Page:Loimologia 1721.djvu/289

 of peftilential Difeafes. 4^ portion to the Strength of their digefHve Powers, do they more or lefs fubtilize the faline Particles which are taken in with their neceffary Nourifhment. This is abundantly manifeft in the Diftillation of many animal Subftances, which plentifully yield a volatile Salt. But indeed in the Coinpofition of this, in a natural and healthful State, there is joined a very fubtilized Sulphur or Oil- which contempers and foftens it into a Fit- nefs for the Purpofes of the O Economy : And under this Modification, it becomes the Principle of Vitality, and the chief In- ftrument of animal Aflion- not unlike what this is conceived to be, is the common Sd volatile oleofum,' or any other Spirits drawn from odorous Bodies. IT matters not what Names Ferloiis pleafe to ditHnguifh this by,, in an humane Body } but that fomewhat of this Kind is naturally the Produce of its digefHve Pow- ers, in the nigtieff: Degree or Comminution or Subtilization they are capable of bring- ing any Thing to, no one will queftlon * 9 and that thofe minute Threads or Fibres, of which the whole is a Composition, are ani- mated by it ; or, to fpeak more flricHy, owe to it their ElalHcity and motive Faculties. IT