266 



ON ORGANIZATION 



leaves the stomach ; and that, when mixed with 

 bile, that particular portion should not combine 

 with chyle, though in mechanical connection with 

 it. It is only necessary to suppose, what is not 

 only possible, but very probable, that at whatever 

 point in its progress, a change takes place in the 

 food, there is placed at that spot, by the original 

 constitution of the frame, some new chemical agent, 

 by whose peculiar affinity with the chyle, the new 

 combination is formed. But this agent has no 

 power of direction. It is a mere principle, like all 

 the organs and principles of the material world, ac- 

 complishing the determinate object for which it is 

 constructed or impressed. 



The reasoning applicable to the phenomena of as- 

 similation, goes far to explain the manner in which 

 the waste of the body may be supplied ; the frac- 

 tures repaired ; and, in some instances, its disorgani- 

 zation counteracted or corrected. When the vessels 

 are emptied by the daily waste, it is apparent, that 

 they will be fitted to take up more of those particles 

 with which the juices lodged in them have a tendency 

 to combine, than when these juices are already sa- 

 turated, and the vessels full ; hence, a constant sup- 

 ply will be secured, as long as food is presented, and 

 the vessels are in condition to secrete the juices, and 

 perform their functions for disposing of the supply. 

 The very same explanation may suffice, for the cure 

 of wounds and fractures, where an extra stimulus 



