AND ANIMAL LIFE. 11 



but rather to note the multifarious changes be- 

 longing to each act, and, from the results which 

 they present, to estimate their respective im- 

 portance, and the intentions of Nature. From 

 pursuing this mode of investigation, it is not dif- 

 ficult to prove, that, whenever inspirations ex- 

 ceed, either in number or completeness, the con- 

 trary states, whether in disease or mental trouble, 

 the powers of life are invariably depressed, and 

 occasionally endangered ; but whenever expira- 

 tions possess a similar superiority, with few ex- 

 ceptions, the system receives an additional sti- 

 mulus, the assimilating functions are invigorat- 

 ed, the mental faculties are excited, and, in fine, 

 the powers of life are augmented. If this state- 

 ment be correct, we are necessitated to acknow- 

 ledge, that the solicitude of Nature, according to 

 the opinion of Mr CHARLES BELL, has been ra- 

 ther to the injury than the benefit of the con- 

 stitution. 



XVI. The lungs, from their beautiful struc- 

 ture, are every way adapted to admit of great 

 and minute distribution of blood, and also for 

 the reception of a considerable quantity of air. 



The following description of the lungs, by 

 MONRO, gives an accurate idea of the provision 

 which is here made for exposing a large surface 

 of blood to the action of the air. "As our 

 lungs in a full inspiration contain about 220 



