Physiological Lectures, Exhibiting a General View of Mr. Hunter's Physiology; And of His Researches in Comparative Anatomy. Delivered Before the Royal College of Surgeons, in the Year 1817 - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1817. Excerpt: ... acquaintance with their habits, or peculiar wants and desires. We cannot, therefore, so well perceive the reasons of those varieties of formation we discover, nor judge of their adaptation to the peculiar exigencies of the being that possesses them. In many instances also the organization is extremely obscure, and in some it is probable that it never can be developed., There are minute animals, the motions of which are extremely vivacious, and in which all the processes of life are carried on with great celerity and vigour, yet no organization can be detected in them, even by the aid of the microscope. We are, therefore, obliged to conclude either, that there may be organization which is wholly undiscernible; or that life can execute its functions unconnected with those kinds of organization which we observe in animals in general: Whatever may be the structure of animals;, we cannot however but perceive, that each possesses means of procuring sustenance adequate to its wants; so as to ensure its perfection of health and growth, and powers to continue its species, which seems to be the consummation of animal existence. Neither can we avoid remarking, how admirably the perceptions and faculties of animals are adapted to the situation which they occupy in the graduated scale of existence. As far also as we can discern, we perceive the same evidences of design and admirable contrivance; and the facts we learn from the examination of the structure and functions of living beings in general, may indeed be said, "to come more home to every man's business and bosom," than any we collect from the study of Nature in other departments of science. You find displayed in the beginning of the Museum, many forms of the moving powers or muscles; and also the uses of elasti...