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Em Swedenborg The FIVE SENSES Being Part Three of The Animal Kingdom 1744 Enoch S Price Swedenborg Scientific Association 1914
Em Swedenborg The FIVE SENSES Being Part Three of The Animal Kingdom 1744 Enoch S Price Swedenborg Scientific Association 1914
BY
EMANUEL SWEDENBORG
Being the first draft of a treatise intended as part of the
Animal Kingdom series, and parts of which were
elaborated by the author and published as
PART III
ENOCH S. PRICE, A. M.
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
BY
EMANUEL SWEDENBORG
Being the first draft of a treatise intended as part of the
Animal Kingdom series, and parts of which were
elaborated by the author and published as
ENOCH S. PRICE, A. M.
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
----
I. PROLOGUE
II. THE COMMON TRUNKS OF THE CAROTIDS
The Common Branch of the External Carotid
.
6
II
IV. SMELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 31
Eustachian Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 72
The Ear - _. . . . . .. 84
The Cochlea . . . . .. 97
Colors 119
TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.
This posthumous work of Swedenborg, now for the first
time appearing in book form in the English language, first ap
peared in installments in the pages of NEw PHILOSOPHY for a
long period of years. If any apology is due from the trans
lator to the public for the great length of time required to
complete the work, he vvould plead only lack of time to de
vote to it owing to the press of other engagements.
The work put into the hands of the writer, by the SWEDEN
BORG SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATION, for translation, is by the Latin
editor entitled. EMAN. SWEDENBORGH SACRAE REGIAE MAJES
TATIS REGNIQUE SUECIAE COLLEGIAE 1V1ETALLICI ASSESSORIS
REGNUM ANIMALE ANATOMICE, PHYSICE ET PHILOSOPHICE
PERLUSTRATUM. CUJUS PARS QUARTA DE CAROTIDIBUS DE
SENSU OLFACTUS, AUDITUS ET VISUS, DE SENSATIONE ET
AFFECTIONE IN GENERE, AC DE INTELLECTU ET EJUS
OPERATIONE AGIT.
The work was edited from Swedenborg's MS. by Dr. Jo. Fr.
lm. Tafel and published in both Tübingen and London in
1848. In this edition Dr. Tafel, in an appendix, has noted
numerous critical changes from the original 1V1S. on two hun
dred and three of the two hundred and twenty-sev~n pages of
the whole work. In addition he has four pages of close print
indicating the changes made in spel1ing and punctuation.
This is sa id not as a criticism of the work, but in extenuation
of the poor quality of the translation. The translator was
unwil1ing to do interpretative wor1<', but desired to let the
treatise tel! its own story so far as he was able to do so in
English. The obstacles to clearness and' smoothness were
very great, for, as has been indicated in the rematks concern
ing Dr. Tafel's critical notes, the MS. was exceedingly dif
ficult owing to its very nature. The work on the Senses was
a first draft of a contemplated work and not a finished treatise.
lt gives every internaI evidence of having been written at the
utmost speed. merely as memoranda, and contains the very
TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. v
Sense in GeneraJ.1
Smel1. 2
CHAPTER 1.
PROLOGUE.
*lf this word were specula it would mean "a Iookout," which would
,eem more in kecping with the series.-TR.
PROLOGUE. 3
In order that ail things may flow according to the course of na
ture, there is everywhere an internai, a mediate and an external
cause, which concur wonderfully to the same effect. The in
ternai cause is calleel attraction or invitation; the meeliate is the
assistant cause, or promotion; the external is propulsion or in
citation; thus the effect flows spontaneously front itself, when
they conClU'.
19. The inte-rnat cause, which determ,ines the quantity
through the branch and the trunk df the artery, is in the very
.smal1est things and beginnings, which open themselves from
their own or other adventitious cause, and, as it \Vere, invite
the blood into themselves like syring-es ; for when those smarIest
g'landular fol1ic1es are expanded, then the bood from the branch
presses in; as in the brain, when the cortical glands are e.,'(C
panded, the desired supply rushes in from the neighboring
branches; 50 also in the remaining glandular fol1ic1es, as al50
in the motor fibres. There are only glandular congeries and
Ill,otor fibres, besides papil1ary fonns, which constitute ultimates.
vVhen these are opened, a supply, determined by the expansion,
flows in from the infinite smal1est branches; into the in
numerable srnal1est branches it flows in from those somewhat
larger, then from the larger, finally from the trunks; thus, in
order that the quantity of blood in the inmost arteries may al
ways be as much as may be demanded of the branches which
unite from these, there are in the smallest arteries myriads of
little branches which inosculate to form one larger, anel so forth,
50 that the number in the direction of the trunk decreases.
From these things now one may j udge how great a syringe
like force from the inrnost arteries urges that the brood may
be invited from the trunk. This also is the reasOn that the
camtid rises at almost a right angle.
20. mlence it fol1ows that no more can be impel1ed than is
invited, for it resists a greater quantity: besides that, the trunk
contracts itself in relation to the desire_
21. The externat cause, which determines the quantity
through the trunk and the branch, is the undl1lation begl1n by
the heart; for the blood is l1rged by the und111ation,-\see our
COMMON TRUNKS OF CAROTIDS. 9
does not hinder a Iike suppl)' frOin being present, for it is com
pensateel by the cele rity, sa far that a like ratio ail the while
subsists. See equation in our Animal Econotny.
32. 3. In oreler that a greater supply anel another quality
of blood than it needs should not be obtrueled upon the brain
against its will, the external carotid is a continuation of the
conunon trunk, and is larger than the internai carotid. The in
ternaI carotid goes off thence at almost a perpendicular, which
is the first artifice of nature that nothing he obtruded except
what is desirecl (Sec the Intercostal vessels). Therefore the
blood flows past the internaI carotiel when the brain does not
require it; wherefore the external carotid is continued from the
trunk and is larger than the internai.
33. 4. In orcier that the sensor)' and motor organs shall not
dra\v an)' but the purer blood,-for there is a blood for the sake
of those organs, that is, for the sake of motion and sense, where
fore they require apurer blooc1,-therefore from the blood ap
proaching in the way the more water)', serous and impure por
tions are drawn off by various little fabricated glandular ma
chines, and by still other artifices. Every common branch has
its own diverticula. and resting places, into which it throws the
imlPurer parts of the blood, and thus clarifies itself, that a sup
ply of purer blood may be present for the sensor)' and motor or
gans. The common branch of the internai carotid has the great
parotid gland which draws off an imcrT"lense amount of watery
serum, as is known from experience. \iVherefore also in its
passage the common branch gives off branches to the parotid
gland so that that gland is the COl1ll1lon purifier of that brood.
This is also the reason wh)' the parotid gland is situated where
it is, close under the ear. and indeed subjoined to muscles, as
to the masseter. If that gland, which regards the mou th and
tangue, \Vere not for that use, it wourd not be drawn up sa high.
A similar thing occurs with every branch less cornmon, which
alwa)'s has its own salivary glands, in order that it may un
load its super-abundance of impure serum and blood.
34. 5. The blooJ of this cornmon branch is also excited by
cruder tremblïngs, which correspond ta its stream, abundance
COMMON TRUNKS OF CAROTIDS. 13
and nature, namely, from the larynx even to the ear and the
temples; for both the larynx and the car, together with the
temples, tremble cOlltinually from sounds which pervade the
bones and the membranes themselves through "vhich the com-
mon branch passes. Thus the crudest modification invades the
trunk from the beginning to the end, that is to say, so that the
parts tremble inclividually, and the blood is in that state of life
that it may not clol, but he agitated continually and in parti cu-
laI', which contribl1tes much to the giving off to each organ its
own portion.
35. 6. For every tremor pervades the fibres which go to
make u)) the vessels themselves, wherefore it also pervacles the
bloO(I which they contain or con vey ; for at the first, this cru der
tremor, which is excited from speech or hearing, or from the
larynx and the ear, attacks the vessels; afterwards a m.ore sub-
tle tremor which arises from: the sense of taste, then that which
arises from s111ell, finall'y, a still more subtle one which arises
from the subtle tremor of sight, excite, not the blood itself, but
its spirit or the interior essence of the blood. The cruder senses
mge into a trclllor or lll.odification the whole g1'obule of the
blood, but the purer, the parts themsel'ves of its corporeal
structure, the still more subtle, its spirit. Thus ail things con-
tribu te to the end that there be nothing in the hlood that is
not clriven on in its own vital motion. The comllllon branch or
caroticl artery thus arso tends in such a \Vay that according to
the degrees of its progression it may reccive this more
animatec1 vital motion; for it proceeds at last to the organ of
sight or the eye. For nature does not progress e\ren a line
without the consideration of use, for it intends 110thing but
ends. This is the reason why the nerves of the fifth pair go to
ail the organs o.f the senses, namely, th;:t they may communi-
cate and dispense the single things of the senses.
small circuit, and after it has given off branches ta the neigh
boring j ugular glands. for the fat and for the skin, it runs
transversely, and distributes itself ta the thyroid glands, to the
muscles and other parts of the larynx; it also gives off little
branches to the pharynx and to the hyoid muscles. This is to
be called the lar}Ingeal, or superim" guttural arte1"Y. The
second branch crosses in front of the neighboring horn of t!1e
hyoid oone, and goes to the hyoid and glossal m;uscl'es, to the
sublingual gland, and finally crosses in front of the horn of the
hyoid bonc and buries itse1f in the tongue, where it is called
the sublingual and also the ranine Mter}'.
37. 1. ,r'1nal}'sis. The purest blood anù that of the best
quality is required in each organ of the senses. then in the
motor organs or the muscles; for the blooel is form~d according
to sense and motion, and in senSe and motion consists the life
of the boely; the animal spirit itself also, and its beginning.
which is the soul, wins instantly to learn and ta do what con
duces to the boùy; whercfore the lowest universal essence or
the blood ought to be most promptly obedient ta it, and to cor
resp(:mcI exactly to those things both in quality and ql.lantity.
38. The organs of the senses are the ear, which corresponds
to the larynx, or hearing to which sound corresponds; taste
fol1'ows this in purity, then smell; final1y sight. which is the
purest of the external senses: in a similar grading the purities
of the blood ancI of the spirits themselves ought to correspond.
39. 2. From the flux of the arteries, especiall"y of the eX"
ternal carotids, it appears in 'vvhat manner the blood is dis
persed and tempered whire on the way to the organs men
tioned, sa that none but what is pure comes to those sensory
and motor organs. These temperings and artifices are not yet
very weil known, wherefore they shall be briefly expanc1ed.
40. :). In orcIer that the desired quality of brood and of the
right kind may always approach, there are in the way exeretory
and secretory organs; the excretory are the cutic1es and many
cellular textures, which entice into themselves, and Iead away
the unsuitable serocity. The secretory grands are those which
ciraw into themselves the sali vary hUl11ors; thus the rest of
COMMON TRUNKS OF CAROTIDS. [5
calleel the mental artery), under the apex of the angular mus
cle of the lips, anel to it as also ta the buccinator, and ta the
quadratus of the chin. The tortuous branch, together with
the like of the other side, constitutes the coronal artery of the
lips; it ascenels to the nostrils, and gives off to the muscles and
cartilages of the nose, and downward it sencls off a branch
communicating \Vith the coronal artery of the lips; finally it
ascends to the angI.e of the eye, to the common muscle of the
lids and of the eyebrows, and to the frontal muscle, where it
ceases. The lifth bran ch, the internaI maxillary, is noteworthy ;
it goes to the pterygoid muscles; it then divides inta three
branches. The first goes to the inferior orbital fissure; it di
rects itself towards the peristaphilinus muscles, and to the
glanelular membrane of the posterior nares; inferiorly it dis
tributes itse1f to the parts in the orbit of the cavity [of the
nose]. A subordinate branch also enters the cranium: as far
as the dura mater, and communicates with the artery of the
dura mater, entering from beneath through the sphenoid bone.
