OF VITAL MOTION. 155 



cular.* It originates in the same way, is developed 

 upon the same plan, and formed from the same 

 nutrient plasm; and for these reasons, therefore, we 

 should be disposed to think that the nervous system 

 is not exclusively related to mind. We find, also, 

 that the archetype which is inherent in organic bodies 

 is the same as that which rules the inorganic world : 

 and hence another reason, so far as form is concerned, 

 why the nervous system is not in exclusive relation to 

 mind. It is found, also, in the chapter immediately 

 preceding, and in the chapters on vital movement, that 

 the nervous inliuence may be regarded as a modifica- 

 tion of cosmical force, so that in relation to function 

 as well as to form, we cannot consider the nervous 

 system as exclusively related to mind. 



That this is the case, we may also reason from 

 other considerations. We know, indeed, that the 

 condition of the circulation in a sentient organ is of 

 infinite importance to the proper exercise of the func- 

 tion of that organ, or, in other words, the condition of 

 the circulation has greatly to do with the receiving of 

 impressions from surrounding objects ; and it is not 

 less true that the greater number of changes in the 

 cerebral and other centres are secondary, and mani- 

 festly so, to alterations in the circulation in these 

 centres, so that the blood is concerned in receiving 



* See Proteus ; or, the Law of Nature, chap. i. 



