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In supposing a principle of life in 

 nerves, similar to what is conceived to 

 exist in muscles, we might naturally 

 expect to find certain analogies of func- 

 tions in those organs. The facility? cele- 

 rity, and accuracy of the nervous actions, 

 seem like those of the muscles to be im- 

 proved by use ; as is exemplified in the 

 quick and correct perceptions of those 

 who are accustomed to exercise their au- 

 ditory nerves in attending to musical 

 sounds. A train of nervous actions 

 having often taken place they, like si- 

 milar actions in muscles, become conca- 

 tenated, and are liable to occur in suc- 

 cession, when one of them is accidentally 

 induced. Both nerves and muscles re- 

 quire temporary respites from action, and 

 are refreshed by sleep. 



The supposition of actions occurring 

 in the nerves, explains many circum- 