It sends off still another oranch ta the maxillary sinus and ta
the teeth. The second goes ta the sackets of the teeth and to
the teeth and loses itseH wh en it has passed betwecn the angle
of the lower jaw and the parotid gland, and thus forms the
tem.poral arfcry.. The anterior branch of the temporal artery
goes to the frontal' muscle; it sometimes gives off a little
artery through the cheek bone (os de la pomette) to the or
bit of the eye. The middle branch goes partly to the frontal
muscle, partly ta the occipital; the posterior portion goes to the
occiput and communicates with the occipital artery; these also
give off branchlets to the teguments.
46. 2. Allalysis. A similar thing occurs with regard to
the rest of the branches of this artery, as with regard to the
tlûrd branch, which gives off branches to the styloid muscles,
ta the mastoid muscles, to the muscles of the pharynx and to
the flexors of the head ; this approaches the maxillary and sub
lingual glands. The fourth branch, which supplies the m;as
seter muscles. the buccinator, the quadratus of the chin. the
orbicularis of the lips, final1y the musdes of the eyelids, of the
2
18 THE SENSES.
SENSE IN GENERAL.
ANALYSES.
fore as they agree or disagree with the order of the universe and
in their own universe. 3. The soul according to its affections
immediately induces changes of state upon the whole organ or
sensory. 4. \rVherefore there are sensation, affection and
change of state which mutually and immediately follow each
other; the organs are wonderfully constructed for all these
things. S. Sometimes the state is changed Ly lowest or cor
poreal causes, as by diseases, whence other affections and there
fore other sensations take place. Sometimes the state is chang
ed Ly inmost causes or those in the rational minci, before con
tact, whence also there is another sensation and another affec
tion. (See BoerhaŒve.) \Vherefore ail ought to be distinctfy
comprehended.
60. 8. Any external sensory, whether it Le the tongue or the
nostrils or the ear or the eye, is a kiml of common sensory, con
sisting of infinite smallest things, which are themselves little
sensories, which taken together constitute the common sensory.
1. These little scnsories are fashionecl for every kincl of ap
proaching objects, evcn so that they are recipients and clefer
er.ts, wh en those things which touch are agents; thus they are
passive respectively to objects, and active respectively to the
office of carrying away ta the other [sensories]. 2. The sen
sories or !ittle sensories are pliable and elastic, even so far that,
accorcling to the nature of elastic bodies, they lose nothing from
the impact. 3. They are fashioned for every variation of im
pelling or touching objects in that degree, and indeed from the
gteatest to the least. That which is greatest ancl least is too
blunt and too sharp, and does not faU into that sense, but per
ishes and vanishes.'r. 4. \Vherefore the sensory of one kincl does
not receive the things which are in a superior or in an inferior
degree, but only to the greatest and least of its oWll degree,
wherefore there are limits and spheres of sensation. S. In order
that the sensory may receive all these varieties the little sen
sories must ail be perpetually various, even so far that it is neces
sary that not one papilla be in every way or absolutely like an
other. 6. And whatever one little sensory, whether it be a
papilla or any other sentient part, feels, that another papil1a no
tices, to the extent that every sensation is ,received by every lit
tle sensory, and thus by the common organ. 7. Every modifica
tion or tremor enters its own little sensory adequate to itself,
and it enters the point adequate to it; thus since al1 the little
sensories are various, all the various things enter. 8. Where
fore now in every sensation there are infinite things which con
cord. 9. Indeed, if it passes over into an elastic membrane, and
if the sense is of its degree, so that it passes over into a cartilage
at the same time, the more the sense is exalted, and becomes
sensible in the common sensory or the brain.
61. 9. To the little sensories append and adhere the nerves
which carry the mode even to the brain. 1. The nerves are com
poundeJ according té> the degree of the sensation; thus very
simple sensations receive simple nerves or compositions, com
pound sensations receive compound nerves; for the ascent from
degree to degree is by composition alone and division of the
fibres of various order ; wherefore it is necessary in the cognition
of the degree of the fibres to come at a cognition of the sensa
tions. 2. Wherefore in every organ there are as many composi
tions of fibres as there are little sensories, for they are variou3,
but still they are of one degree or series between the greatest and
the least. 3. Contacts strike the little sensories according to
their own figures or forms of modification: figures are of the
impinging parts, forms are of fluids and atmospheres; the
former take on a vibration, but the latter a modification; thus
vibration and modification mutually respond to each other. 4.
Such as is the contact in the extreme little organs, such it
traverses that whole fibre, and ail the fibres into their ante
cedents, even toward their beginnings in the brain, or in the
cortical substance; for which reason there is no fibre on the
way, there is no spherule of the cortical substance, which does
not receive every part of the vibration or modification, even
so far that they may be the beginnings not only of those fibres,
but a11 the beginnings of the whole common sensory. 5. Not
only the fibre carries this sense, but especially the animal spirit,
SENSE IN GENERAL. 27
10ws :-1. From the greatest to the least [degree], in order that
the sphere of sensation may be greater. 2. Then also that they
[the sensations], can be more distinctly perceived. This appears
in touch, taste, sme11, hearing, sight, in animais, in the earlier
and infantile age.
65. The causes of sharpening ancl perfection are as fol
lows:- 1. In order that a11 may act 'separately in least parts, and
in order that they he not bound together nor adhere, as in com
pounds, when they grow soft. 2. In order that the sheath which
covers may become softer, and that thus the little sensories may
be the more laid bare. 3. In order that the litt le sensories them
selves may grow soft, and capable of undergoing more changes
of state. vVherefore [th~y are sharpened] lest they grow callous
or coarse, and lest they cohere to one another and th us become
useless, whence generally indistinct. 4. 'l'hat the little sensorics
may be distinguished into smaller series. 5. Then in order that
a more beautiful and softer variety may reign among the little
sensories, thus that more suitalle changes of state, even thosc
agrecing with the re1ated (affini) [state] can be inducecl. 6. ln
order that the fibres themselves mc.y grow tender [that is, sensi
tive] and grow soft. 7. A11 these [organs] arise from use anù
(~xercise ; yea, the external organs lil<t as the internaI.
66. 13. It would seem as though t>ere couIc! he more than
five senses, if wc consider the whole sel 'es of the varieties ap
proaching from the macrocosm, furthermore that ob.iects are
more distinctly apperceivecl by sorne [sens~s] than by others:
one organ,-except the internaI or brain,-receives the varieties
of only one series or clegree, wherefore the perfection is of the
organs. This is callecl its proper sense; there can, however, be
é\ double sense in one organ. Besicles, 1. Therc can be an organ
SilŒLL.
the fifth pair performs in the head and towards the sensory
organs, the intercostal performs towards the lungs; wherefore
they concur, or the one inflows into the other, in order that they
may act from agreement. 8. The sense, as for instance taste,
notices from the same cause what may be useful; for the soul
regards the blood as her vicar in the body. 9. That thence the
blood is turned into arterial blood, see The Nase, Part II., 10.
That the cuticles also draw in those things, see The Cutl:cle.
69. That sense is to the end that the brain may be exhila-
rated, and likewise by this way receive ethereal aliments, appears
from the following considerations :-1. It appears from the sud-
den change of the brain and the animus, from a very strong in-
drawn breath. 2. From the sudden change of the animus either
to gladness or to grief (nece1n). 3. From the cuticles, the office
of which the nostrils more distinctly perform; for thecuticles
of the nostrils are more tender, and more immediately communi-
cate with the brains by means of the fibres and membranes. 4.
From the immense abnndance of arteries and veins, as also of
glandules of varions kinds, as in the cuticles. S. From the im-
mediate sanguineous or arterial way into the brain, through the
foramina of the cribriform plate, and by other communications
with the arteries of the brain. See Win slow on the External
Caratid, above. 6. It appears especially from phenomena. 7.
Then also from the nature of this sense in that it sensates more
subtile parts than does taste, therefore if snatches up those part,
which are sllitable for the purer blood or spirit. 8. From the
..:ommunication with all the medul1ary fibre, \Vith each meninx,
especial1y the pia mater, with the arteries; all these fibres, name-
Iy, the medullary fibre, the pia mater and the artery, are concen-
trated in the cortical substance. 9. That smell is in the very
pole of the whole cranium and brain, and is the beginning of the
axis of the dllct into the body. 10. Therefore there is a certain
concentration in the inferior sense.
70. Smell exists in arder that if may excite the cerebrum and
the cerebellum inta their alternate turns (see Animal Kingdam,
Part IL). 1. As an external cause which corresponds to the
internaI. 2. This appears from sneezing. 3. From the very
organism of the fibres, and from the connection of al1 things
SMELL. 33
ta the body, even sa that where the beginning is, there are the
terminations; but after the finished g1're it is the office of the
body, tirst, ta receive, especially sa of the nostrils; second, Qf
~he soul ta feel ; third, of 0~lr mincI ~o be affected ; fourth, of the
animus ta desire; fi/th, of tne nostrils ta be changed as ta suit
able state; si.rtft, of the whole body ta be disposed, in arder that
an ~ffect may be givel1 forth; thus the first and the last, after
the gyre is run through, come togethel.
76. 4. N ow as ta the first movement, namely, that it is the
reception of those things wluch touch, these things are ta be ot
~erved :-I. Those parts are especially the harder corpuscles of
the mineraI, vegetable and animal kingdoms,-angulate, poly
gonous, plane and variously spherical. 2. These parts are like
rhose in taste, but are smaller, for where is the smallest of taste
there is the largest of smell. This is observed in this, that those
things that are tasted are not smelled except as ta the more sub
tile parts; we taste cammon salt, alkali, acid, but we do not smell
them. 3. But [we smellJ the more volatile saline, sulphurous,
minous particles, and the like. 4. \Vherefore these things float
about in the air, and, as may appear, embraced by the bul!:e or
vapors themselves, when they are released from these bull~ they
strike the little sensories. S. \Vherefore also they are·present in
greater abundance, for they are iu a superior sphere and de
gree, where there are more varieties but greater harmonies. 6.
The greatest of t<lste, as for instance common salt, does not act
upon the organ of smell as an abject of its sense, but as an abject
of a cornmon sense; for the cutide itself or the mucous mem
brarie feels it, whence arises a corrugation. a kind of titillation,
a permutation, and many other things; for like things at the
same time allure many of the little sensories, or the glandules
themselves, in which there is a common sense, similar ta a more
subtile and more sensible cuticular touch. 7. \Vhence it may
appear that w!lat is the greatest of smell is not that which is the
smallcst Qf taste, but that it is of a superior c1egree, of like fig-me
with acids or simple salts, which consist of compounds. 8. The
smallest of taste can be said ta be one spine of acid salt, where
fore' these things are the smallest trigons, cubes, parallelograms,
polygons and the like; whence the very basis, or the greatest of
SMELL. 35
iar changes of state are induced upon the whole brain, that is
to say, upon its two substances, wherefore upon both hemi
spheres of its globe, especial1y by touch and taste, and by smeI1.
