THE THEORY OF LIFE. 



PHYSIOLOGY OP LIFE. 



INTRODUCTION. 



WHEN we stand before the bust of John Hunter, or as 

 we enter the magnificent museum furnished by his labours, 

 and pass slowly, with meditative observation, through this 

 august temple, which the genius of one great man has 

 raised and dedicated to the wisdom and uniform working 

 of the Creator, we perceive at every step the guidance, we 

 had almost said, the inspiration, of those profound ideas 

 concerning Life, which dawn upon us, indeed, through his 

 written works, but which he has here presented to us in 

 a more perfect language than that of words the language 

 of God himself, as uttered by Nature. 



That the true idea of Life existed in the mind of John 

 Hunter I do not entertain the least doubt; but it may, 

 perhaps, be doubted whether his incessant occupation, and 

 his stupendous industry in the service, both of his contem- 



