further; they could neither analyse the notes nor find their relations to each other.

It was not till the fifteenth century that the laws of tone, and rules for the movement of concords were ascertained. Then, accordingly, musicians first made use of theory to sustain the parts and improve the expression. That discovery, so late and yet so natural, showed the duality of the sense of hearing; that in one organ there are two faculties, to some extent independent of each other-the one perceiving the sound of the notes, the other estimating their resonance or length. Some German doctors say that the perception of harmony constitutes an additional sense.

As to those for whom music is only a confused mass of sounds, it should be observed that they nearly all sing out of tune; and they must have either the ears so formed as to receive only short, abrupt vibrations, or one ear attuned to a different key from the other, and therefore jointly transmitting to the brain only a vague and ill-defined sensation-just as two instruments which agree neither in time nor tune are incapable of together sounding harmoniously.

During these last ages, the sense of taste has also largely extended its sphere of influence; and by the discovery of sugar and its various preparations, of

alcoholic liquors, of ices, vanilla, tea, and coffee, we have a knowledge of tastes and flavours which were previously unknown.

Who can say that the sense of touch will not have its turn, and that some happy chance may not in this quarter also disclose to us a source of new modes of enjoyment? What makes it the more probable is, that the tactile sensibility is confined to no special part, and can therefore be acted upon throughout the whole body.

sense.

Sense of

power.

In one respect, taste resembles the genetic As two main factors in man's nature, their influence is seen throughout taste; its all the fine arts, and almost everywhere where delicacy and refinement come into play. The faculty of taste is, however, more under restraint, although quite as active, and has advanced so gradually, yet steadily, as to make certain that its success is lasting.

Elsewhere, we shall consider that advancement; but, meantime, we may observe that if any man has sat at a sumptuous dinner in a hall adorned with mirrors, paintings, sculptures, flowers, scented with perfumes, enriched with beautiful women, and filled with notes of gentle music, he will feel convinced, without any great mental effort, that, to enhance the pleasures of the sense of taste and give them

their proper surroundings, all the arts have been laid under contribution.

Results attained by the

Let us now cast a general glance over the senses, considered as one system, and we shall see that they are intended by the Creator for two ends, one the consequence of the other; to wit, the preservation of the individual and the continuation of the species.

senses.

Such is the destiny of man, considered as a being endowed with senses: everything he does has some reference to that twofold object of nature. The eye perceives outward objects, discovers the wonders with which man is surrounded, and teaches him that he is a part of a mighty whole. By hearing, we perceive not only those sounds which are agreeable to the sense, but others which warn us of danger. Touch is on the watch to inform us at once, by means of pain, of every hurt. The hand, like a faithful servant, never uncertain in his movements, instinctively chooses what is necessary to repair the losses caused by the maintenance of the vital functions. Smell is used as a test of wholesomeness, since poisonous bodies have almost invariably an unpleasant odour. Then the sense of taste is called into exercise, and the teeth, tongue, and palate being put to use, the stomach presently begins the great work of assimilation. During that

process, a vague languor is felt, objects are seen less vividly, the body takes an easy position, the eyes close, every sensation vanishes, and the senses are in a state of absolute repose.

Such are the general and philosophical views which I have thought right to lay before my readers, to prepare them for the more special examination of the organ of the sense of taste.

II.

ON THE SENSE OF TASTE.

sense.

TASTE is that sense which, by means of a special organ, brings man into contact with sapid Definition substances. After being stimulated by the of this appetite, hunger and thirst, this sensation, when combined with several subordinate operations, results in the growth, development, and preservation of the individual, at the same time making good the losses due to the vital functions.

All organized bodies are not nourished in the same manner; for Nature, being as varied in methods as she is certain of results, has assigned to them different modes of prolonging existence. Thus, vegetables, at the bottom of the scale of

living beings, are fed by means of roots, which, sinking into the native soil, select, by a special apparatus, the different substances suited for the purposes of growth and preservation.

Rising higher, we discover bodies endowed with animal life, but without the power of locomotion. Born with favourable surroundings, they are provided with the special organs necessary to maintain that mode of existence. Instead of seeking for their food, the food comes to find them.

For animals who move from place to place, Nature has appointed quite a different means of preservation, and especially for man, who is incontestably the most perfect. A special instinct tells him when he requires to be fed; he looks for and seizes whatever seems likely to appease his wants; he eats, and becoming restored, thus runs through the destined career of life.

Taste can be considered under three aspects: in man, physically, as the mechanism by which he appreciates the sapid quality or flavour of substances; in man, morally, as the mental perception due to the sensation or impression made on the organ; and lastly, in the external body, or objectively, as the material property to which we ascribe the sensation or impression made on the organ.

This sense seems to have two principal uses. First,