4. Similar changes of state retura immediately into the or
gan, and into every single papilla of it, which papil1a then ex
panels itself, or retracts, or hardens, or softens, or becomes in
fiamed, grows warm, grows coM, trembles.. and more or less
lives. S. A like change is induced upon its glandules, upon the
pituitary membrane, upon the arteries, upon the veins; thus ail
things are arranged according to affections, desires, appetites,
pleasures. 6. "Most happy is he who suffers himself to be
actuated, so far as may be, by the soul, while the soul is
actuated by the superior mind. 7. A like state is induced
upon every In!usde of the face, wherefore upon the counte
nance. 8. But the change of state of the wl10le organ or the
nose, which is the common sensory, is not of such a kind and
is brought about Dy means of the muscles, because it either
opens the nasal apertures or closes them. elraws either littie or
mucl1 of the atmosphere. slowly or swift1y, either removes it
self from a place, or brings itself to a prace; either cornes
thither or flees thence, either holds the nose with the fingers,
or with the hands brings up such things as are grateful, and
it procures those things for itself from the vegetable kingdom
and elsewhere, etc. 9. Thus there are changes of state proper
to the nose, and these are artificial by various means.
83. 7. As ta effects. 1. Not onry is the organ itself chang
ed as to its state according to causes of appetite. 2, but also ail
those things are changed which conspire. as the trachea and
the lungs. 3. The veins themselves, which clraw in aereat
aliment, take upon themselves similar states; they. open or
close, thus they seek or tum away from a thing; in the same
manner as the brain so does the fibre, for a like affection re
turas into the fibre. 4 A similar change of state sometimes
occupies the cuticles, which excite a similar cause anel snatch
up atmospheric foods. S. Therefore the state of the animal
microcosm imitates the state of the macrocosm, in that now lt is
opened and admits into itself effiuvia and vapors, now indeed
SMELL. 4I
whole force returns into an the peripheries and into the body.
3. For the sense of smell is not simple, but double; smell is con
joined with a subtle sensation of touch. 4. From both is brought
about the effect of contraction. expansion and modification,
which traverse the whole snperior region and its parts;
and incleed extends to beginnings and arises from beginning~.
therefore it is not a palliative cure. 5. The sense of touch in
s~antly pervades the mucous membrane, which. because it is
thickly sown with so many fibres of the olfactory nerves,
penetrates from so great an expansion and by the network of
its membranes into the dura mater; 6, and because it is bound
to the turbinatecl bones, which are formed and roll'ed altogether
according to the nature of its modification. it penetrates into
evcry part of the craniunI. into the neighboring bones, (con
cerning which see Heister), into aIl the sinuses, which are in
vested with the same membrane, into the folds, into ail things
which depend upon the dura mater within the cranium, and
by this way into every part of the brain. 7. Then also it pene
trates into the pia mater, which thing also at the same time a
certain sense or more subtle modification, or smeIl, perceives,
wherefore it rcaches ail the divisions of the brain in general
é'.-nd in particular. even to every surface of the cortical part
and to every division of the medullary part, so that nothing
may be left untouchecl. 8. Likewise by the fibres it penetrates
into the mamillary processes, which subtend the brain, and
are inrooted in the whole medullary substance ancI are term
inatecl in the cortex iteslf, for the sense rUl1s through every
contiguous part, and therefore perfectly when its parts are
thus arrangecl according to every form of modification as
in the brain. 9. For the' modification or sensation of
one or of some of tl'le papilIée goes immediately to
the whale subtending membrane as into its own gen
eral' receptacle, and th us with increased strength to the
whole medullary and cortical' substance. IO. The modification
likewise also proceeds by the arterial or sanguineous way, for
according to Winslow the external carotids communicate with
the external in this pl'ace; so aTso the veins. IL If also any
SMELL. 43
version of. the body; for the soul which IS ln beginnings. and
the body which is in effects conspire so that aIr mediate things
coincide, as has been observed everywhere above. ï. The ex
ternal cause of the excitation of the brain into animatory mo
tion, and thus into the motor and local part, or into contraction
and expansion, is the friction and pricking of the parts pro
ducing snreli: this fibre obeys more fully than the muscle and
its fibre, for it is better adapted for acting. 8. This is es
peciany so, since in the nostrils. the whole mucous membrane,
the bones of the cranium, the dura and pia mater, the fibres and
the vessels conspire; for one touch pervades the whole COl11'
1110n membrane; thus aIl things are connected, and fonow each
other even to the beginnings. 9. Consequently there are com
mon mutations of state induced upon the cortex, wherefore also
upon the whole brain; mutations of state are brought about
without contraction and expansion; these mutations are, how
ever, from smel1 arising together with expansion and contrac
tion. for the mamil1ary processes lie like bags. and are inrooted
in all the fibres. TO. At every touch the fibres and membranes
are corrugaterl. but accorc1ing to touch and the kind of
things touching, more or less, hence there is a mDdification
\Vith contraction, which pervades even to the cortical substance.
This proceeds from a double sense; for while the sense of smel1
produces modification, the sense of touch produces â gen
eral modification together with a certain kincl of corugation.
II. While the fibres are corrugated they are also contracted,
but at that time indeed the cortical substance is expanded, like
wise every cavity of the brain, as is to be taught in regard to
the brain. 12. Therefore inspiration makes for the expansion
of the cortex or vital' substance, together with the soul, in which
is -life and which expands. 13· But the cortex indeed falls
together and is compressed of itself, in which is as it were
tle-ath; thus there is a perpetuaI battle between life and death ;
the soul \Vith the forces of the body, especial1y with outmost
things as those of smell'. resuscitates life, but the body col
lapses of itself. 14. Bknce we see that the respiration of the
lungs, and the animations of the brain coincide; (see my tract).
THE SENSES.
92. This sense excites the pituitœ of the brain, and dra,ws
thenL down, through the foranlina of the cribriforM plate, into
the nostrils. 1. That this takes place from the sinuses of the
brain, experience proves; for thither a passage lies open to the
air, which there circulates, and in the vapors of which are en-
folded by heat and by vibrations, both the sense of smell and
the hearing of speech; 2, indeed the air there is seen entering
thither, and breaking forth thence, even forcibly enough for
the extinction of a candIe. 3. There are yet many invisible pas-
sages in the cranium, for it is everywhere lamellated,and
thither enters the offshoot of the mucous membrane; there the
Iymph is driven out by vibration, thus by lïving forces. 4. The
bones of the nostrils are the very fulcra of the bones of the
cranium; from the peripheries to their own fu1cra aU fluid
tends, as to their Own foci,-midclles.-'centres of gravity. 5.
Furthermore there is an opening in the foramina of the cribri-
form plate between the membranes which accompany it to the
papiJr<e, and to the glandules; which are spread over the entire
membrane, between the pia mater and the fibres, and among
the fibres themselves. 6. These tremble from the sense of smell
and of tonch, the turbinated bone and the ethmoid in the mean-
while greatly assisting; 7, these are alternately contracted and
expanded, so that they produce a kind of pumping forth. .8.
If the)' shoufd become concreted there would be no sense. 9.
This appears especially from sneezing; indeed from catarrhal
effects. and from many phenomena. 10. The cribriform plate
is the centre and fulcrum of the whole brain, for thither each
membrane returns as to its own first and higher form. II.
There the sinnses of the dura mater begin and terminate. 12.
There are found the fa1ciform productions of the dura mater.
. 13. There the internai carotid communicates with the external.
14. 1l1ere the convolutions of the brain converge as to their
own first and nltimate; there is the station of quiet of both
hemispheres of the brain. 15. There indeed preferably <111 the
fibrons or medl111ary maniples are terminatec1 and converge
into the mamillary process. 16. This is especially the case
with its l11fJre open passage. 17. \Vhence those processes are
4
50 THE SENSES.
96. The sense of stnell a/so purges the ear. This is done, l,
by the extraction of the pituit~ from the arteries penetrating
thither; 2, by means of the Eustachian tube. 3. These things
are done in arder that a tremor may pervade that tube, for it is
membranous, cartiaginous and bony. 4. Thus the tremor goes
directly thither, and strikes those parts which inhere in the
membranes. S. But the tube is situated preferably at the
palate, or at the interstice of the nostrils and the palate, in
arder that taste, and especially its tremor, may give forth its
effect. 6. Thus in a multiplex mode the sense of smell purifies,
whence its use is very great.
CHAPTER V.
order to know a part of the whole; for in every part lies hid-
den an idea of the whole. 8. Nor is it given to know what is
in any part of sensation, of modification, etc., unless we arrive
by doctrines, especiaIly those of forms, of order and of degree,
of infbxes, and of correspondences.
98. 2. W t! must begin here with the partt:cles of the air, for
thence will be evident 7.l'hat its volume is; for, l, the particle is
the smal!est volume of its own atmosphere. 2. As the partide
acts.'i0 the cong-regation of particles act. 3. An atmosphere
derives its al) from its parts,-its very nature, the form of its
fluxion, etc. 4. Rence how necessary the corpuscular doctrine
is, becomes evident. S. vVe arrive at this doctrine from a
knowledge of volume, for the phenomena of the whole are
similar to those of the parts. 6. Besides we learn that another
sphere of acting begins in the particle, for a particle is a smaIl
volume; it derives its nature from its own particles which com-
pose it; that is, from its prior things; the prior sphere is there-
in, the superior, and more perfecto 7. AIl lmity respects its
own unities, and these again theirs, thus even to the beginnings
of aU things. 8. \Vherefore to terminate the idea in a single
part. and to declare this the most simple, is to make so many
wholes, éU1d steadfastly to terminate the ideas in an occult
. quality; to do this is by no means rational, since it is not con-
sonant witt nature. 9. 'The above things now must be exclud-
ed, for we are not admitted to causes by the phenomena of the
air alone.
99. 3. From the phenomena of modification the quality of
the part or particle of that atmosphere appears, l, for the parts
are what are modified. 2. Thence the whole volume is modi-
fied. 3. The volume derives from the parts, that it acts thus
and so. 4. Or it Jerives this from the nature of the parts, and
the nature of the form, according as they act. S. Nature acts
according to its form; for substantial form corresponds exact-
ly to the form of fluxion.
100. 4. From maHY phenomena discovered in the air, if ap-
pears that its particle is of a perfectly sperical form, in such QI
way, however, that the endeavor of its prior parts is towards,
a spiral form. I. That it is spherical is eviùent from its fluxion.
S6 THE SENSES.
the air, as well by the straight fine as by the circle of the out
flow. I. By the circle it does not give sound itself, but by the
straight line. 2. Every partic1e drives the ether, which sur
rounds and holds the parts in their fonn, for no part sllbsist~
out of itsplf. 3. The air driven in volume flows, and likcwise
tends into a straight line and at the same time into a vortical
line. 4. Bence it appears that the air thence obtains wings.
