- 

 mitted processes, which are so important to the 

 preservation of life, to be in any way interfered 

 with by the will of the animal. We know that in 

 ourselves they go on as well during sleep as when 

 we are awake, and whether our attention be di- 

 rected to them or not; and though occasionally 

 influenced by strong emotions, and other affections 

 of the mind, they are in general quite independent 

 of every intellectual process. In the natural and 

 healthy condition of the system, all its internal 

 operations proceed quietly, steadily, and con- 

 stantly, whether the mind be absorbed in thought 

 or wholly vacant. The kind of existence resulting 

 from these functions alone, and to which our atten- 

 tion has hitherto been confined, must be regarded 

 as the result of mere vegetative, rather than of ani- 

 mal life. It is time that we turn our views to the 

 higher objects, and more curious field of inquiry, 

 belonging to the latter. 



* This distinction has been most clearly pointed out, and illus- 

 trated by Dr. A. P. W. Philip. See his " Experimental Inquiry into 

 the Laws of the Vital Functions." 



