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only proceeded so far in the demonstration of the existence of 
the luminiferous ether as to say that we know intellectually 
that such a thing must be, that it is all around us and within 
us ; but we are not cognizant of its varied properties. It is 
quite a logical deduction to suppose that we here stand on 
the verge of a mighty ocean of unfathomed existence, and 
that we need a Columbus to explore its depths. 
Without presuming to spread our sails for this venture, we 
shall, I hope, be able to agree in this statement, that there is 
soul {ipvxfi, anima) in all organized Nature, and that it is this 
which distinguishes organized existence from inorganic matter. 
It is not only manifest in the original construction of the in- 
dividual, but presides over its future destinies, enabling the 
young of each species to act according to its special destination. 
To obviate misconception, I must remark that I am here 
propounding no new docti’ine, but one which is distinctly 
stated in Genesis, recognized throughout the law of Moses, 
and common also to the whole ancient world. The words 
nephcsh, psyche, and soul are used with considerable lati- 
tude of meaning. The expression nephesh may be well 
studied in the Lexicon of Gesenius. On the whole, the words 
animal life may be found to convey the meaning in the least 
objectionable way, but yet not with entire accuracy ; since 
affections and various emotions are ascribed to it which we 
are accustomed to speak of as belonging rather to the mind. 
The seat of this vital principle is considered to be the 
blood, and that when the blood is poured forth the soul is 
poured forth with it. “ To blood is ascribed in Scripture the 
mysterious sacredness which belongs to life, and God reserves 
it to Himself when allowing man the dominion over and the 
use of the lower animals for food. Thus reserved it acquires 
a double power — (1) that of sacrificial atonement, in which it 
had a wide recognition in 'the heathen world, and (2) that of 
becoming a curse when wantonly shed, e.y., even that of 
beast or fowl by the huntsman, unless duly expiated, for 
example, by burial.”* • 
The organizing principle in the vegetable creation is not 
called “ soul,” but must have some analogy to it, since wo 
find in some plants both sensation and automatic movements 
in a rudimentary state. It may be a different manifestation of 
ethereal substance, of which there may bo numberless modi- 
fications ; and of which the animal life in man must be the 
highest type, and may be the seat of those instincts which he 
* Dictionary of the Bible , sub voce “Blood.” — Rev. H. Hayraan, B.D. 
Refer. Gen. ix. 4 ; Lev. vii. 26 ; xvii. 11, 13. 
