382 THE LAWS OF ORGANIC 



berance of health displayed by the child in the 

 activity of organic and animal functions, he will 

 not hesitate to allow, that this apparent super- 

 abundance of powers is bestowed in order to de- 

 velope or invigorate the various organs of the system. 

 These powers are evidently much greater than 

 would be required to maintain the infantile con- 

 stitution, if this were intended to be stationary. 

 It therefore ought to be our object to ascertain 

 in what consists the superiority of the child over 

 the adult in regard to those functions that co- 

 exist with, or produce the most important changes 

 of the body. 



CCCCLV. To arrive at a correct knowledge 

 of the animal frame we possess only two modes 

 direct experiment, where such is possible, or a close 

 and patient examination of cause and effect. The 

 latter means are very frequently as conclusive as 

 the former. In following such a plan, we are 

 liable to one general source of error, viz. that of 

 seizing only the apparent cause, without being 

 sufficiently aware that another, or others, may 

 intervene between it and the obvious sequence, 

 which alone can be regarded in strict relation 

 with the effect. 



CCCCLVI. When the child exhibits that 

 necessary and continued activity of body and 

 mind, we observe the respirations frequent, the 

 contractions of the heart and arterial system 

 much more numerous than in after life ; and 



