influence. "Reason and instinct", observes Dr. Lambe, 56 are but different modes of attaining the same end; nor can the former be more wisely employed than in rendering our habits conformable to the dictates of the latter."

111. If, then, we have proved, that there is a direct relation between the alimentary organs of man and vegetable diet, and none between those organs and the flesh of animals, it is evident that the highest development of his corporeal and mental powers, will be effected by employing those powers in pursuance of those relations ; for no artificial preparation of animal flesh, can render it a fit substitute for what nature has appointed. It must be remembered, that the question is not-"What substances can man, by artificial preparation, succeed in rendering digestible and nutritious?"—for we have seen that all animals have considerable latitude granted them in this respect, even without preparation: but the real inquiry is "What substances appear best adapted by nature for the nutrition of man, and for most effectually promoting all the vital interests of his system?" This question has already been answered; and the objection we have been considering depends upon mere assertion: but it will receive further illustration as we proceed.

CHAPTER III.

PHYSIOLOGY OF SIGHT, SMELL, AND TASTE.

112. HAVING consulted Comparative Anatomy respecting the dietetic character of man, let us next proceed to inquire what light is thrown upon the subject by Phy. siology; and let us, in the first place, consider the senses of Sight, Smell, and Taste.

113. It has been previously observed (37), that in all matters connected with organic life,-comprehending the preservation of existence and the propagation of the species, man is directed by similar instinctive feelings, and governed by the same general laws, as inferior animals. These instincts, in a great measure, depend on those organs of sense which are placed in direct relation to the organs of digestion, and to the substances best adapted for supporting the normal and healthy condition of each particular structure; and a certain degree of pleasure, while this healthy condition remains, invariably accompanies the gratification of those appetites which are the result of special organization. Hence the carnivorous animal feasts with savage delight on the mangled limbs of his victim; and the senses of sight, smell, and taste,

participate in the pleasures of the repast. No sooner is the sensation of hunger excited by the wants of his system, than he is roused to action, and seeks to appease the cravings of his appetite. He passes by the herbs of the field, the farinaceous roots and pendent fruits, as objects of indifference; they have no attraction for him; —having no relation to his organs of sense; nor are his digestive organs well constituted for abstracting from them the nutriment they contain. He therefore either lies in wait, or pursues his onward course, till the sense of sight or smell informs him, that his prey is near; and then speed, force, and stratagem, are employed to entrap it. The sight of his victim stimulates his efforts; the odour, which is in relation with his olfactory nerves, whets his appetite, and urges him on in the pursuit ; until, at length, having hunted down and lacerated the object of his desires, the blood adds new zest to his pleasure, and his appetite is sated with the quivering and gory limbs of his helpless victim.

114. It is far otherwise with the herbivorous animal, when stimulated by hunger to satiate its appetite. The blood of its fellows has no charms for it; nor can it derive pleasure from devouring their flesh: on the contrary, it is attracted by the verdant meads; where its sight, smell, and taste, find ample gratification. Those plants which are best adapted to its nature, are selected with unnerring precision; and it crops with delight the nutritious herbs, which being assimilated by its compound stomach, and convoluted intestines-supply the daily waste of structure, and renew the animal heat. Other animals are directed,

by their instincts, to devour with avidity decaying animal and vegetable matter; and objects which appear to all our organs of sense most revolting, are to them a delicious feast. The excrements and putrid flesh of animals, and the various accumulations of disorganized matter, are peopled with myriads of little animals; having organs of sense and digestion in accordance with the situation they are destined to hold; and, no doubt, their happiness is as complete, and their enjoyment as great, as is consistent with their nature.

115. Sight, smell, and taste, appear to be the senses by which man and all animals are directed in their choice of food; and although the organs which are the seat of these senses, occupy similar situations, and seem similarly constructed, (in all the Mammalia, at least,) yet how extensively varied must the minute anatomy of these organs be; since the same object will produce widely different and sometimes opposite sensations in one animal, to what it produces in another! The organization may be relatively perfect in each; and yet-owing to the difference of relation subsisting between the object and the variously developed organs-a totally different result is produced. The eyes of each animal, for instance, may be so adapted to the rays of light, that all objects (whether of an animal, vegetable, or mineral nature) may convey correct ideas of their colour and figure;-the odour from various substances may rightly affect the olfactory nerves, and the sapid properties of bodies may duly influence the papillæ of the tongue, &c., and yet the kind and degree of the resulting sensation may be infinitely diversified; so that what is

agreeable to one, may be indifferent or even disagreeable to another. The distance at which one animal is affected by an odour to which another is totally insensible, is truly astonishing, while the reverse may be the case with an ordour of a different kind. A dog (for example) will scent its prey or a piece of flesh, though a considerable space intervenes; while to fragrant flowers or fruit, he seems quite insensible or indifferent. No eye, though aided by the most powerful glasses, and directed by the most skilful anatomist, is able duly to appreciate the infinitesimal divisions, or to unravel the complicated texture, so as to predicate the variation of function from the difference of structure: we must, therefore, in a great measure, be content to infer the difference of structure from the apparent diversity of sensation.

116. "Nature", says Mr. Sidney Smith, "has not formed man totally different from other animals; but rather added to his brain new organs. She has not, in his case, pulled down the fabric of sentient being, and reconstructed it upon a totally different plan. All that she has done, has been to add to the original edifice Corinthian capitals and Doric columns;-bestowing reason, not to supersede, but to guide, direct, and perfect his animal nature. We may rest assured, therefore, that whatsoever principles, in the shape of instincts, are given to animals for their preservation and protection, are also instincts in man; and that what in them is a propensity or desire, is not in him any thing else."

117. But man-who was created lord of all, and destined to have all other animals in subjection-vainly