84. 
means of absorbent vessels into the system. Then 
we see that plants, on the contrary, are destitute of 
all traces of a nervous system, and consequently of 
perception as wellas sensation ; that they are. fixed 
to a particular spot whence nothing but mechanical 
power ean remove them; that they have no proper- 
ty, which we call motion, but that which they derive 
from internal, vital, and mechanical agency ; that 
they subsist upon the inorganic. matter that sur- 
rounds them, the earths, gases, and fluids; and that 
their food is at once introduced into their system by 
absorption through their external surfaces only ; by 
the action of the leaves on the air, and the roots on 
the earths, and the fluids imbibed in the. shape of 
rain, and dew taken in through all their surfaces.— 
We hence see that among the. distinctions between 
the animal and vegetable kingdoms, that which is of 
first consideration is the different means possessed 
_ by sensitive and insensitive beings, animals, and 
plants, of procuring food and. imbibing nourish- 
ment. 
feeling, and perception, distinguish and select what 
is proper for their sustenance. Furnished with 
Q 
the substances on which they feed, and having ab- 
sorbed as much of them as may be requisite for 
sustentation they reject the rest through ebannels 
provided for the purpose. Plants rooted to the same 
spot, have no power to go in search of aliment ; 
their juices flow through their cells and tubes, with 
a regulated motion, and assimilation and reproducs 
Animals gifted with power of movement, with 
yrgans of mastication, they reduce to minute pieces — 