5. Thi:::. fact appears from this that air passes through glass.
wood, ,vater in a [diving] beI1, through waIls, meta's, \Vith
diminished life; as in an [air] pump in which i5 a bel!. 6.
Wherefore the propagation i~ c.arried through by the ether.
7. But this i~ in a general way and in a volume, for one par
tic1e of air responds to a little volume of ether. 8. Thus also
it is in the conatus. 9. Otherwise sound woulcl not be propa
gated ta so long a distance.
118. From these things it 11W)' appear what an infinite
11umber of things enter into one module of sound, and 1107u
composite sound is; or it ma)' appear how gross, dull, and fal
lacious is the sense of hearing. I. It appears from one drum,
which makes the whole tremble together with the body and
membranes; yet one stroke gives but one sound, although it
consists of 50 many vibrations 2. It appears in harps, flutes
ancl other instruments. 3. It appears that there are myriads
of partic1es of air or 50 many little volumes, 4, more in rude
souncls. 5. How many volumes are not the parts of the ether?
They are incomprehensible. 6. This appears from the mem
brane of the ear drum consisting of sa many layers. 7. It
appears from the whole cranium and brain being stirred up.
See former excerpts.
119. In order that the particulars of sound may be heard, it
fS necessary that there be a general soft1ld to which part-iCIIlars
not ail pass into the tube, but a part ::.lips ont l1nder the tragus.
3. In the tube there is a bending l1pward and downwar'd,
mobile cartilages and other things, which cause the modifica-
tion to return above the tragus, where there is a hollow. 4.
Thl1s the abundance is distribu{cd, 5, especially in its very high
and elevated tension.
140. Hspeciall'y also in high and ele'Z'cted sound, the tube
itself can be 'Wirlel1ed, and thus )'ield to the impelliug force, in
order that no damage ma)' be inflicted upor the organ. I. For
therc ar<: mobile cartilages. 2. Therè is a widening in the middle.
3. There is a bending, thus a bcating baclc 4. There are hairs
which lmpede. 5. There is wax, which protects the tubé that
the air thl1s modified may not be impelkd immediately against
the membrana, the tympani. 6. AlI these things are to the
end that the)' may avert inJury.
141. The external ear is so 1nade that the inodified air
strilles if e'l/crywhere; it either flows follo'Wing the walls into a
spiJ'e, or is reflected, whcre the outwa.rdly inclined lamellae, al-
thoug1t covered, rcceive if; these lamel/ae rece'Ïve and repel. 1.
This appears from the helix and antehelix. 2. Especially
whère the turning is, there it is covered, as it \Vere, by a
ceiling, lest the [sound] slip out. 3. It is the same every-
where else. 4. It would be too prolix to describe ail this
organism. 5. There is nothing in the aeollstic art which does
not exist here worked out.
142. The tremor itself striking in upon the externet ear, is
conccnfmted towards the cutaueous tube, and about the peri-
phery of the osseous tube, whe1'e if passesinto an eV1:dellt tre·mor.
1. This is the cause of the organism. 2. Therefore the ex~
ternal ear is cuticular and membranous. 3. It absorbs the raj~
of modification; it repels them and again collects them. 4. The
influent modification acts similarly. 5. Therefore that sk1n Cl
epidermis, which is cellular, finally commingles \Vith the peri-
chondrium and periosteurn. 6. This is in order that the col-
lected trcmor may finally terminate in the perichondrium and
periosteum, so that it may cause them to vibrate. 7. To this
end also is the cutaneous tube which is made to vibrate more
than the other parts. 8. To this end the soft membrane goes
7° THE SENSE::'.
are the cause of the organism of the external ear and of the
auditory tube. 7. They are the cause of its windings; 8, the
cause of the cutaneous tube. 9. Thus the naked membrane of
the drum is nowhere exposed; wherefore if ail the wax is
removed it perishes. ra. This is the cause for the glands. I l .
This tremor, thus propagated by concentration, is transferred by
the contiguous air, thus also into its own organism. 12. This is
the cause of the connection of the membranes with the perl
chondria and periostea, 13, and of the connection of these with
the os pervium of the temples, 14, and with the Eustachian tube.
146. Wherefore the tremor flows to the membrane of the
tympanum only around its margins or pen:phery, and goes to
the centres. 1. There is no other way. 2. But of these thing~
below.
147. II. The human external ear is alwa-ys erected for sonor
ous modification, lest a,nything perish fro·nt things said, and
that all may be distil1âly recei7.Jtd. 1. For by the ear man
learns. 2. Tt must be of interest to human society, 3, to under
stand by means of the ear what the world means. 4. 1t will
hear articulate sounds distinctly. 5. Therefore none or very
slender muscles are furnished it. 6. There are ligaments ,vhich
connect with the temples and thus hold the ear continually
erect for the smallest more distinct sounds.
148. 1t is otherwise in brutes, the ears of wlûch are other
wise formed; for they do not seize upon articulate sounds, but
only sounds wlûch sigmfy affections. 1. The speech of brutes
is only for the signifying of their affections to the ear in a
general way, 2, as in love, in anger, in hunger, etc; 3, thu~
nothillg articulately. 4. This general sound can be receivêcl by
the ears of asses; 5. nevertheless they reach them forth in
order that they may catch those distinctions. 6. Otherwise
such ears are without use. 7. Thus ears are given ta each ac
cording to his nature, 8, accorcling to use, especiàlly with his
associates-O wonderful things!
149. Therefore the uses of the ex"lernal alldl:tory duct are:
l, 1'0 collect and concentrate every sonorous modification, that
it may be strong; 2, to impress that modification upon the mem
branes, cartilages and bon es ; 3, to tr:msfer it to the membrana
72 THE SENSES.
are presented at the same time. In order that this degree, which
is the second, may likewise pass into all the neighboring parts,
and still move broadly, not only into the compages and mem
branes of thè lesser cranium, but also into the meninges and
composite medullary and cortical congeries of the brain, and
t,hus more broadly, the membrana tympani is attached to the
petrous bone, and thus continued to that which invests the
cavity. The fenèstra ovalis is similarly attached to the bones,
so also [he fenestra rotunda. One leg of the malleus strikes
that portion of the periosteum to which it is attached. The leg
of the incus also strikes thè nerves of the seventh pair, where it
enters the cavity through the duct of Fallopius, and is con
tinued to the membranes. Especially also the air, by con
tinuous repercussions, strikes the walls. Thus many means
conspire to spread abroad this trel11or, especially the Eustachian
tube. 3. There is a third degree, \vhere a still more purifièd
sound or modification occurs in the labyrinth; for that pulse
and tremor, although there is a unity of the prior or more gen
èral modification existing in the auditory tube, is neverthe1ess
general relativèly to those parts into which sound is distinguish
ed inside the labyrinth. This is to be treatèd of below.
172. Thus it is to be observed: 1. That many and thus
multiple causes concur for one similar more particular cause,
in order that there may be a certain effect; 2, tIlat previously
they were commingled in chaos; 3. anel that afterwards they
are most artfully distinguished into order and degrees. 4. So
that if there should be [still another] labyrinth it woulei further
distinguish the parts which can refer to this general; but such
an organism would be still purer, and perhaps might equal the
structure of the eye, into which articulate sound [would] con
centrate itseIf.
173. 20. The uses of the Eustachian tube. 1. It exists in
order that it may convey the sounds of the larynx by a short
cut into the ear, before the auditory duct is fully formed as in
infancy. 2. Thus that it may inaugurate the larynx into
speech. 3. That it may concur with the exterior approach,
50 that, while the second is being perfected, they full y com
bine into one thircl. 4. In oreler that it may propagate the·
80 THE SENSES.
and can thus fiatten out the membrane from its concavity ac
cording to its turning. 4. That the head of the malleus can
be turned ;md twisted somewhat, appears from its muscles;
thence the effect rebounds into a concavation and remission of
the membrane. S. vVherefore also the membrane is' elliptical
in order that it may be more fully drawn to the sides. 6.
Wherefore a nerve runs through it, which changes the state of
the membrane according to the affections of the brain. 7.
Therefore that membrane is composed of so many lamellae,
which can be folded in various ways, and can put on another
variety according to every affection (affect~t1n). 8. l'here
fore the exterior membrane takes on a state of the first de
gl'ee, and the interior membrane a state of the second degree;
they come to agreement by means of the intermediate mem
branes, for the latter apply themselves as media. 9. There
fore so many muscles are given to the malleus, in order that it
can ctherwise change the state by extending and contractillg
itself, for it is obedient to the brain. ra. Therefore blood ves
sels run through the membrane, in order that the membrane
may change its state bath by the muscles and by the vesscls.
1 I. The same is the case with the nervous filaments j ust as in
the face and countenance. 12. Therefore a muscle is attachec1
to the incus in order that it may likewise change the state of
the stapes in a convenient manner. 13. Therefore that muscle
is inserted where the nerve of the portia dura of the seventh
pair enters.
181. But ta hunt out distinctly al! the harmonies, and thencc
arising affections, is an infinite and not a human work. I.
Wherefore l pass by the distinctions, 2. as well as the par
ticulars; 3. still less do l descend into geometry and analysis.
4. Every single one of these things demands its own volume.
S. Every one requires a universal science. 6. Hence we see
how unskilled we are; we glory over art, which is nothing
respectively to the things which lie hidden. 7. Nature mani
fests these things, but still very grossly. 8. Sometimes cul
ture and art extinguish nature herself.
182. This alone: that the affections of the mind arùing (fOm
diverse (onns of ideas, especial!y those relatcd to the under
THE ShdSES.
THE EAR.
/
86 THE SENSES.
210. Front this pulse and the vibration of the fenestra, ail
this nOW distinct modification is c011V1nunicated b'Y the stapes to
the interior membrane of the fenestra, wherefore alsa ta the
pe·riastcllIlll of the [ab)winth. 1. This is commllnicated as weH
by the slight trem~r of the interm~diate bonc, 2, as by the at
tachment of the circllmference, 3. and of the whole plane. 4.
For there is a continuous exterior membrane of the cavity of
the tympanum; the other membrane is continuous with the
labyrinth. 5 Tllerc can be no distinct transferrence of the
tremor without the stapes except an indistinct one.
211. 26. Every distinction therefore, and the like, returns
into the whole pe1'Ïostcum of the lab)'rinth, or of the 'uestiblûe
or semicircular ca,nals, and of the cochlea. 1. Therefore the
fenestra ovalis is the first and principal thing of these from
which a distinct modification returns, and is scattereù around.
2. Such as it is in the fenestra ovalis such is it when diffused
through the whole. 3. The very figure, form, connection and
continuation. yea the position urges this; thence the [modifica
tion] flows fortll the same in an directions. 4. \Vhcrefore the
periostetllll is continued to the canals and to the cochlea, as
will be seen.
212. A similar distinct modification, !J'Y 1ueans of the fen
estra o'ZlGlis, pours over into the fenestra rotunda. 1. This
also takes place by a triple way; 2. namely by the periosteum
of the cavity of the tympanum; 3. by the air; 4. and espc
cially by the fenestra ovalis, which is the regulator, and in
vites the correspondent local motion, and at the same time con
veys the tremor to the little bones and to the internaI mem
branes. Thus from the whole border a [tremor] similar to that
which is in the fenestra ovalis falls into the fenestra rotunda.
