g ANALYTIC SECT. I, 
111. A question naturally presents itself in limine, 
viz. What is the Vital Force? To give even a 
brief outline of the various opinions which have 
been propounded respecting it, would far exceed 
the bounds of this work; and the late publication 
of the learned and scientific Dr. Barclay renders 
it even unnecessary. One opinion, however, which 
has, with some variations, prevailed more or less 
from the remotest antiquity, merits at least cur- 
sory consideration, both from the appearance of 
truth which it has lately assumed, and the cele- 
brity of those who have held it. 
1v. The sophis of the East entertained a notion, 
that the Deity is diffused throughout all matter, 
and that the whole of animated nature is only 
varied manifestations of the Divinity; and hence 
arose their wild and indiscriminate polytheism. 
The highest material form assumed by the Deity 
they regarded to be man, whom they supposed to 
be re-united to the Eternal Mind at death. This 
doctrine was introduced into Greece by Pytha- 
goras, under the name of Anima Mundi, or Soul 
of the World, afterwards so renowned in Greek 
philosophy. 
v. Newton adopted the opinion of Pythagoras 
and the sophis, but with some alterations and 
additions. All nature he conceived to be’ per- 
vaded by an extremely subtile ether, which is 
not only the cause of attraction in matter, but 
