will probably sleep in a very few minutes. [2]

By induction we have discovered two of the principal laws by which
living bodies are governed; the first is, that when the ordinary
powers which support life have been suspended, or their action
lessened for a time, the excitability, or vital principle
accumulates, or becomes more fit to receive their actions; and
secondly, when these powers have been acted upon violently, or for a
considerable time, the excitability is exhausted, or becomes less
fit to receive their actions. There are therefore three states in
which living bodies exist.--

First, a state of accumulated excitability.

Second, a state of exhausted excitability.

Third, when it is in such a state as to produce the strongest and
most healthy actions, when acted upon by the external powers.

From what I have said, it must appear, that life is a forced state,
depending on the action of external powers upon the excitability;
and that, by their continued action, if they are properly regulated,
the excitability will be gradually and insensibly exhausted; and
life will be resigned into the hands of him who gave it, without a
struggle, and without a groan.

We see then, that nature operates in supporting the living part of
the creation, by laws as simple and beautiful as those by which the
inanimate world is governed. In the latter we see the order and
harmony which is observed by the planets, and their satellites, in