213. Therefore, the fenestra ovalù is the regulator, dis
tinguisJu:ng the modifications of the unity of sound in the
membralla t)''/Itpall'i-it 1mparts local motion bath ta !he banes
and ta the internai membrane, wherefare to the whole laby
rinth; such therefore as if is Ùt the fenestra (7)alis, such it is
e7Jer'ywhere propagated.
214. 26a. It is the same whether the labyrinth is full of air,
THE SENSES.
217. But the reason for olt this is, that here a distinct trelnis-
cence or modification ma)' distinctl)' tend into its Mun nerves,
that fronl the ner,Jes it ma)' distinctly tend into the vrain, and
that thenee a distinct sensation may arise. I. For this reason
the whole periosteum of the labyrinth is only an expansion of
the nerves of the soft portion of the seventh pair. 2. The
Iittle branches of the nerve nm through the semicircular canals.
3. They Iikewise run throl1gh the cochlea and the spiral lamina,
from the axis itself. 4. Sa that ,every tremiscence may be
poured alDroad most c1istinctly into that nerve and inc1eec1 into
the whole of it. 5. This is the reason for the whole organism
of the labyrintb. 6. Otherwise c1istinct perfection woulc1 not
exist. 7. For that very sound ought ta be exalted by many
modes, and ta be poured into the whole nerve. 8. Nor is t11is
into one part of it. 9. Nor is the sound alone, but also its
barmony, affection, and change of state of ail degrees, or of
aIl things whatsoever that ar.e in the least and the greatest
sounc1.
218. 29. The whole jJeriosteliln of the lavyrinth is an ex-
pansion of the soft part of the nerve of the seventh pair. I.
It appears as the in1110st membrane of the fenestra ovalis. 2.
It appears also as the inmost nl,embrane of the fenestra ro-
tunc1a; 3. of the walls of the labyrinth and vestibule; 4. of the
semicircular canals; 5. of the cochlea. 6. vV:her.efore also it is
the rnembrane which invests and subtencIs the spiral lamina.
7. Into this expansion is sent forth a modification by the fen-
estra ovalis.
219. A general modification passes into the bones thc1I1-
selues to which the perioste1t1Jl, is bound. I. vVherefore it
passes into the bones of the temples; 2. into the bones of the
semicircl1lar canals; 3. into tbe bones of the cochlea; 4. into
the spiral lamii1a. 5. Thus l11DSt broadly into the whole nc!gh-
borhood. 6. This general tremiscence harmonizes with the
trerniscence of the periosteum, becal1se it arises from the same
origin or from the fenestra ovalis. 7. Thus the general is con-
joined with its own particl1lar, and aIl parts tremble together
94 THE SENSES.
with the single parts in their own way. 8. The tremor l'uns
through according to the organism, and produces effects ac
cording to the organism.
220. 30. The semicircular canals perfonn that use,-namely,
they receive the whole sonorous modification into their own
periostea, and thus cOncentrate it into lhem,selves,o for they are
cover,ed with a continuation of periosteum from the walls of
the labyrinth. 2. \Vherefore the modification is therein borne
into an orb, and thus concentrated.
221. Then further that they [the canals] may recei-ve n'cry
tremor of the bones of the same degree: 1. The canals indecd
are not only membranous, 2, but also osseous; 3. and the y aù
here to the bones of the labyrinth. 4. T!1us they receive the
blows of the stapes and the pulsations of the fenestra ovalis by
continuation.
222. The canals receive into themselves tremors of a tripli
cate degree: 1. The ultim:ate degree is of the !ittle bones.. 2.
The middle degree is of the periosteum. 3. The inmost de
gree is of the fibrils by themselves. 4. In every single sound
ther,e lie that number of degrees of modification.
223. They [the canals] also receive the tremulous air or
ether, which being beatm back augments the tremor. 1. If it
be air, a rep.ercussion takes place. 2. It is otherwise if it be
ether; then the return is only into the fibrils or modes of the
first degree. 3. It is not driven into spirals, wherefore there
is the repercussion.
224. They cany off these sonorous tremiscences by the
fibres and little branches into the major branches of the nen'es
and thus into the tnmks of the nerves: 1. This is the prin
cipal use, 2. for the nerves run through them, 3. and they are
there expanded into fibres and periostea.
225. Every single sound or tone therein invites fibres or
little b1'anches of its own composÜion, a,nd excites them into
sensible tre111iscence, and thus one sound is distinguished from
another, n<Jf otherwise than when a motion is set up in one
st1'ing another of the same tone is vibrated in another instru
ment. 1. This experiment exists in the visible world, namely,
EAR AlIiD SEA'SE OF HEARING. 95
23. vVherefore this rule dominates: 24. Every fibre is free, and
every composition of fibres.
226. For this reason the sonorous tremor is borne into all
the naves howe','ernulnerous the:;, are, and ùûo the trunks of
the ncr·ves, but thereinit continuesits own tremor according te
the corresponding degrce of C01l1jJosition, nor is if changed
into another. 1. SA that if there be a tremor which requires
the composition of five fibres, that tremor in every branch and
trunk mns distinctly through five fibres at once, and implicates
them in its waves. ? Sa also it is in the trunk. 3. Every
sound keeps its own composition even ta the last. 4. Other
wise a coarser sound if it require the composition of ten fibres,
which composition will correspond ta it, thllS ten fibres ar,e
trZlversed, because the sound is coarser.
227. Thlls by means of the semicircu!ar canals e,)Cry trel1wr
is Dorile distinct!y 'into every nerve and trunlc. I. Both be-
cause the nerve runs through them; 2. and because it is bound
ta them. 3. The tremor is concentratec1 towarc1s the nerves
from the whole surface according ta the little branches; 4. that
it may be expanded therein into the periosteum with its
branches.
228. Thus collected the trel1'~or passes from the canalsinto
the more general trunl?: 1. Namely, into the tnmk of the
softer part of the seventh pair. 2. l t is regularJy collected
from the whole labyrinth.
229. Thus Ù is not as a tube wlûch breathes forth the air
and thus sounds, as Ùi acoustic tubes, nor do sonGrous zones
see11L to be necessary, although the periostea do not strictly
adhere to the walls. I. From: the fallacies of the senses we
can conclude that there ar,e small tubes; 2. that there is a
sound or whistling within ; 3. j ust as in aconstic tubes. 4. How
incongruolls this is, and contrary ta the principles of nature, is
observed at the first ]ook. 5. The tubes are only ta the end
that the modifications may distinctly enter into the nerves, may
distinctly come through ta the brain and the cortical sub
stance. 6. There the vibration and change of state make what
is called sound. 7. Wherefore no sound drives the air into the
EAR AND SENSE OF HEARING. 97
The Cochlea.
into the two scal;e, but they come together and make one thing,
for they communicate by the foramen into the apex, according
to vV;inslow.
249. They come together afterward into the common trunk
in the Fallopian duct, 1. where the hard and soft portions are
together. 2. They come together by the long tract. 3. A
similar vibration also enters the nerve there and vibrates it.
250. From so many concurrent causes all things Me held
together and redttced to a hannony. 1. The more similar
causes which f10w together into one thing, the greater the
harmony, 2. es~cially in this cochlea; 3. if there be anything
dissonant one thing corrects the other and reduces it to con
sonance, nature being leader. 4. Sa also does one ear for the
other, 5. the canal for the cochlea, 6. the tympanum for the
labyrinth, 7. one scala for the other, 8. the soft nerve for the
hard, and vice versa. 9. From all this is the greatest harmony.
251. 8. A triple degree of m.odification flows together into
every sound, œmong which degrees there will be carrespond
cne!?"
252. The ultimate degree is vibratory. 1. It passes into the
bones, as well into the membrana tympani, as by the pulsation
of the stapes into the fenestra ovalis, 3. thus into the nighbor
hood of all the assembled bones and membranes. 4. This is
represented in the fenestra ovalis by a common vibration, as in
the nerves by throwing out from the line which infil1s the
space, as by a r.eciprocal vibration in the fenestra ovalis. 5.
It is represented in the lamina spiralis in its bony part. 6. It
passes by the mediation of the nucleus into the trunk of the
nerve~.
This arises from the ether, "vhich gives a turn to the wing and
mov,es forward the modification. 2. Thus by the stapes the
lam~na acts upon the fenestra, 3. by tbe repercussion of the
ether in the vestibule, 4. in the semicircu1ar canals, S. and by
the flow of the ether in the scalce cochlece.
255. These three degrees of modification constitute one
sound, in which alt things of the sound lie hidden together, and
thus mlltuall)/ correspond t(l each at/ter, in order that one may
excite the other. 1. There is an undoubted correspondence of
ail three; 2. for there are varieties of ail which will concord.
3. That the last degr,ee excites the second is evident from the
concordance of the striqgs or chords when the body of an
organ is put in m9tion; 7. then also from causes spoken of
above. 8. "Many causes can be given, as, for instance, that the
cclerity of the whole and the celerity of the parts must agree;
nor ought they to be irrational; when they cannot agree they
mutually extinguish each other. 8 a . Similar is the ratio of the
second and of the third or inmost clegree, 9. the concord of
which is still more perfecto IO. The second degree similarly
excites the first. IL But how the fi.rst excites the second and
the second the third, also appears from musical instruments.
256. 9. That the cochlea is formed altogether for the corti
cal flow of the ether, sufficiently appears from its structure, and
from the flow according ta its strttctllre. 1. For the ether in
the coch1ea is turned through a double spiral; 2. that is to say,
about the walls into a spiral from apex to base, 3. then in vol
ume about the nucleus. 4. That the etl1er is turned through a
dou ble spiral, also see our philosophical princip1es in folio.
S. The higher incleed the form of the fluxion the more the spiral
fluxion is duplicated by this mDde.. finally in the superior de
gree it is tripled. and so forth.
257. This flow of the ether argues a first degree of modifi
cation, as does the air a second. 1. The organism is alto
gether according to the flux of the atmosphere. 2. Thus it
appears that the ether possesses and actuates its own parts; 3.
and so far as the air and ether agree, so far also do one and
the other organisms of the ear. 4. The action of the ether is
higher, whence it is purer.
EAR AND SENSE OF HEARING. 103
Colors.
354. In regard to coJors see The Econom;y of the Animal
Kingdom. See also my former excerpts.
355. 1. There appear in general ta be two origins of colors.
l, that is ta say from direct and shining rays of the sun, 2, and
from light itself without the sun.
356. The origins of colors from the direct and shining ra'Ys
of the sun, are those which pierce pâlucid bodies when the sun
is present: l, as the colors which are shown by pellucid bodies
variously figured: 2. as by drops, bull~, aqueous vapors: 3. by
the bullular forms made of viscid and soapy [f1uids]: 4, by
things of divers forms made of glass, by globes, by spheres,
full or empty, by prisms, parallelogram's, polygons: S, by
other angular things variously eut, by glass, by crystals, by
diamonds, and by other pellucid stones: 6, by glasses and at
the same time waters, by which they [the rays] are variously
120 THE SENSES.
Yet this composition hardly falls under the power of the micro
scope; IL and if it sa falls, in such case that coloration
perishes, together with the blackness itself which resu\ts from
many things.
