Nor is this theory ill supported by analogy, since heat, electricity, and
magnetism, can be given to or taken from a piece of iron; and must
therefore exist, whether separated from the metal, or combined with it.
From a parity of reasoning, the spirit of animation, would appear to be
capable of existing as well separately from the body as with it.

I beg to be understood, that I do not wish to dispute about words, and am
ready to allow, that the powers of gravity, specific attraction,
electricity, magnetism, and even the spirit of animation, may consist of
matter of a finer kind; and to believe, with St. Paul and Malbranch, that
the ultimate cause only of all motion is immaterial, that is God. St. Paul
says, "in him we live and move, and have our being;" and, in the 15th
chapter to the Corinthians, distinguishes between the psyche or living
spirit, and the pneuma or reviving spirit. By the words spirit of animation
or sensorial power, I mean only that animal life, which mankind possesses
in common with brutes, and in some degree even with vegetables, and leave
the consideration of the immortal part of us, which is the object of
religion, to those who treat of revelation.

II. 1. _Of the Sense of Touch._

The first idea we become acquainted with, are those of the sense of touch;
for the foetus must experience some varieties of agitation, and exert some
muscular action, in the womb; and may with great probability be supposed
thus to gain some ideas of its own figure, of that of the uterus, and of
the tenacity of the fluid, that surrounds it, (as appears from the facts
mentioned in the succeeding Section upon Instinct.)

Many of the organs of sense are confined to a small part of the body, as
the nostrils, ear, or eye, whilst the sense of touch is diffused over the