is
liberated by nature's great destroyer, and re-appears in the world of
elements. Thus, man is formed out of the very dust by means of energies
which reconstruct the crude, inert matter, and to dust he returns when
those energies cease.

When we enter upon the consideration of the temperaments, we should bear
in mind one peculiarity of life: that it combines, in a small space,
many complex powers. In the process of reproduction, there is a complex
combination of organic elements. Structures differ as greatly as their
functions. So likewise do animals vary in their nature and organization,
and individuals of the same species are, in some respects, dissimilar.
Yet the characteristics which have distinguished the races of mankind,
are fundamental and faithfully maintained. Time does not obliterate
them. Within race-limits are found enduring peculiarities, and, although
each individual is weaving out some definite pattern of organization, it
follows the type of the race, as well as the more immediate, antecedent
condition.

What then is a _Temperament_ but a _mixing together_ of these
determining forces, a certain blending manifested in the constitution by
signs, or traits, which we denominate _character_. The different races
of mankind must have their several standards of temperament, for the
peculiarities of one are not fully descriptive of, and applicable to the
other.

The term temperament is defined by Dunglison, as being "a name given to
the remarkable differences that exist between individuals, in
consequence of the variety of relations and proportions between the
constituent parts of the body.

For its simplicity and scope, we prefer the following definition,
suggested by our friend, Orin Davis, M.D.: A TEMPERAMENT IS A
COMBINATION OF ORGANIC ELEMENTS SO ARRANGED AS TO CHARACTERIZE THE
CONSTITUTION.

This leads us to consider some of the elements, conditions and forces
which give character to the organization. External circumstances supply
necessary conditions to inward activity, for without air, food, or
sunlight all living animals would perish. Everywhere, life is dependent
upon conditions and circumstances; it is _not_ self-generating. But the
conditions of reproduction are very complex. External forces are
transformed, and, in turn, become vital or formative powers. Development
is a transmutation of physical and chemical forces into vital energy.
Although unable to compute the ultimate factors of life, y