Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1859-01-04
Physiological Eetters---No. |.

We propose. in a series Of letters, of which
this is the first, to give brief general outline
of the science of Physiology, and, 6- -5e pass
along, 10 make snch practical applications OF the
laws and principles constituting the framework
of Physiology as may be prompted by the sub
iect. IA doing this, shall not hesitate to
avail ourselves OF the abundant material al
our command. regardless Of It's antiquity nov
city, our object being not to present new and
fantastic notions or antique platitudes. but TO
represent the science as now taught by the
ablest teachers and writer's.
The term Physiology Is used to designate
that science which attempts 10 explain the ftnc
tons (phenemena) of organized beings in health,
and necessarily implies acquaintance with
their structure. Hence. Anatomy lies at the
foundation OF Physiology. and no one can pros
ecute the latter with advantage, without ga ade-
quate knowledge Of the former. W. shall en-
deavor. therefore, TO give as good anatomical
accounts of such matters requiring the same,
| from time to time, as may be capable Of do
! ing without illustrations or specimens bat let
it be borne constantly in mind that descriptions
without illustrations or specimens, al very far
.
substitute for actual demonstration.
Physiology is now generally treated under
the heads Of General. Comparative and Human.
General Physiology inquiries into the functions
Of tissues. and is nearly synony NOUS with the
term Histology. Comparative Physiology in
/ yestigates the functions common to the whole
organized kingdom including both plants and
ANIMALS and Human Physiology comprehends
only those laws and principles specially appli-
cable to the human organism during life End
1 health.
/ As We do not intend 70 follow any particular
plan or method in these sketches, we shall draw
from either branch Of the subject at our pleas
ure, and also from any correlatiye topic that
may suit our convenience. Before going further
however. let Us settle a preliminary question in
order to the better understanding OF what may
/ follow
/ We have said that Physiology properly con-
siders living. healthy, organized beings only
But what is the difference between an organic
and an inorganic body? In their ultimate com
position there is no difference for all are resolv-
able into the same elements. viz: oxygen, hv-
drogen nitrogen, carbon, and about sixty Other
so-called elementary substances; but in all 9th
er particulars how different
Living, organized bodies are made up of dis.
tinot parts or. organs - 1lFins its own def
mite and peculiar stru 80 and all capable o
fulfilling certain ends Ihey are composed O
4 complex matter. which, being found only il
or,,anized bodies. is called organic and may bt
obtained by the proximate analysis Of organ
isms.
On the other hand, all bodies belonging t,
the Mineral Kingdom are destitute of distinct
ness and variety of structure. and there is n,
adaptation Of their parts to separate functions
hence, they are called inorganic bodies If yol
reduce cube Of Galena mineral 10 fragments
each fragment IS still cube, having all thr
characteristics of the original block. Not SO
however, with a living organism. Remove
part of an organ. and you NOT only interfere will
its identity, bus you endanger lis existence
But the possession Of life is the most obviou
of all distinctions between the two Kingdoms Q
Nature aud the doctrine Of Life underlic
many important >peculations in Physiology. "
shall devote our next letter To lis consideration