the organism, is not original with, or peculiar to temperature than the adult, is nevertheless about Leibig. It was first maintained by Lavoisier and 2 degrees below the adult temperature. Seguin. Extended, and plausibly improved upon by 3. Persons in the advanced stage of pulmonary Crawford, it has, ever since, experienced the vary-consumption, the greater part of whose lungs (in ing fortune of other mere hypotheses, and been al- some instances as much as seven-eighths) is disorternately in and out of fashion. It is now revived ganized and impermeable by air,-who, consequentby Leibig, still more extended, especially in its applications, and put forward in a much improved and very attractive form.

ly inspire very little oxygen,-who partake sparingly of food,-who, moreover, are reduced and cooled down by colliquative discharges-and who, according to the chemical hypothesis, should be almost entirely without vital heat-do actually possess a temperature above the standard of health. Similar observations may be made of patients ill of pneumonitis, whose lungs are, to a great extent, solidified, whose diet is absolute, and who are reduced by depletion; and who yet manifest a very high grade of febrile reaction.

"If the facts which served as a foundation for this beautiful theory of animal heat, were not false, the deductions would be irresistible." So said Prof. Dunglinson of the theory of Crawford, and so may we, with equal propriety, say of the more modern, more imposing, but no more substantial structure of Leibig; for the basis upon which both structures rest, is essentially the same:-a prominent and indispensable element in both, being that respiration 4. Whales, which in proportion to their huge is combustion. Without pausing here to discuss bulk, have very small lungs, breathe very infre the merits of this element, or show its discordance quently, (only once in about 15 minutes,) and conwith what is known of the process of animal calo- sequently inspire a very small proportional quantity rification, and maintained by standard authorities of oxygen, and subsist on food but sparingly carin Physiology, I proceed to the enumeration of a bonaceous;-yet they, immersed too in the freezfew well known facts,-which this hypothesis not ing waters of the Northern seas-consorting with only fails to explain, but by which it is directly op- icebergs, possess and maintain a vital temperature posed. several degrees higher than that of most land animals.

1. The inhabitants of the tropical and of the hyperborean regions of the earth, living, as they 5. Living vegetables, as trees, have their pecurespectively do, under the very opposite states of liar vital temperature, and maintain it under the

a very high and of a very low atmospheric temperature, yet possess and maintain very nearly the same vital temperature; or where any difference exists between them, in regard to their vital temperature, it is asserted by the best observers, that the higher temperature belongs to the hyperbo

reans.

variations of atmospheric temperature; being several degrees warmer than the air when that is at 56 degrees; and several degrees cooler than the air, when that is at a temperature higher than 56 degrees. And yet, as according to the chemical bypothesis, vital heat results alone from the absorp The former live in an atmosphere of nearly tion of oxygen, and its reaction with the elements equal temperature with the body itself, and the lat- of the body which absorbs it; and, as instead of ter in an atmosphere of ice; the thermal difference being absorbed by vegetables, it is actually elimi of about 84 degrees, being greatly more than can nated by them-vegetables should certainly never possibly be compensated even upon the chemical rise above the atmosphere in temperature. This hypothesis itself, by the difference between the state of the case, taken in connexion with that amounts of carbon ingested and oxygen inspired limb of the chemical hypothesis which asserts the by them, respectively. It is true that the same identity of the vital force and vital heat—that they animal, exposed to opposite extremes of tempera- are the same in animals and in vegetables,—preture, undergoes, for the time at least, a change of sents us with the wonderful double phenomenon— vital temperature; but, in the warm-blooded ani- of the same cause producing opposite effects, mals, even this variation from the normal standard and of the same effect resulting from opposite has a very limited range; never yet, by exposure causes as wonderful, indeed, as that light and to the lowest atmospheric temperature compatible darkness should both, and at the same time, prowith life, having been reduced more than 15 de-ceed directly from the sun-or that a thing should grees, nor elevated, by an opposite exposure, more be and not be at the same time. than 2 degrees, (according to Fordyce and Blagden 6. As already asserted, animals possess the reand Dobson)—and certainly not more than 9 de-markable power of maintaining their own peculiar grees, (according to Berger and De La Roche.)

