Taste may be considered in three relations.

In physical man it is the apparatus by means of which he
appreciates flavors.

In moral man it is the sensation which the organ impressed by any
savorous centre impresses on the common centre. Considered as a
material cause, taste is the property which a body has to impress
the organ and to create a sensation.

Taste seems to have two chief uses:

1. It invites us by pleasure to repair the losses which result
from the use of life.

2. It assists us to select from among the substances offered by
nature, those which are alimentary.

In this choice taste is powerfully aided by the sense of smell, as
we will see hereafter; as a general principle, it may be laid down
that nutritious substances are repulsive neither to the taste nor
to the smell.

It is difficult to say in exactly what the faculty of taste
consists. It is more complicated than it appears.

The tongue certainly plays a prominent part in the mechanism of
degustation--for, being endued with great muscular power, it
enfolds, turns, presses and swallows food.