368. Variegated reflection tram l1V1Jre simple parts, when this
is given for a base, p'rodttces colors which appear constant, as
in pictures, fiowers and other things. 1. For those different
colors do not appear without that base, which is blackness
or whi~eness. 2. This whiteness or blackness cannat come
except from many things taken at the same time. 3. Then
when it (the whiteness or blackness) is present generally,
those things appear single; the variegations or modifications
of things are distinctly according to our mIe; 4. otherwise
they do not appear. 5. Thus light without the sun pro
duces colors, but first there must be a general to which, as
to a base, the colors may be referred. 6. In a 'ward, these
parts can be compared ta min'ors, glasses, when on the one
and the other side there will be a leaf white or black, in Mder
that the refiections ma)! ap pear.
369. T hus the causes of each origin concur,. but these lat
ter are m,odificatiol1S composed of endless other things by varie
gated -rdlectians, wh1:cJt have reterel1ce ta their bases or ta the
general of the compound, whercfore ta blackness or whiteness.
I. Therefore these co1ors are variegations of general white
ness or blackness by the variegated refiedions of light and
shade in the smallest particles, in themselves pellucid; 2. thus
they are polygons, variously angled, hollowed. plane, round;
3. but the colors perish without their own general.
370. WihereJ10re these causes are cDnstant, and may be con
sidered ta be in the particles themselves,. I. as for instance, in
the blood, 2. in fiowers, roses, syrups, etc. 3. V,Therefore they
can be variously changed by oppositions, indeed can take on
colors gr~en, red, etc.; 4. wherefore according to the destruc
tion of the composition, 5. according to the opposition of other
things, so that another form of general composition may come
into existence; 6. according ta poor completion of the com
position; 7. and by endless other variations.
371. Stlch a part in a pellucid volume tinges the whole
12 4 THE SENSES.
the look induced upon the face such especially is the state in
duced upon the external apparatus of the eye which is visibly
perceived and distinguished. Ir. To enumerate particular
mocles would be very prolix. 12. In the presence of shame the
upper lid fa Ils and is not raised; 13. in impudence it is opened
more fully round; 14. in fear it is sometimes closed; 15. in
wrath and courage it is fully opened. 16. In wrath the feat
ures are held fixed and inflamed.
383. 4. According to the state of the affections and opera
tions of the mind. 1. This is altogether by correspondence.
2. It is very quietly held in deep meditation. 3. Without medi
tation it is vibrated in a desultory manner. 4. It is fixedly
and intently held at a tension when one listens, reads or looks
at an object. 5. In some desire it is otherwise modified. 6.
These affections are principals of the affections of the animus
and are deeply within in these latter affections. 7. The light
of sight is to be obscured and overshadowed in the degree in
which the light of internaI sight or that of the understanding
is to be illuminatecl. 8. It is not possible for the one and the
other to be active at th~ same time. 9. \Vhile the sight is most
active, as in imagination, then the understanding corresponds
only as a passive. IO. \Vhen the understanding is active and
takes ideas profoundly from itself and its memory, and ele
vates them to its own sphere, then the sight of the body will
not even be passive. Ir. InternaI sight does not inflow into the
external, but external sight into the internaI. 12. Althoug'h the
eye does not see still it is the organ by which the mind sees. 13.
Vlherefore we can think with closed eyes, or even if we are
blind; 14. and even much more keenly when nothing interferes
with and extinguishes [our mental images]. 15. Thus external
things extinguish interior things-one light, the other, where
fore the external must be passive in orcIer. that internaI light
may reign, 16. thus the passions of the animus, in order that
spiritu;J,1 affections may reign. 17. Reason is similar.
384. 5. According to the motions of the eye itself, actuated
attd moved by means of the muscles. 1. By means of the com
mon muscles of the eye and forehead, then the muscles of the
eyebrows and lids, the eye can be so compressed that it may be
held back towards the posteriors. 2. Thus it acts againit the
THE EYE AND S/GHT. 129
388. 9. T 0 draw off that hum or, so that there ma}' always
be a right amount on hand. 2. It is variously drawn off to the
major canthus, 3. and thence by the lachrymal points towards
the nose; 3. especially from the laéhrymal gland by the semi
lunar tunic. 4. Thus no more is admitted from the lach
rymal gland than can be mixed with the unctuous humor of
the sebaceous glands. 5. This latter humor is also drawn off
thither. 6. For this end the greater left [?] canthus exists.
7. There the caruncula lachrymalis is situated. 8. There is the
most quiet station of the eye as every one can see in himself
when the eye is compressed, for. the humor is driven ta the
mote quiet state. 9. The most quiet is through the lachrymal
sac into the nose, where is the axis, and other things of the
periphery. IO. For this end the lachrymal points are always
open. 1 I. According ta Boerhaave they are bound with carti··
lage in arder that they may remain open. 12. When the gland~
are pressed they pour out the most especially the lachrymal
gland, which therefore is by the lessel' canthus, and adjoined
ta the orbi t, where there is the greatest pressure because the
greatest motion.
389. IO. There are states still more geneml; I. as for in
stance, ta lower the face, 2. to lower the whole head; 3. a "Tate
arising from averting the sight.
390. Ir. Besides as to the manner in which the muscles act,
see tholtghts concerning the muscles of the face.
391. And how the humors are drawn off, that the purest
blood is carried to the venter,* see above, thoughts conce-m
in,!:;' the arteries.
392. 1. Experience. 1. There are four straight and two ob
lique muscles: 2. the straight superior or great e!evator; 3. the
straight inferior or small depressor; 4. the straight internaI
adductor towards the nose; 5. the straight external abductor
towanls the temple; 6, the oblique inferior or small ml.lscie:
7. the oblique great or trochlear so called because it passes
through the cartilaginous ring. 8. These two oblique muscles
turn the eye. 9. Ail the motions take place around the centre
of the eye. IO. The muscles are bound at their extremity ta
the fun dus of the orbit near to the optic foramen by short and
narrow tendons; II. thence the fleshy parts go forth to the
greatest circumference of the convexity between the optic
nerve and the fleshy tunic, where they are enlarged. 12. Ten
dons are implanted in the circumference and by adherence
continued even to the cornea, and they form the albugineous
tunic or white of the eye. 13. The optic nerve follows every
rotation of the eye. -wl1erefore it is surrounded with fat; it
also has a curvature towards the insertion of the globe, whence
it can be extended. 14. The pupil in natural site is directly in
front. 15. Seven bones come together at the orbit. 16. The
optic foramen is in the sphenoid bone. 17. The orbits are but
little c1istance apart. 18. The orbit is invested by a production
of the dura mater, it communicates with the periosteum of the
base of the craniu111. 19. The albugineous tunic is thin to
wards the cornea where it commingles itself with the cornea.
20. The pupil in a natural state looks forwarel. 21. And the
internaI margin of the orbit is plainly opposed to the middle
lip of the internaI globe.
393. 2. Use. 1. The eyes by means of the musc1es can nat
urally execute every circ1e, greater and less, according to will
and determination of sight. 2. Nor can it only make simple
circ1es, but also continuaI circles and spi raIs ; 3. so that in a
greater effigy it may represent the potencies and activities of a
state of motion fo be changed in whatever possible manner;
4. but still within its own boundaries. 5. The !ids themselves
accommodate themselves entirely and naturally to the state of
the motion or gyration of the bulb, so that the tarsus of the
upper !id may ahvays hold the pupil under itself.
394. 3. The eye is per11litted to execute 1'latltral!'Y every
circle, greater and less, accordùtg to the will a·nd determination
of sight. 1. yVe cannot easily ~!etect the motions of the eye,
except in two modes: 2, first, if we hald the heac1 fixed aw!
turn the sight to every quarter, from the objects which are snc
cessively submitted to sight, the quality of the circumgyration
of the bulb becomes apparent, but in this manner we are en
tire!y unab!e to see except in another thing [than the eye] how
132 THE SENSES.
are 50 placed and fixed that they actuate aH this motion mast
conveniently. 2. They are attachecl ta the miclc1le of the cir
cumference where there is no resistance. 3. Aponeuroses
thence stretch to the cornea, sa that every tendon and every
tenc1inous fibre determines itself exactly according to the cen
tre and concentrations of its powers. 4. So that thus the mus
cles have the whole external surface of the eye under them
bound to them. 5. Wherefore the albugineolls tunic performs
a triple use. 6. First, in order that the muscles by means of
it may correctly direct the 'whole eyeball. 7. Second, that the
eye may be protected from in jury. 8. Third, that it may reflect
the rays of light so that they may not penetrate by this way
into the eye, for the white repels the rays; thus that they may
centre only by the pupi!. 9. Besides this the muscles lie very
near to the common axis or radius of the nose, where the orbits
almost converge, 10. and are supported by the seven bones of
the orbit. Ir. The foramen itself passes through the sphenoid
bone. 12. By the favor of the optic peduncle the slightest mo
tion returns into that part, as when a globe is moved trom a
certain point upon which it stands. 13. Wherefore the slight
est motion of circumgyration returns into the optic nerve. 14.
There is almost no local motion, but only a rather small gyra
tory motion. 15. The nerve has the power of gyrating like
the eyeball but in a smaller gyre.
399. The optic foramen does Ilot correspond to the pupil,
that is Ù is Ilot in the diameter of the eyeball,o the causes au
as follows: 1. The optic foramen, or place where the nerve
enters, is nearer to the nose. 2. For according to vVinslow the
circumference of the eyeball towards the temple is \Vider than
towards the nose. 3. It is similar in respect to the ciliary pro
cess, so also of the ciliary corona, in respect to the pupi! and
the uvea. The causes are as follows: 4. First, because in their
first formation, while ail things were fluid, and determinations
\Vere being formed, they presented themselves for a more per
fect form of fluxion, (as arose the very form of the fluxion of
the eye itself), that is to say, for a spiral form; this never ac
knowledges the centre of a circle, but it is outside a circle; for
THE EYE AND SIGHT. 135
foci; by this means the tremor of the one is reflected into the
othe 1', and vice versa, nor does it go inward. This seems to
be c!01'l.e especially in arder that those tremiscences shaIl not
verge into the uvea, the iris, the ciliary processes and many
tissues of this place. 6. In arder also that they shaH not enter
singly (singularissime) and irritate the retina and the vitre
ous humor, care is taken by a blackness induced upon each of
its layers, namely. upon the external major, and upon the in
ternai thinner, or Ruyschian tunic ; this blackness absorbs every
similar modification, and confuses it sa that it shaH not pene
trate further: thus the blackness of the external tunic absorbs
the modification sa that it shall not penetrate into the internaI
tunic and into the uvea, and that of the internaI tunic, so that
it shaH not penetrate into the parts under the uvea, and inta
the crystaIline and vitreol\s humor; thus aIl remain most safe
and are cared for bath by reflections and absorptions. 7. This
tunic therefore brings it about that the entering vessels and
fibres come into a most quiet state 011 entering the uvea, where
concurs a wonderful tissue of the smaIlest things; for, accord
ing to \Vinslow, they penetrate by that way, thus by the way
where ail vibratory motions cease and are reflected. 8. Thus
also it receives aIl the general modes of the brain through the
optic nerve, ta which it is nearest. 9. It appears ta be an ex
pansion of the pia meninx. for here the nerves, strippecl of the
dura mater, are surroundecl by the pia mater.
