Let us now glance at the system of our senses, considered
together, and we will see that the Author of creation had two
objects, one of which is the consequence of the other,--the
preservation of the individual and the duration of the species.

Such is the destiny of man, considered as a sensitive being; all
his actions have reference to this double purpose.

The eye perceives external objects, reveals the wonders by which a
man is surrounded, and tells him he is a portion of the great
whole.

Hearing perceives sounds, not only as an agreeable sensation, but
as warnings of the movement of bodies likely to endanger us.

The sense of touch watches to warn us by pain of any immediate
lesion.

That faithful servant the hand has prepared his defence, assured
his steps, but has from instinct seized objects it thought needed
to repair losses caused by the use of life.

The sense of smell explores; deleterious substances almost always
have an unpleasant smell.

The taste decides; the teeth are put in action, the tongue unites
with the palate in tasting, and the stomach soon commences the
process of assimilation.