2. The infant, whose lungs are much larger in proportion to its whole bulk,-whose respiration is much more frequent,-and whose food is equally carbonaceous, and much more frequently taken,than in the adult; and which, according to the chemical hypothesis, should possess a higher vital

uniform vital temperature, under a very high as well as under a very low atmospheric temperature. That animals do possess this power, is well ascer tained and certain. The earliest recorded observations within my reach, upon this point, are those of Governor Ellis of Georgia, made nearly a hundred years ago. He suspended a thermometer under

his umbrella, at the level of his nostrils, and walk- under these circumstances, by evaporation; for ed in the sunshine. The mercury rose to 105 de- evaporation never takes place from a cooler body grees, thus suspended; but upon being applied to in a warmer medium-but condensation upon it; as the hottest part of his body, it fell to 97 degrees; was evidenced by the copious streams of condensed, and he could never succeed in raising it above that liquified atmosphere pouring over the surface of point, by the heat of his body. Soon after this, the body-not perspiration, for the same appearthe accidental experiment of Duhamel and Tillet ance was presented by the surface of a Florence established the power of the body to bear, with im- flask of cold water, introduced into the room to punity, a temperature of upwards of 280 degrees. settle that point. Nor yet could the body have About twenty years later, this was corroborated by deprived the surrounding medium of heat, by abthe careful experiments of Dr. Fordyce and Sir sorption, else its own temperature would have beCharles Blagden. These experiments consisted in come exalted. entering close rooms, heated by flues in the floor, to What then becomes of the heat, which the one 260 degrees, and remaining "with tolerable ease," loses and the other does not gain? This question long enough to boil water, roast eggs, and cook cannot be answered by the chemical hypothesis. beefsteak to dryness. But during all this while It cannot be answered at all, unless we admit the the temperature of their bodies never rose higher existence, and the controlling power of a peculiar, than 100 degrees: and, when they breathed upon independent, higher principle in living organic the Thermometer, its mercury was lowered several matter, different in its manifestations and laws, degrees, and their breath communicated a sense of from chemistry. And yet, a principle sustaining coolness to their nostrils and fingers. Besides to living organic matter, a relation analogous to this, the temperature of the atmosphere of the that of chemistry to dead, inorganic matter. Phyroom was rapidly and considerably reduced by con- siologists have called this principle by the several tact with their bodies. In addition to these, I may synonymous terms-archeus, vitality, vis vitæ, vis refer to the experimental exhibitions of Chaubert-insitæ, vital chemistry, vital force, without attemptthe "Fire King," and others who have entered ing to define its nature, or vainly presuming to base ovens heated as high as from 400 to 600 degrees, any practical precepts upon such definition. But and remained with impunity for a long time; and, to the familiar experiment, which any one can make, of immersing the feet and legs in hot water, with the effect, not of exalting the temperature of the flesh, but of cooling down the water.

satisfied from its effects and the regular and wellmarked order of their occurrence, that such a principle did exist in the animal body, and observed certain laws of operation, they have sought to study those laws, and to describe, classify, and arrange them under the name of Physiology.

How can these things be reconciled with the hypothesis, that vital heat is the product of a chemi- How vitality generates heat in the living body, cal process constantly going on in the body, during or sustains it at a uniform degree, under the exlife! If this heat be continually evolved by a mere tremes of atmospheric heat and cold, physiologists, chemical, and consequently undiscriminating pro- who value their reputation for sound practical accucess, it must either accumulate in the body, or be racy, do not undertake to explain, no more than expended. Under ordinary circumstances, it might they do-how nutrition, secretion, &c., are perbe no violent presumption (whether true or not) formed in the ultimate structures of the organism. that vital heat is thus produced by a chemical pro- They know, that all these functions are performed, cess, and that the animal body, like other masses and in their performance, observed certain laws; of matter, (a stove for example,) regularly heated but how this is done, they have the candor and good from within, maintains a uniform temperature by sense to admit is inscrutable to the present state of giving off its superabundance of heat as fast as it their knowledge. A veil yet hangs over these is generated, to the cooler surrounding medium or secret operations of vitality, unlifted by even the other objects. But under the circumstances stated bold speculative genius of Leibig. And so it will that the body is immersed in a medium greatly hang, I apprehend for years-perhaps for ages to hotter than itself, and not only maintains its own come-perhaps forever. peculiar uniform temperature, but actually reduces So much for what I undertook to do with this the surrounding atmospheric temperature,-such a interesting subject. Under the most favorable cirpresumption is wholly inadmissible. Here is the cumstances I should necessarily fail to do it juspyrogenic process within, heating the body up to tice; and, more especially, within limits so narrow, 98 degrees, and the atmospheric heat without, and which I have sought still further to restrict. rising as high as 600 degrees,--and the body be- Attempting, however, only an outline sketch of a tween the two fires! And not only is there no few facts and arguments, I shall be satisfied with material increase of the heat of the body, but actu-making myself intelligible, and attracting to the ally a very rapid and great reduction of the sur-subject more acute and comprehensive minds. rounding atmospheric heat. It is a pleasing duty to acknowledge here, that It cannot be said, that the body is kept cool, I am indebted for many of the facts I have ad

VOL. IX-31

duced, to two Lectures, recently delivered by Professor CHARLES CALDWELL, before the Medical Society of Louisville, Kentucky. The other sources from which I have drawn materials are, of course, familiar, or of easy reference to the student of physiology and chemistry.

meaning, the interpretation of Professor Yandell, or the translation of Professor Gregory: the former having admitted in his lecture, that he had never seen the work in its original German; and, perhaps, would have been unable to read it, if he had seen it while the latter was selected by Leibig himself, as his translator, doubtless on account of his skill in German scholarship, and furnished by him, for greater accuracy, with his own manuscript.

