218 MONTHLY ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS 
on matter, as proof of which the function of secretion was ad- 
duced. This, on the slightest survey, demonstrated how the 
various secerning organs are acted upon by mental emotions ; 
and instances of the converse were brought forward, namely, that 
if the function of secretion in certain viscera was deranged or 
stayed, aberration of the mind was the result. 
The mind was considered by Mr. Taylor as something — al- 
though he confessed his inability to define it — above the mere 
instinct with which all animals are endowed. It is immaterial 
and immortal. It gives to man his proud pre-eminence in the 
scale of created beings ; it renders him accountable for his ac- 
tions ; it endows him with the power of thinking, and of de- 
ducing inferences from positions laid down. Too frequently, 
however, these are not correct, and hence it has been said, reason 
often errs, whilst instinct never does. 
There were those who thought these positions not tenable, and 
that the mind in man is nothing more than an increased deve- 
lopment of that principle which exists in the various classes of 
animals subordinate to him, and that even the lowest of these 
possess the power of thought in a certain degree. 
Knowledge was defined as emanating from experience, but 
wisdom was not the necessary result of this, nor this the cause 
of reason. 
It was remarked, that in those animals which have not, strictly 
speaking, a brain, some other organ exists by which impressions 
are conveyed to the mind. Mr. Taylor considered such would 
be found to possess an extended spinal column. 
The influence by which the nerves are excited was by a Mem- 
ber considered identical with electricity. This Mr. Taylor dis- 
puted. He readily assented to the close resemblance in the 
effects produced by electricity on the recently killed animal, and 
those which take place during life by the agency of the nerves, 
but by no means thought their oneness proved. All that he had 
been enabled to draw from the many experiments instituted was, 
that the nerves possess the power of transmitting the electric 
fluid, and of being called into action by it ; but surely, he said, 
similarity is not identity. 
Referring to the function of secretion as dependent upon the 
brain and nerves, he at once allowed of the closeness of the 
link ; and in reply to the objection raised, that secretion goes on 
in the horse’s foot after an excision of a portion of the nerves 
which lead to it, he stated, there are yet filaments which have 
not been divided, and even if these were, the bloodvessels are 
pervaded with nervous tissue sufficient to carry on secretion. 
The further consideration of this essay was postponed. 
