16 PREFACE. 



a nervous system raises sensibility to its due place and 

 rank among the animal powers. Finally, in Man the 

 whole force of organic power attains an inward and 

 centripetal direction, and the "apex of the living 

 pyramid" becomes a fit receptacle for Reason and Con- 

 science. 



It is much to be regretted, that the estimable 

 Author did not live to put a finishing hand to this 

 Essay ; but the part completed involves speculations of 

 so interesting a nature, and presents such striking 

 marks of deep and original thought, that the Editor, 

 to whose hands it was committed, did not feel him- 

 self justified in withholding it from the judgment of 

 the public. 



