ANALYTIC PHYSIOLOGY. 

SECTION I. 
The Vital Force. 
1. THE vital force is a power generated in all 
parts of the body, between the nerves and blood- 
vessels ; it is the primary agent in all the opera- 
tions which take place in the animal economy ; it 
is peculiarly modified in every organ, and diver- 
sified by disease and moral affections. 
u. The simplest effect of the vital force is the 
generation of heat, which affords a pretty accurate 
gauge of its intensity, and with which I shall 
commence, according to the analytic method that 
I have adopted in the following work. As irri- 
tability, with the exception of voluntary muscular 
contraction, is regulated by the intensity of the 
vital force, it naturally follows to be considered 
after animal heat. In this manner, the irritability 
of all the organs will be separately treated, as well 
as their relation to the rest of the body and to 
each. other. 
A 
