.'^-'i LECTURE 11. 



to continue its species, which seems to be 

 the consummation of animal existence. 

 Neither can we avoid remarking, how ad- 

 mirably the perceptions and faculties of ani- 

 mals are adapted to the situation which they 

 occupy in the graduated scale of existence. 

 As far also as we can discern, we perceive 

 the same evidences of design and admirable 

 contrivance ; and the facts we learn from 

 the examination of the structure and func- 

 tions of living beings in general, may indeed 

 be said, " to come more home to every 

 man's business and bosom," than any we 

 collect from the study of Nature in other 

 departments of science. 



You find displayed in the beginning of 

 the Museum, many forms of the moving 

 powers or muscles ; * and also the uses of 

 elastic ligament are shewn, which some- 

 times produces motion, and sometimes re- 

 tains parts in certain positions, by its me- 

 chanical properties, without the expense of 

 muscular exertions. It is this substance 

 which keeps open the valves of shells and 

 the claws of lobsters, so that no power is 



