Outlines of the science of life : which treats physiologically of both body and mind : designed only for philosophers, and other candid persons, to which are added essays on other subjects / by Elisha North.

  • Elisha North
Date:
1829
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Outlines of the science of life : which treats physiologically of both body and mind : designed only for philosophers, and other candid persons, to which are added essays on other subjects / by Elisha North. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    logists. The two words, active property, may, however, be &j; plied to express the idea of the changeable quality of living mat- ter, whether such matter be spiritous or not. What has been written on vitality may be regarded, if the reader chooses, as a candid, physiological, and metaphysical peep from the moon, or some other planet, at the nature of vitality on this earth, as now ascertained by a very few rational and curious beings, with a view to the increase of their beneficent power and pleasure. Such intricate knowledge, however, is, fortunately, as the case may be, of very little moment to the great mass of the infinity of sentient and insentient beings. Of course a very few only of such beings, even among those that are rational, can be expected to learn the doctrine ; and some must be expected to oppose it, as they did Phrenology, without understanding it. Some errors, however, are made sometimes to do good, as well as truth. The latter, however, is the better commodity. Should the candid and intelligent part of our readers approve of our work, they doubtless will recommend it to others. To the decision of such, and such only, it is the duty of the author to submit; for, when a book is published <m Algebra, or Conic Sec- tions, or Physiology, it should be reviewed only by those who un- derstand those sciences. It may be proper to say, that a part or what is contained in this book has been heretofore published. The writer has reasons for saying, that the opposite interests, and vast number of prejudiced persons, existing in society, often render it unpleasant and hazardous to publish the truth, even when the interest of correct science makes such a publication very much wanted; Such hazard arises from the circumstance, that one may be in danger of hurting the feelings and imaginary interest of one's less informed friends ; unless great care is used. No mention, perhaps, need be made of the power of enemies to in- jure. Wise decision, disinterestedness, and courage, may often- be usefully exercised upon such an occasion. Whether the discovery intended to be claimed in the following discussions, respecting the identity of the main vital principle
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