404. The Uvea. 1. The uses of the uvea concur with the
uses of the choroid in a general way; 2. but the uvea derives
into itself distinctly aIl this apparatus of smaIlest parts, sa that
therein aIl things ma)' be accomplished tranqnilly according
ta the arder of nature. 3. \iVherefore the uvea is the basis
of the iris, of the pupil, of the ciliary processes or fibres, of
the ciliary ligament, of the arterial and venous band, of certain
ducts which are caIled black. 4. Thus ail things therein can
be accomplished accorc1ing ta the affections of the brain, since
the)' can be accomplished most distinctl)' and most quietl)', be
cause therein there is none but pure blood and distilled
(spirituata) l)'mph; the others which are impure and which
THE EYE AND SIGHT. 143
of 111 ell , is absolu tel)' like the eye of another neither in. gen
era! nor in part, 1101' yet in things 1/Iost singular. L It is
varied in general figure, 2. in size, 3. in motion, 4. the albuginea
is not a1ike, neither the sc1erotic; there are endless diversities.
4. These diversities are greatest in the cornea, [which differs]
in size, figure, density, pellucidity and elasticity. 5. N either
is the iris alike in color, size and distance. 6. vVherefore
neither is the pupi!. 7. Neither is the crystalline lens ~imilar
in size, figure, compactness. distance, and action upon the un
derlying vitreous humor. 8. Keither is the retina alike in one
and another. 9. \Vherefore neither is the vitreous humor, but
indeed every part differs variousl)'. 10. But these things agree
in things most general and in the higher genera!. 11. Thus
neither are the animus nor the affections. thus neither the mu
tations, constant, which are according to the tissue, and the
inconstant mutations are various acconling to the affections.
12. \Vherefore the sensation or sight is varied in ail things.
J 3. ~ight is the principal, motion corresponds to it as an 111
stru1l1enta1, the tissue corresponds to each of them.
thought of the brain or the internaI state, lest the one confuse
the other; this accommodation cannat be accomplished with
out the vitreo\1s humaI'. 6. By the contraction of the parts it
c1raws the lens and relaxes the retina ta l'very mode and man
ner, vice versa by its expansion. 7. Thus it induces upon the
retina l'very general state, which cOllting-ency, affections and
many more things plead, sa that under the regular general
state particulars may be more regularly and distinctly marked
out for l'very mode of procedure, and thus that states gelleral
and particular may coincide, 8. and this according ta the ratio
as weil of thequantity as of the qllality of external and internaI
light. 9. These parts of this substance seem ta be formecl al··
togl'ther for the modification of the ether, ta the encl that its
gcneral modification may be concentrated into l'very part, and
at the same time spread abroad into the whole pcriphery,
according ta the nature of that modification. 10. Wherefore
they do not seem ta be dissimilar ta the parts of the ether in sa
far as its modifications are concentrated in those things ",hile
they are dispersecl into the periphery. Ir. In order that the
communication may be better, every part comlllunicates \\-ith
its genl'ral through septa and very thin threads (licia) as else
where in the body. according to \Vinslow. 12. Althollgh on this
account there are litt1c septa lest the parts be moved from their
own place, according to the nature of that modification. 13.
Then in orcier that they may always have a care for the f1uid,
and that the f1uid may be excreted by this way, thus may be
in a perpetuai state of renovation. 14. vVherefore it is like
the white of an egg, and after cleath (moram?) it evaporates.
15. It sel'ms to be composed of the f1uid which f10ws bet\veen
the fibres throllgh the optic nerve; perhaps also through the
somewhat larger tubules which those fibres form; and its fa!l
ing in seems to be from periphery to periphery, and to be a
perpetuai communication, and its fallillg out along the septa
into the common membrane and its folding, and to be led back
through the fibres thence originating as it were corporeal, and
through the capillary veins_
419. The retùw,-its uses. 1. The retina exists in order
that it may receive ail images and rays distinctly, which are
154 THE SENSES.
cicle. I1. Thence all things obey the nod of the brain constitut
ed in its own liberty while in beginnings; and to the boul1dary
and from the boulldary they rightly flow to the goal. I2. The
origins of the nerves flow from the greatest motion to the least
or to rest or to the port whcn they flow to the eye, the greatest
motion is into the ventric1e, less into the bombycine sinuses,
about the infundibulum, wherefore about the sella turcica, when
the)" are united it is stil1less, in the orbit least, final1y, there is no
motion. I3. \\iherefore ail htl1nOrs necessary to the eye flow
thither spontaneously, and are as it were twisted, thither; but
others than those which are due pass by, for the nerve is there
compressed into a fascicle. I4. It cannot be wanting from this
reason but that every single fibre, and at the same time, every
single little vessel of the internai carotid, which follo\Vs [the
optic nerve] and penetrates broadly into the eye, according to
the experience of Ridley, should be in the animation of the
brain, wherefore that the eye itself. especially the retina, is
vibrated in such a manner; for \Vith those movements the spirit
is poured through the fibres of which it cannot be deprived,
while the strength of that animation with so facile potency and
curvature cxtencls thither, so that thus on account of this
reason the brain seems to have transcribed ail its potency into
the eyes. I5. Every animation of the brain scatters the spirit
about through the fibres, and takes place by the spirit itself
thus more interiorly, but every sensation thus takes place
through the fibres and tunics thus more exteriorly; wherefore
the tunics of the fibres are exposed to the modifications, upon
which the rays impinge. The one cornes from the prior thus to
posterior things dowmvards, the other from the posterior thus
to prior things up\Vard; thence there is a circ1e from sensation
to perception and understanding, from the understanding to
the "viII and thus determination, or from outmosts to inmosts,
frOIl) inmosts to outmosts. I6. Therefore also the internai car
otids follow, for the circulation of their blood agrees \Vith the
sa11le movements. I7. Thence the venous blûod is drawn off
înto the sinuses. But we have treated of these things above.
424. The use of the third pair of nerves, or the C01nmon
motor nervcs ~f the eye. I. vVhen the brain has been formed,
160 THE SENSES.
the state of the iris and of the pupil, which ought to agree w;th
the state of the optic nerve. 22. vVherefore ail the affections of
the cerebrum and the cerebellum reflecting upon the optic
nerve, whence are the mutations of state. InternaI motions and
sites altogether harmonize, yea, those of the vitreous humor, nf
the cr)'stalline lens, of the retina. 23. By means, therefore, of
this nerve is establishcd the harmony of ail the external and in
ternai states of the eye, a'Jd they are accommodated ta the
affections of the brain, with wonderful wisdom.
425. The ~tSes of the fourth pa'Ïr of nerves or of the nerve
of the troch/ear. I. This one in like manner as the former
springs from the place of the greatest equilibrium, or from the;
place of meeting of the motions of the cerebrum and the cere
bellum; 2. but not from the anterior part as the former, but
from the poste ri or part, about the region of the testes, not far
from the isthmus, where the first or transverse process of the
cerebellum arises; thus respective!y ta the former pair, the
nerve of which is conjoined, but the determination of the one
is anteriorl)', that of the other, however, posteriorl)', in the same
li ne where the meeting and equilibrium between bath brains
holds s\Yay. 3. Thus it seems ta receive filaments from both
the cerebru111 and the cerebellum, and it is subject to the author
it)' of bath, or ta the will and nature, which also becomes evi
dent from its action. 4. This pair likewise but by a longer v,'a'
runs forward in bath directions near thé septum of tl
meninges and near the si de of the annular protuberance, ta tn<. ~
sella cquina into the sinus cavernosi, bet\veen the nerve of the
third and the sixth pair. 5. Indeed it runs above the third pair
and the rest of the nervcs whicl:. it touches, 6. This nerve goes
ta the trochlcar muscle or the superior oblique. which is the
equilibrator of the four former nerves, ta the extent that th:s
one muscle accu pies one balance of motion, while the other
four occupy the other, thus they correspond ta each other; for
those four llluscles without this trochlear couId not be al"
restecl and held back, according ta Winslow and others, hence
a separate nerve is rcquired which may actuate the other cause,
wherefore it runs forth from the opposite sicle in the meclulla
oblongata: that the office of this muscle is snch may appear
THE EYE AND SIGl-lT.
pair also conjoins the outmost states of the eye with the out
most state of the face, or the outmost muscles of the eye with
the rest of the muscles, wherefore it goes to them, and conjoins
itself variously with the seventh pair. 6. It likewise conforms
the rest of the senses, as taste or that of the tongue, sme11
or that of the nostrils, hearing or that of the ear, with their
motions, likewise as in the eye. 7. It conjoins the states of
a11 the sensories with one another, that they may not disagree;
wherefore it is a universal regulator. 8. It conjoins also in
sorne way the states of the body with the states of the head;
wherefore it reflects filaments into the great intercostal nerve.
9. It seems to derive its filaments from the cerebrum and the
cerebe11ul11, so that its function may be both natural [i. e.} in
voluntary] and voluntary. la. The filaments which are of
the cerebrum, or those which communicate with the filaments of
the cerebrum in the medu11a oblongata, seem to receive sensa
tions; the filaments which seem [to go] into the muscles seem
to be of the cerebellum; thus it joins sensations with natural
[involuntary] motions, in orcier that they may altogether co
incide: thus it joins nature to the understanding, or the cere
bellum to the cerebrum: this is evident from its whole func
tion. II. But to give the office of this nerve distinctly would
be too prolix; ta do this would require a whole treatise on
the organism of animal [animate?] motion. 12. Thus then
in the eye this nerve seems to conjoin sight with motion, so
that a11 things may be harmonious according to affections.
13. From this nerve also it appears how titillation in the
nostrils by means of snuff, etc., affects the eye, because the
dura mater is excited, to which it adheres, which thus vibrates
the lachrymal gland, ancl the rest of the eye; 14. Also that
it is especia11y the nerve which causes sneezing, for it carries
the dura mater away intoconvulsions; it also moves the in
tercostal part, as the lungs, thus the nostrils, the eyes, the
larynx, the palate, and a11 else that it approaches; and it does
this by communication with the sixth pair.
427. The use of the sixt/t pair} or externa./ 111O'tor nerve.
1. This nerve also is expencled almost only upon the abductor
muscle of the eye. 2. It arises from the lowest part of the
166 THE SENSES.
to the brain; they are of the same color as the brai n, they are
similar to the cortical substance; the brain appears within.
In some also the pupil can be covered or c1osed. *
430. 2. From. the use of the eyes of insects of every kind
if ma)' appear, in agreement with the principles given above,
what qua./ity of teJ.-ture of eye has falten to the lot of each
one. 1. That the eyes must be very simple and very perfect,
because they are in a purer and simpler world. 2. That they
can see more minute, indeed most minute, objects, such as they
collect, choose and carry \Vith their delicate little mouths
and tongues from leaves and other things met with. 3. That
the same little objects are seen by them at a very short distance.
4. That they recognize from sight \Vhether they are suitable,
wherefore they seem to have at the same time a purer sense of
smel!. S. That since their eye is their purest sense,-the
sense by which is the most immediate relation to the nature
and instinct of their soul,-therefore their eyes must con
stitute, as it were, the essence of their brain. 6. That they
seem to be made for shady rather than for bright light. 7.