I heard the lectures of Prof. Caldwell. And as an American and a lover of the truth, I was proud of the gallantry with which our distinguished American philosopher met him of Germany; and I exulted at the triumphant success, with which he maintained his own doctrines of vitality-so long and so ably taught. This spectacle-this contest between two master-spirits, was indeed a gallant the public will have the means of judging fairly, sight. And it was in proud contrast, too, with by "hearing both sides."

the usual ready reception and truckling assent, which, even among our men of science, await every thing from Europe. It was proof, that at least, one of our countrymen, proud of his birthright, and grateful for the gift of thought, stands, as he has nobly done for a full half century, a faithful sentinel on the battlements of science; with an eye undimmed by prejudice and undazzled by authority, able to descry, even in the distance, and from any quarter, the approach of error; and, with a heart that never quails, and an arm that knows no weakness ready to descend to the field of fight, and do battle manfully-successfully in the cause of truth. He has long stood in the very front rank of science-its priest and pioneer in the great West; often engaged in controversy and always victorious; unbroken by toil and unbent by time, he is a warrior still, with the scars of battle thick, and the harness still upon him, he towers in mind as in person, a full head and shoulders higher

It is hoped, that Professor Caldwell will soon publish at length, and in book-form, his own clear statement of his own masterly views on this subject, in opposition to the views of Leibig, and then

SONNET-TO ONE BELOVED.

BY PARK BENJAMIN.

Deep in my heart thy cherished secret lies,
Deep as a pearl on ocean's soundless floor,
Where the bold diver never can explore
The realms o'er which the mighty billows rise.
It rests far hidden from all mortal eyes,

Not even discovered when the piercing light
Of morn illumines the uncurtained skies,
And fills with sunshine the dark vaults of night.
Repose in me thy heart's most sacred trust,
And nothing shall betray it; I will bend
This human fabric to its native dust,
But nothing from me shall that secret rend,
Which to my soul is brighter, dearer far,
T'han any lustre of sun, moon or star.

HENRY FITZ-MAURICE.

(An extract from a Traveller's Note Book.)
It was summer: the rich shadows of even were

Soon after Prof. Caldwell's two lectures, one was delivered by the same society, by Professor Yandell, and intended as a reply to them. I heard that lecture, also. It was an ingenious discourse, and respectable in point of ability; perhaps, pre-melting away in the West. I strolled carelessly along senting the views of Leibig in as clear light, and with my companion through the grove of yews and as strong force as they were capable of. But that cypress, into the village church-yard. As I entered, it was a successful reply to Professor Caldwell's I felt a sensation of melancholy steal over me. There array of fact and argument, I cannot admit: in- is something so calm and still in a summer's evening, finitely short of it indeed. The most noticeable that it invariably begets in every mind, capable of feature in Prof. Yandell's lecture was his attempt poetic feeling, a tranquility which may well be deto screen Leibig against the charge of inconsis-nominated the parent of melancholy. tency. To do this, he interposed the person of the We wandered among the tomb-stones, reading translator charging Professor Gregory with hav- the various tales of death. There was one grave, ing rendered the German of Leibig inaccurately which more especially attracted my attention; yet, into English. This subterfuge, for it is nothing except for its air of chaste simplicity, there was more, appeared to me to be peculiarly unfortunate, nothing in its appearance to justify any particular shallow and impolitic; for if it were allowed, it regard. As I approached it, there seemed to be a would destroy much of the meaning and interest tie on my spirit, an irresistible impulse, which of the work it was used to defend, and throw a stayed my footsteps. A delicate slab of white shade of suspicion over its accuracy and fidelity marble slightly raised above the ground with this throughout. It is of little moment however, as simple inscription on it,

the intelligent and discriminating mind will decide

Hic jacet, H. F. M.

for itself, whether to receive as the author's true was all that was before me. It was enclosed by a

light railing of trellis work; both within and with- Never before had I seen Isabel Stafford look so out which, a few flowers were budding beautiful- beautiful; there is something angelic about a wonot a single weed was to be seen, though an air of man, when she weeps for sorrows not her own; it desolation was cast over the whole by the wither- is a proof of the sensibility of her nature; the ed flowers that lay scattered on the stone. Its tears rushed to the eyes almost involuntarily; disconsolate appearance struck me forcibly, and and without altering or distorting a single feature, the heart's ease that lay shrivelled and dry by the they instil a pathetic glow into the whole expresside of the rose and the daffodil, sent a chill over my heart which it is easier to fancy than to describe. "And what poor child of clay-what inheritor of the ills of the flesh, has here taken up his long abode ?” said I, turning to my companion.

