The Arkansas banner., 1843-12-09

Is generated, to the cooler surrounding me dunn or other objects. But, under the cir eumstances stated-that the body is immersed Ill medium greatly hotter than itself. ait not only maintains its own peculiar uniform temperature, but actually reduces the sur rounding atmospheric temperatures 6 presumption is wholly inadmissable. Here IS the pyrogenle process, within, heating the body up to 9S degrees, and the atmosperic heat, without, rising as high as 600 degrees,-- and the body between the two fires And not only is there no material increase of the heat of the body, but actually very rapid and great reduction of the surrounding at mospheric heat.
 It cannot be said that the body is kep cool, under these circumstances, by evapora- ton; for evaporation never takes place from a cooler body ln a warmer medum-but con- densatlon upon t; as was evidenced by the coplous streams oi condensed, liquifed at mosphere pouring over the surface of the body; not prespiration, for the same appear anee was presented by the surface of a Flo renee flask of cold water, introduced into the room to settle that point. Nor yetcould the body have deprived the surrounding medium of heat, by absorption, else its own temperature would have become exalted.
 What, then, becomes of the heat which the one loses and the other does not gain This question cannot be answered by the chemical hypothesis. II cannot be answered at all, unless we admit the existence, and the controlling power, of peculiar, independent higher principle, in living organic matter, different, in its manifestations and laws, from Chemistry. And yet, principle sustaining to livIng organic matter, relation analogous to that which Chemistry sustains to dead in- organic matter. Psychologists have called thls principle by the several synonymous terms-archeus, ritaHty, pis rite, uiS insae, eltal chemistry, cital force; without attempt- ing to define it's nature, or vainly presummg to base any practical precepts upon such de- flntlon. But satisfied, rem its effects, and the regular and well marked order of their occurrence, that such principle exists in the animal body, and observes certain laws of operation, they have sought to study those laws, and to describe, classify, and arrange them under the name of Physiology
 How ritality generates heat in the living body, or sustains 1t at uniform degree, un- der the extremes of atmospheric heat and cold, physiologists, who value their reputa- ton for sound practical accuracy, do not un- dertake to exPlain,-7-no more than they do how nutrition, secretion, Sc, are performed, i'll the ultimate structures of the organism. They know that all these functions are per formed, and, in their performance, observe certain laws, but hor this is done, they have the candor, and good sense to admit is in- scrutable to the present state of their know ledge A veil yet hangs over these secret operations oi vitality; unified even by the bold speculative genius of Liebig. And so 1t will hang, apprehend, for years-perhaps for ages to come-perhaps forever.
 So much for what undertook to do with this interesting subject. Under the most ia vorable circumstances l should necessarily fail to do it justice; and, more especially, within limits so narrow, and which | have sought still farther to restrict Attempting. however, only an outline sketch of few facts and arguments, shall be satisfied with making myself ineligible, and attracting to the subject more acute and comprehensive minds.
 It is pleasing duty to acknowledge, here. that l am indebted for many of the facts l have adduced, to two Lectures, recently de- llvered by Professor CHARLES CALDWELL. before the Medical Society of Louisville Kentucky. The other sources, from which have drawn materials, are of course familiar, or of easy reference, to the student of Physi- ology and Chemistry
 l heard the Lectures of Prof Caldwell And as an American, and lover of the truth, was proud of the gallantry with which our distinguished American Philosopher met him of Germany; and exuted 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, gallant sight. And It was in proud contrast, too, with the usual ready reception, and trucking 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 birth-right, and grateful for the gift of thought, stands, as he has nobly done for a full half century, 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 heart that never qualls, and an arm that knows no weakness, ready to descend to the field of fight, and do battle manfully-suc- cessfully in the cause of truth. He has long stood in the very front rank of Science--its High Priest and pioneer in the great West; often engaged in controversy and always victorious; unbroken by toll, and unbent by time, he is warrior still; with the scars of battle thickupon him, he is still in the harness, and towers, in mind as in person, Ca full head and sfTOuhfurs i her tll5sfs es. sen ;
 Soon after Prof Caldwell's two lectures, one was delivered before the same Society, by Professor KandeH, and intended as re- ply to them. l heard that lecture, also. It was an ingenious discourse, and respectable in point of ability, perhaps, presenting the views of Liebig in as clear light and as strong force, as they were capable of. But that it was a successful reply to Professor Caldwell's array of fact and argument, l cannot admit