154 EYEBROWS. 



in no other way. Deprive him of the eye, and where 

 is the beauty of colours ? Of the ear, and where is the 

 melody of sounds ? Of the nose, and where is the fresh- 

 ness and fragrance of smells ? Take away from him all, 

 and he is reduced to a mere vegetable existence. 



Emily. Can we not then easily conceive, how an ad- 

 ditional sense, by making us acquainted with the quali- 

 ties of objects of which we are now altogether ignorant, 

 would give us another set of ideas, and thus enlarge and 

 elevate our capacities ? 



Dr. B. Why in truth, there is nothing very chi- 

 merical in the idea, for in ascending the scale of animals, 

 we observe the senses gradually increasing in number 

 and perfection, and it is a very reasonable supposition, 

 that five may not be the utmost limit beyond which the 

 possibility of any more is precluded. We cannot, how- 

 ever, wish for any more, for our place in the system of 

 nature is fixed, and our capacities are sufficient for the 

 conditions of our exis tence. But we must leave these 

 speculations, and proceed to our account of the senses ; 

 anchfirst let us consider the sense of sight. 



Emily. Don't be afraid, Dr. B., of being too par- 

 ticular in describing the various parts of the eye, and 

 the uses of each, for I am exceedingly desirous of fully 

 understanding the construction of this curious organ. 



Dr. B. Before we consider the proper organ of 

 vision, we must give a passing notice of its protecting 

 parts. The eye-brows are peculiar to man, and when 

 contracted, as in frowning, they serve to protect it from 

 the too strong impression of light, and prevent the sweat, 

 particles of dust, &tc., from falling into the eye. The 

 eye-lids protect it from the immediate contact of external 

 objects, and this end is still farther promoted by their 

 peculiar sensibility, which excites them to close over the 

 eye instinctively, on the approach of danger. They 

 likewise regulate in a certain degree, the quantity of light 

 which enters the eye ; for when the light is weak, or 

 fte object at considerable distance, they open widely - 3 