"Let us quit the spot," answered he, hurriedly: "perhaps, I will send you to-morrow the short but sorrowful history of Henry Fitz-Maurice, who lies buried here."

sion.

It was early in the morning, the sun was just peeping over the far eastern hills; the birds had all waked to life and song; the lark

"Had started from its humble grassy nest
And was up and away with the dew on its breast,
With a hymn in its heart for angels to hear
As it warbled it out in its Maker's ear."

"Why not give it now ?" said I, impatiently. The little songsters of the grove were hopping "Not now, not now," said he; "the circum- on the tufted spray, trilling forth with lightsome stances are too green in my recollection for me to melody their matin orizons to join the choir above. mention them without renewing the sorrow which All was soft and beautiful, the light breeze came they caused me at the time; but you shall have dancing along, laden with the fresh perfumes of the them to-morrow. And besides," said he, affecting opening flowers; it spread on all sides its fragrant a gayety, which was evidently far from his heart. breath. I could not but fancy, that I felt the spirit "it would not do for us both to be melancholy of God moving on the works of his creation, for when we return to the pretty Miss Stafford." all was harmony and love in nature. I sat at the As I saw he was loth to give me the history of window of my bed-room; I had thrown it open to the grave that evening, I dropped the subject alto-admit the cool air, for I was feverish and excited. gether, and we returned to the house of our kind "And is man," thought I," the only exception in hostess, Mrs. Stafford, from which we had been lovely world? is his the hand that mars the whole, absent nearly an hour. and spreads discord around? It is so. The curse "And pray, Mr. A., whither has my good cousin is upon him, and upon all his works; the day is led you? No doubt he has carried you to see his the season of his labors, and all is bustle and conhorses or his dogs," said Miss S., as we entered. fusion, but the last hours of the evening and the I remained silent-I knew not what was said- first hours of the morning-these indeed are nature's for a gloom hung over me; I was lost in a reverie, thinking of the possible fate of him whose tomb I had left.

a

own."

While indulging in these thoughts, which tended to harmonize the emotions within, with the loveli“Really, Mr. A.,—you are growing very polite; ness without, I was suddenly roused from my reverie won't answer when a lady speaks to you? You by the sweet sounds of song in the distance; the must have fallen desperately in love with some fair soft notes floated on the air and filled the whole nymph-do tell me, where I shall find your Egeria." with melody divine. As the voice approached "Indeed you are very much mistaken in your con- nearer, I heard the following words sung in soft jectures; but were it otherwise, you can't suppose plaintive notesthat I would plead guilty to any other love in the presence of the beautiful Miss Stafford."

"Well, I see you are learning to pay compliments, like the rest of your sex; but verily, I should be grateful for this first demonstration of your newly acquired talent.”

"Indeed, Miss Stafford"

"No excuses, no apologies; I really am very much obliged, and don't wish you to disparage your own civility. But come, don't be so mopish; do look up; if you have not fallen in love, perhaps you have met with a ghost in your peregrinations." "Not quite that either, though I must own I eaught this fit of melancholy in the church-yard." "Ah! you have been visiting the grave of poor Henry Fitz-Maurice," and her eyes filled with tears, and rested on the ground as she spoke.

I come to thy grave with the budding flowers,
Which the kiss of the morning has opened for thee;
They are wet with the pearls of the dewy showers,
That freshen and nurture their fragrancy.

But the spangles of dew are to me but as tears,
Which the flowers in weeping for my Henry have shed;
And each rose-bud I've plucked, in its beauty appears
But another fresh tribute to him who is dead.
Then take from the hands of thy Mary, this gift,
These flowers, that like thee, are cut off in their prime;
They tell how the day-dreams of bliss are all rest
From the heart that they gladdened in former time.
Here the sounds gradually died away in the dis-
tance; they melted into the murmurs of the wind,
and passed away from me like a dream.

"And here it is at last," said I, as I opened the

packet that lay on my table; "now I shall learn | Lord Abingdon had seen Mary Somers, and was the history of Henry Fitz-Maurice :"

Mary Somers was beautiful, not regularly or critically so; but the expression of her face was such as must have led every beholder to pronounce it peerless. She had not the sparkling black eye that bespeaks the intellect within; but, she had those deep blue eyes which tell that the heart is made for love, and for all the softer feelings in their utmost intensity. There was a smile on her countenance, but it rather breathed through her faintly glimmered at times through the dense mists, features, than was impressed on her beauty. In fine, the artist who could have portrayed such beauty, might have worshipped the child of his creation.