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238 when followed out, is, after all, formal rather than ; for, in either case, the Vital Principle, whether like or unlike, must be material, as the opinion still implies some kind of impression, and impression implies material properties.

Note 4, p. 49. But to shew how many doubts, &c.] The earlier philosophers differed widely, as has been said, upon the elements, both as to their nature and number; but those writers are evidently wrong, Aristotle observes, who admit of only one element and one nature, as they take no account of incorporeal entities. Empedocles adopted the four elements as constitutive of the matter of bodies, and hence the objection to his opinion, that " is produced by corporeal elements in the relation of like;" for those parts which are formed of earth (hair, bones, &c.) are insensible; and, therefore, this element cannot be perceptive of like. This assumption of is, of course, too absolute, but such parts are no doubt withdrawn, more or less, from the general  and sympathy of the living body. The term νεῦρα, it may be observed, by the way, which here signifies tendon or sinew, has now the meaning of nerves, the conductors, that is, of sentient impressions; and Galen, who lived so many ages after Aristotle, and was well acquainted with the brain, optic nerves, and office of the nerves, still employed νεῦρον as a muscular chord.