10 OF VITAL MOTION. 



CHAPTER II. 



OF VITAL MOVEMENTS. 



These phenomena may be arranged under three 

 heads: Under the first, are those which are seen 

 in vessels and cells; under the second, all such 

 movements as occur in the irritable tumours of the 

 sensitive plant, in the coats of the alimentary 

 canal, and in the voluntary muscles ; and under the 

 third, the rhythmical beatings of the heart. We shall 

 speak of the several varieties of vital motion according 

 to this arrangement, and then add some separate con- 

 siderations on the influence of the nerves and mind in 

 these phenomena. 



A. OF VITAL MO VEMENTS IN VESSELS 

 AND CELLS. 



These movements are less complex in the plant than 

 in the animal, for here they are not confused by the 

 cardiac impulse ; and it is in the plant, therefore, that 

 we institute our first inquiries. 



