Classics of modern science : $b (Copernicus to Pasteur)
History
Classics of modern science : $b (Copernicus to Pasteur)
Science; Science -- History
1st. Their forms are everywhere different; here they are flat, there
round. We see the simple textures arranged as membranes, canals,
fibrous fasciæs, etc. No one has the same external character with
another, considered as to their attributes of thickness or size.
These differences of form, however, can only be accidental, and the
same texture is sometimes seen under many different appearances; for
example, the nervous appears as a membrane in the retina, and as cords
in the nerves. This has nothing to do with their nature; it is then
from the organization of the properties that the principal differences
should be drawn.
2dly. There is no analogy in the organization of the simple textures.
We shall see that this organization results from parts that are common
to all, and from those that are peculiar to each; but the common parts
are all differently arranged in each texture. Some unite in abundance
the cellular texture, the blood vessels and the nerves; in others, one
or two of these three common parts are scarcely evident or entirely
wanting. Here there are only the exhalants and absorbents of nutrition;
there the vessels are more numerous for other purposes. The capillary
network, wonderfully multiplied, exists in certain textures; in
others this network can hardly be demonstrated. As to the peculiar
part, which essentially distinguishes the texture, the differences
are striking. Color, thickness, hardness, density, resistance, etc.,
nothing is similar. More inspection is sufficient to show a number of
characteristic attributes of each clearly different from the others.
Here is a fibrous arrangement, there a granulated one; here it is
lamellated, there circular. Notwithstanding these differences, authors
are not agreed as to the limits of the different textures. I have had
recourse, in order to leave no doubt upon this point, to the action
of different re-agents. I have examined every texture, submitted them
to the action of caloric, air, water, the acids, the alkalies, the
neutral salts, etc., drying, putrefaction, maceration, boiling, etc.;
the products of many of these actions have altered in a different
manner each kind of texture. Now it will be seen that the results have
almost all been different, that in these various changes each acts in
a particular way, each gives results of its own, no one resembling
another.
There has been considerable inquiry to ascertain whether the arterial
coats are fleshy, whether the veins are of an analogous nature, etc. By
comparing the results of my experiments upon the different textures,
the question is easily resolved. It would seem at first view that all
these experiments upon the intimate texture of systems answer but
little purpose; I think, however, that they have effected a useful
object, in fixing with precision the limits of each organized texture;
for the nature of these textures being unknown, their differences can
be ascertained only by the different results they furnish.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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