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CHAP. III. 



GENERAL VIEW OF THE ORGANS, FUNCTIONS, AND POWERS OF 

 THE HUMAN BODY. 



THE proximate solids are made up into various organs ; and the 

 operation of an organ is termed its function. 



While a part is performing its functions, and even while it only 

 remains in a condition fit for the performance of its functions, 

 changes of its constituent particles go on ; indeed, many func- 

 tions are in a great measure but chemical changes. The separ- 

 ation of one portion of matter must occasion the addition of 

 another to be necessary. Hence organs are framed for receiving 

 matter from without, and for changing it variously, so as to fit it 

 to become a portion of the fluids of the body; for distributing it 

 through the body, and rendering it a part of the body ; and for the 

 separation and elimination of those particles which in the course 

 of the chemical changes must quit the system. We thus observe 

 organs of reception, assimilation, circulation, nutrition, secretion, 

 and excretion. As individuals last but a limited time, the species 

 is preserved by the generation of new beings from individuals. 

 Organs of generation are therefore framed ; but this function is 

 merely circulation, secretion, excretion, and nutrition. 



We perceive external objects and circumstances; are conscious 

 of much within ourselves ; we think, desire, and exert volition. 

 The organs of these functions are termed the nervous system. It 

 exists in mass, and is also ramified throughout the frame. Im- 

 pressions upon the extremities of its ramifications, as well as upon 

 these in their course, are conveyed along them to the mass, where 

 they are perceived; and the mandates of the will are conveyed 

 from the mass along the ramifications to fleshy organs of motion, 

 termed muscles; and the influence of emotion is also conveyed 

 from the mass along the ramifications to every part. 



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