OF FUNCTION; OR, HOW WE ACT. 11 



removed. The tendencies of these bodies have been 

 coerced by some force, which is thus latent in them, 

 and is restored to the active state in their decom- 

 position. This is the point of view from which the 

 living body, in respect to its power of producing 

 force, should be regarded. The chemical tendencies 

 have been resisted or coerced, and are, therefore, 

 ready, on the slightest stimulus, to come into active 

 operation. And the " functions " are effected by 

 this operation of chemical force upon the various 

 adapted structures of the body. The animal is a 

 divinely made machine, constructed, indeed, with 

 a marvellous delicacy, perfection, and complexity; 

 and depending upon a power, the vital modification 

 of force, which it is wholly beyond our skill to 

 imitate, but still involving, in the laws of its activity, 

 no other principles than those which we every day 

 apply, and see to regulate the entire course of 

 nature. 



We speak of " stimuli " to the vital functions 

 of the things which stimulate muscular contraction, 

 or stimulate the nerves. What is the part performed 

 by these ? They are what the spark is to the 



