I 
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withftanding, have not any nerves. But 
from this obfervation are we to conclude, 
that irritability is independent of the 
nerves ? Certainly not. I fhould never 
be brought to fay that I do not feel by 
means of the nerves, becaufe there are 
animals which have not any, and which, 
notwithftanding, fhew unequivocal marks 
of feeling. If thefe animals are really 
deftitute of nerves, they are furniihed 
with other organs which perform the fame 
office. It may be objected that mufcles 
preferve their power of motion when they 
are feparated from the animal, and no 
longer experience the influence of the 
brain. But what does this prove? Is it 
not demonftrated by innumerable experi¬ 
ments, that the nerves retain their power 
after their communication with the brain 
is interrupted and cut off? 
It is aflerted that the nerves are the paf- 
fage which the electricity takes, in order 
to 
