LECTURE I. 48 



into such a maze of absurdity, that reason 

 and common sense forbid us to follow 

 them. 



Now, in applying the philosophical opi- 

 nions of the wisest men to account for the 

 functions of life, according to the views 

 which Mr. Hunter had taken of that sub- 

 ject, I have been charged with imagining 

 causes of which Physiologists are not com- 

 petent judges. It has been said, this is 

 not on the record, nor before this court. 

 You know. Gentlemen, that the plea of the 

 incompetency of the court, is often urged 

 when a party suspects a verdict may be 

 given against them. If, however. Physio- 

 logists be not competent judges of this 

 cause, no writ of certiorari to any other 

 tribunal, can, I am convinced, with pro- 

 priety be granted. I cannot but smile, 

 when I hear or read of the functions of life 

 beino; the eifect of the vital forces : because 

 the expression seems to me the very neplus 

 ultra of philosophical caution. So flimsy a 

 veil is drawn before the subject, as not to 

 conceal any thing ; for every one is con- 



