144 THE LAWS OF ORGANIC 



adduced, can be considered only as further illus- 

 trations of the correctness of what we have al- 

 ready discussed. 



CLV. The wisdom of Providence is shown in 

 the structure of organic matter, and in the deli- 

 cate adaptations appropriated to its support and 

 development ; but, in forming these, it has had 

 regard to the general changes of the universe, 

 which exhibit, in a striking manner, the wise 

 designs of its pervading spirit. The seasons of 

 the year follow each other in regular succession, 

 for the well-being, not only of the vegetable, but 

 also of the animal creation. If the order were 

 reversed, the animal and vegetable constitution 

 remaining as at present, neither the one nor the 

 other could exist. The gradual steps, by which 

 organized matter accommodates itself to the in- 

 fluence of external causes, would be disturbed, 

 and a repetition of this disordered action would 

 speedily annihilate the functions of organic and 

 animal life. 



CLVI. During the warm months of summer, 

 the circulating fluids of animal and vegetable 

 matter, as previously stated, are more generally 

 distributed throughout its capillary vessels; in 

 the former it has been considered as constituting 

 a state of circulation designated external., in con- 

 tra-distinction to that which is observed in the 

 severity of winter. The powers of life would be 

 as much endangered by a sudden transition from 



