mation of
the animal frame, it shows itself to be His true interpreter.

SECTION III.

Uses of the Theory--Proofs.--Publication of a Work, in 1849, entitled
"Respiration and its Effects, more, especially in relation to
Asiatic Cholera and other Sinking Diseases."--Examples.

TO DR. MARCY.--The theory of the two chief motive powers which operate
at the centre was, we conceive, completed by the addition of steam
formed in the vacuum of the lungs, as available to give to the blood its
due velocity. We also believe that complete proof _a priori_ had been
adduced of the fallacy of the theory that the _primum mobile_ is in the
heart; and, also, that proof _a priori_ had been given that it begins at
the lungs, and is the product of respiration. It remained to apply this
theory to use, and to find proofs _a posteriori_.

Although some of my friends regarded my theory as an _ignis fatuus_
which led me into nothing but evil, yet it has enabled me, by plans of
exercise, to endure for many years, in-door sedentary labor--and yet
enjoy health; and in unusual emergencies, more than once to save my own
life and that of others.

In the cold winter of 1835, I took, at Troy, the old summer stage, at
midnight, to cross the Green Mountains. I was alone in the large and
ill-closed vehicle; the thermometer was sinking as I proceeded on my
way, until it had reached 25 deg. below zero, a degree of cold to which I
had never before been subjected. When I had traveled alone twenty miles,
I found myself in imminent danger of perishing. Ordinary expedients to
get warmth were no longer availing; numbness and cold at the vitals were
overcoming me; and I knew that to give way to them was to die. I thought
of my theory; but I was fearful that I should commit sin if I tampered
with the sacred "breath of life." But my necessity was urgent, and I
aroused, stood up, and breathed that dense air with violence. It felt
for the moment cold to my lungs, but soon came heat with a rush, and
with it pain, as if the whole surface of the throat and lungs were
blistered; and my first thought was that I should die, justly punished
for my temerity. But soon I was restored to genial warmth; and rejoiced
in having successfully made an important physiological experiment.

Afterwards, having been instrumental in relieving a woman who was
perishing from having breathed the fumes of charcoal, I was led to
reflect that in such cases there was something to be t