allude to any other writer before the rise of modern science. It may be mentioned, however, in deference to the name, that Cicero[1] has alluded, with a just appreciation of Aristotle's superiority, to this treatise; but as the topic was foreign to his pursuits and little in accordance with his talents, we cannot be surprised if he mistook the scope of the design, and perverted thereby the tendency of the argument.
This treatise is, it may be added, both an introduction and a sequel to the other physiological treatises of Aristotle; and, as it treats of all the characteristics of living beings, it may contribute to a clearer understanding of them, as they, in their turn, may serve to elucidate it; for they all proceed from the same hand, maintain the same doctrines, and emanate from the same laborious and original intellect.
This topic engaged the attention of eminent anatomists and physiologists towards the opening of the present century, and their writings will shew the opinions entertained by the moderns concerning it; but it has, generally, been made an incidental rather than a special subject of inquiry, a prelude, as it were, to the teaching of anatomy and physiology. The opinions entertained concerning vital principle
- ↑ Tusc. Disp. Lib. I; I
