[ 3° 8 ] 
feleCt the nutritive matter proper for every 
diftinCt part of the body is entirely un¬ 
known. 
This power is certainly the fame as that 
which produces the fecretions, and like 
this top is equally under the dominion of 
the nerves. 
Although this dominion is not denied, 
yet it will not be fuperfluous to adduce 
fome obfervations on this purpofe. 
In old age, when the nervous energy be- 
/ 
gins to grow languid, nutrition is fparing, 
the mufcles become lax, and even the 
bones themfelves diminifh in thicknefs 
and length. 
A perfon, whofe nervous fyftem is af¬ 
fected by ftrong paffions, has not that 
degree of embonpoint, which is the ordi¬ 
nary mark of tranquillity of the mind. 
To be convinced of this, we have only to 
calf our eyes upon lovers, mifers, tyrants. 
Emaciation fometimes comes on in a very 
fliort 
