2 LIFE IN NATURE. 



all that is best and highest in humanity rests as 

 its foundation, is one that grows by disappoint- 

 ment. For the study of life is apt to end in a 

 feeling of this kind. The multiplicity of the facts 

 recorded by physiologists, the ingenuity of the 

 experiments, the intricacy of the results the asto- 

 nishing amount of light, and the insuperable dark- 

 ness produce a mingled effect upon the mind. As 

 observations multiply, doubts multiply with them. 

 We are half disposed to ask whether we really know 

 anything on the subject. Is there anything certain 

 in physiology at all, besides what we can see ? 



If there is, it must be by virtue of some fixed 

 and certain principles, which seem, indeed, to be 

 sadly wanting in this department of science. We 

 appear to be, in physiological inquiries, entirely 

 at the mercy of our senses. Anything might be 

 true, nor can we grasp any fact with a firmer hold 

 than mere empirical inquiry can afford. Every in- 

 ference, therefore, is open to doubt ; no law is ascer- 

 tained which can sustain the shock of apparent 

 exceptions, nor any principle established to which 

 we may with confidence seek to reduce anomalies. 



