include four links of the perpetual chain of
causation; which will be more convenient for the discussion of many
philosophical subjects.

Thus if a particle of chyle be applied to the mouth of a lacteal vessel, it
may be termed the remote cause of the motions of the fibres, which compose
the mouth of that lacteal vessel; the sensorial power is the proximate
cause; the contraction of the fibres of the mouth of the vessel is the
proximate effect; and their embracing the particle of chyle is the remote
effect; and these four links of causation constitute absorption.

Thus when we attend to the rising sun, first the yellow rays of light
stimulate the sensorial power residing in the extremities of the optic
nerve, this is the remote cause. 2. The sensorial power is excited into a
state of activity, this is the proximate cause. 3. The fibrous extremities
of the optic nerve are contracted, this is the proximate effect. 4. A
pleasurable or painful sensation is produced in consequence of the
contraction of these fibres of the optic nerve, this is the remote effect;
and these four links of the chain of causation constitute the sensitive
idea, or what is commonly termed the sensation of the rising sun.

5. Other causes have been announced by medical writers under the names of
causa procatarctica, and causa proegumina, and causa sine qua non. All
which are links more or less distant of the chain of remote causes.

To these must be added the final cause, so called by many authors, which
means the motive, for the accomplishment of which the preceding chain of
causes was put into action. The idea of a final cause, therefore, includes
that of a rational mind, which employs means to effect its purposes; thus
the desire of preserving himself from the pain of cold, which he has
frequently experienced, induces the savage to construct his hut; the fixing
stakes into the ground for walls, branches of trees for rafters, and turf
for a cover, are a series of successive voluntary exertions; which are so
many means to produce a certain effect. This effect of preserving himself
from cold, is termed the final cause; the construction of the hut is the
remote effect; the action of the muscular fibres of the man, is the
proximate effect; the volition, or activity of desire to preserve himself
from cold, is the proximate cause; and the pain of cold, which excited that
desire, is the remote cause.

6. This perpetual chain of causes and effects, who