AND ANIMAL LIFE. 31 



than what is natural, is brought into contact with 

 the blood in the lungs, and yet the temperature 

 is less than in any other disease or state of the 

 system. 



XXXVIT. The intentions of Nature are not 

 at all times easy to divine. In the rude research- 

 es of science, the means by which she acts, and 

 the object she wishes to attain, are seldom cor- 

 rectly recognized ; but whenever our knowledge 

 respecting the instruments she employs becomes 

 accurate, it is easy to appreciate the applications 

 she has in view. How wisely, then, is it ordained, 

 that, in the earliest years of existence, the life of 

 the infant, from the variety of its wants, the deli- 

 cacy or sensibility of its constitution, and from the 

 many affections and changes to which that age 

 is subject, may be truly said to be composed of 

 cries, tears, and restlessness.' To ease the child, and 

 secure our own peace and comfort, our efforts 

 are directed to appease these disagreeable com- 

 plaints ; but it is fortunate that our interference 

 is not at all times successful. At the time when 

 these symptoms are present the future man may 

 be considered still in embryo, arid the develope- 

 ment of this being is regulated by the activity 

 and extent of organic functions, which are 

 adapted to unfold and maintain the various 

 powers of the in dividual. It is therefore instituted 

 that these functions shall be more than usually 

 vigorous, when present and future necessities 



