xlli INTRODUCTION, 
geftion to the laft moment ; and hence it 
happens that, receiving the kind of food 
which is fuited to them, an iniUnt only is 
neceffary to their recovery, 
A little reflediion will enable us clearly to 
perceive the caule of this difference. Flefh, 
from its affinity to the fubftance of the ani-* 
inal, becomes fpeedily incor porated with it ; 
and, as its juices are highly nutritive^ the 
^ffiftance it gives is almoft inftantaneous. 
With feeds the cafe is the reverfe : to be di- 
gefted, they muft remain lome time in the 
ftomach, where they require to be previoufly 
foftened and triturated. This operation is te-^ 
dious, and fuppofes, befides, a vital aclion iu 
the gullet ; a motion and force which falling 
deftroys. 
What I have advanced upon this fubjed is 
not only fupported by plaufible reafous, but 
U the reiult aUb of experiment, 
I took 
