UNITY OF DESIGN. 5(jl 



We have seen that in each of the two great divi- 

 sions, or kingdoms of organic nature, the same 

 general objects are aimed at, and the same general 

 plans are devised for their accomplishment; and 

 also that in the execution of those plans similar 

 means and agencies are employed. In each divi- 

 sion there prevails a remarkable uniformity in the 

 composition and properties of their elementary tex- 

 tures, in the nature of their vital powers, in the 

 arrangement of their organs, and in the laws of 

 their production and developement. The same 

 principle of analogy may be traced, amidst endless 

 moditications of detail, in all the subordinate groups 

 into which each kingdom admits of being sub- 

 divided, in respect both to the organization and 

 functions of the objects comprehended in each 

 assemblage; whether we examine the wonders of 

 their mechanical fabric, or study the series of pro- 

 cesses by which nutrilion, sensation, voluntary 

 motion, and reproduction are effected. To specify 

 all the examples which might be addnced in con- 

 firmation of this obvious truth is here unnecessary; 

 for it would be only to repeat the numerous facts 

 already noticed in every chapter of this treatise, 

 relative to each natural group of living beings ; and 

 it was, indeed, chietly by the aid of such analogies, 

 that we were enabled to connect and generalize 

 those facts. We have seen that, in constructing 

 each of the divisions so established, nature appears 

 to have kept in view a certain definite type, or 

 ideal standard, to which, amidst innumerable mo- 

 difications, rendered necessary by the varying cir- 

 cumstances and different destinations of each 

 species, she always shows a decided tendency to 



VOL. II. o o 