That they can look in every direction. 8. That they can
avert dangers, such as would offend and disturb those very
delicate organs. 9. That they have a kind of hearing in their
eyes. 10. Thus the)' clraw in ail those things which happen
in apurer deg-ree of nature, whither our most perfect micro
scope can scarcely penetrate.
431. Thér eyes must be very pure and very perfect be
cause they are in apurer world. 1. For there are insects
which scarcely equal one degTee of our sight, sa that they can
nat be seen except with a very good microscope. 2. There are
also larger forms the eyes of which still are not seen without
a microscope, but the il' eyes taken together present ta our
sight a confused mass, as, for instance, fEes, bees, etc. 3. The
abjects wh'ich they see must be of a like degree, sa that they
may recognize the difference between the parts ta which they
apply themselves, 4. in arder that they may pick out, choose,
and take apart those things; that they may see particIes, in
finite in respect ta the smallest part of our eye, from which
they ma)' pick out those agreeable ta them; S. wherefore they
have been furnished with the smallest eyes, which can per
ceive those parts 1110St distinctly, as do microscopes of a smail
sphere or diameter: 6. yet in order that they may see these
things very distinctly, they are given many eyes which together
perceive one thing; for the more organs there are, so llluch
the more distinctl)' and exquisitel)' they perceive; many
eyes are better than one. In purer nature, forms which
agree are multipl ied; thus also one form keeps another
in its own state. 8. \Vherefore the organic fonTIs of the brain
are most numerous, likewise the organic forms of the body or
of the smallest follide, glandule or branch. 9. Every viscus
derives its perfection from its smallest, and indeecl its multi
plied parts, those parts always having respect ta motions. IO.
Thus also they are safer from every danger and mutation, for
they,. at the same time, conserve one another, and guard the
integrity of their form.
432. Thence it follows that the}' see thel:r objects at the
shortest distance. 1. This follows from their very small, as
it were microscopic, sphere~; 2. from the very near application
of insects to their food. 3. Thus they cio not see colors as we
do; for we see from the difference of many rays and from
the ratio of light ~tt1d shade in colors, while they see distinctly
every ray whether luminous or shady. 4. This also appears in
microscopes, in that man)' rays ::tt once proc\uce a color, but
liO THE SENSES.
the same time the vitreous humor, performs in the larger eye;
wherefore that membrane is double and very thin, scarcely con
sisting of anything except of pulmonary tubules. It deserves
to be observed here, that nature everywhere, even in the mat
ter of sight, collects the first and the one of ail things, and as it
were, reduces it into a kind of chaos, before it separates and
renders ail things distinct; it pours them into a one in order
that it may thence take out [what it chooses] ; it is done thus
in the viscera; in the other senses also ail things are at first
referred to a common membrane, as smell, to the pituitary
membrane, touch, to the reticular membrane, so also taste. II.
Sixth, from this membrane every modification passes into
the fibres of the optic nerve, which fibres also form pyramids,
and under this membrane they are appenc1ed and are contigu
ous [to it] ; thus every ray enters its own composition of rays,
as has been observed of sound and of the retina; the cru der
ray enters many fibres at once, the thinner and simpler rays,
fewer fibres; this is the first distinction and llnfolding of the
rays from this common chaos of concentrations. 12. Seventh,
in these optic nerves, which are also multiplied, but not like
the eyes and their pyramids, [but rather] like little organs
not dissimilar to those in our own retina or in the cortical sub
stances of the brain, (to which also Swammerdam likens
them) 1 which receive the rays and thus clistinguish them, there
is this other distinction and purification of the rays; almost
as in the ear, the modifications of which also in general agree.
13. Eighth, from these little organs the optic nerves tend
through the fibres ta the brain, and indeed immec!iately into
the cineritious substance, where the fibres terrninate. and the
little organs of which correspond to the little organs of the
optic nerve; this is the last purification and distinction of the
rays. 14. Thus sight seems to be effected in the bee, and in
other insects similarly in general, and thus more distinctly than
in larger and binocular animais. These are the successive
things which appear here congested into one globe and thus
simultaneous. The structure can be varied in an cndless
number of other ways, altogether according to use; for nothing
THE EYE AND SIGHT. 173
this also is the reason for sa manl' el'es, and there is an ex
quisite operation of the rays. clifferent from what it is in
other animaIs, ;\ncl clifferent from what it is in man who is
gifted with unclerstanc\ing. Thus from the eyes one can
conclucle comparatively as to the brain, what quality of sen
sation each one has, wherefore what gracle of unc\erstancling.
9. Therefore the sight of insects is guarclecl, lest anl' rays enter
towarcls the brain other t1un those which must be cloubl)' puri
fied and clistinguished. wherefore there is a recl (purpureus)
color in the uvea, and in the first collection of the rays, 10.
Therefore the eyes are scatterecl about as in f1ies, 50 that they
can look in every direction, acconling to the observation of
Leeuwenhoek; so that there is nothing in the vicinity of the
parts \vhich cloes not at once affect them.
435. From tlûs afFection results a sudden change of the
stMe of the organs. according to eve?")' affection of theù- bra';1'1.
1. In the pt11'est parts there is a most perfect change of ail
states. 2. Their perfection consists in this potency. For
thence results instinct or natural action accorcling to the mode
of the affection. 4. That these organs are fashioned for all
changes of state, appears. bath from the very th in and very
pure membranous fibres of the brain, ancl from the softness
and elasticity of ail of them. 5. Therefore the uvea and its
appendix can change themselves very quickly, ancl perchance
also their COI01·S. 6. Therefore there is a smroun:!ing globular
matter, through which the ether circulates ancl to '2very part
of which it is concentratecl, which matter from the common
affection incluces changes of state upon those inc1uc\ed fascic1es;
for thel' consist of that most perfectly mobile substance, and
are clivicled into expansible. compressible and erectile (elt!
vabiles), spherules; this is the change of the general affection.
7. There is an unclerll'ing common membrane, into which are
concentratecl the rays of aII the el'es still more ancl more
general1y, for it serves as a basis for ail, ancl can be con
tracted and clilatecl ancl can thus varionsly expand the whole
organ; wherefore it is very thin, furnished with a double lay
er, producecl almost from pulmonary fistul<e, which, accorcl
:nfJ:' EYE AND S'ICHT. 175
Prologue, .
Touch, 4
Taste, 4
Snlel1, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5
Hearing, 6
Sight, 7
Epilogue, 3
3°
CHAPTER VII.
tunic, thus externally; 8. but indeed every action, from the will
and its determination acts upon the fluid itself, thus internally;
9. thence the motor fibres are excited. ra. How this external
change is produced by external [action], and of what quality is
the circ1e from the understanding and its ideas to the determin
ations of the will, must be treated of in our Psychology. r 1.
Therefore, the external world produces sensations, but the in
ternaI, actions: the internai also produces internai sensations,
but originally arising from the external world ; but they are for
the benefit of the internai forces, which then concur.
452. 3. Wherefore the fibres must be so organically formed
and arranged, that they can receive the d'ifferences of every
touch of that kind distinctly. 1. What the quality of the Iittle
organs or organic forms of every externaI sensory is, has
been treated of in their particular disquisitions; see and confer
in respect to touch, taste, smell, etc. 2. The little organs, that
is, to say, the papill::e, etc., in themselves, and among them
selves, 3. are formed entirely after the nature of tactile, impell
ing or modifying objects. 4. Wherefore the sensories are
organs formed entirely after the nature of objects and of modi
fications; thus in order that we may be instructed from them, as
to how nature acts extrinsically, and in order that we may be
instructed from modifications, as to how the little organs should
be formed, 5. whence the acoustic, optic, and many organs
derive their origins; 6. but the most perfect of all are those in
microscopie animais; in these there is absolutely nothing, which
is in nature, with its single varieties, even to infinite and all pos
sible varieties "\vhich is not impressed therein; 7. it is required
that those forms be correspondent, both in themselves, and to
one another; for one is the particular, the other general, it is
required that the correspondence belong to each, in order that
the particular may be distinct; 8. indeed every particular, such
as a papi lia, is a kind of general, which has respect to the single
things in the papilla, in order that the particular form may be
distinct, 9. and so forth; ro. also every most general state of
all, or the tissue of the whole organ must correspond.
453. 4. The sensati01~S of touch, taste and smell arise from
a touch or împ~ûse of thi1~gs heavy or of the forces of inertia,
THE SENSES.
appear to us for the most part without form; for what of form
can be noticed in a unity ? Thence arise the fallacies of the
senseS. 13. N evertheless they are very distinctly perceived
through affections, grateful and ungrateful, by the soul, which
is within the compounds themselves as a common, and, as it
were, ungrateful affection.
456. 7. The differences of this form '/tUtSt be simultanemtS
or successive. I. There is nothing simultaneous which must
not arise from successives in nature; it is an attribute of nature
that it shaH successively proceed to things simultaneous. 2.
It is otherwise in supreme things where ,vhat is, is together,
nor is there anything simultaneous; this being together pro
duces the simultaneous in nature, when for the sake of effects
it produces ends by natural causes. 3. Simultaneous things
are in natural things, even in angular forms, for by successive
determinations they are so formed. 4. Their touches also
appear to be simultaneous, especially in unities, although they
may also be successive; for one moment of our sensation may
be composed of infinite, purer moments which we do not ap
perceive ; thence is space and time. S. Successive differences
exist between the unities, or in the number of many things,
even appreciable differences, as in hearing and sight. 6. But
these successive things must be formed into simultaneous
things in a superior sphere in order that they may be apper
ceived in the perception, and especially in the representation of
the soul, as harmonic or disharmonic. 7. These analogies are
natural, and they agree with the state of the superior organs
and of the brain, which organ and brain apperceive them. 8.
But to describe those harmonies and disharmonies is an im
mense field; for one must run through the whole nature of the
universe, and, at the same time, of the microcosm, and make
application to the tissue of the microcosm. 9. In a word, differ
ences are never apperceived without form.
457. 8. Form arising from successive things Ptlts on the
sa·me quality as that arising from simultaneous things. I.
This appears from musical harmonies, 2 from optics, palaces.
ornaments, if they are orderly and coherent. 3. Long is the way
to gather the quality of forms from successives, as from sounds
SENSATION IN GENERAL.
*This manifestly refers to the work on the Fibre. See n. 475. 20.
196 THE SENSES.
suggested by the memory which are true, and may push noth
ing actively further, but may let the soul flow into those ideas
and reduce them into order. 9. For there is no truth except
from the superior, and finally from the supreme. 10. But the
soul ought to be in that state, that the affection of the spirit may
flow into it, which cannot be done without spiritual reoovation.
1 I. Affections must flow in order into inferior affections, then
there is a true pre-established harmony, and a whole state. 12.
For, as has been said, an inferior faculty never flows into a
superior, but only furnishes those things into which the su
perior may flow.
488. There is something in the fonns of inferior modes,
sensati01tS and ideas, which nalurfjll'j' affects superior things.
1. As in speech, in its single sonorous modes, which are
sweeter, more grateful and harsher, there are harmonies to
gether with the affections of the animus thence resulting;
wherefore there are many similar things in our words, as in
the expressions, tinkling, thunder, whistling and endless other
expressions, besides many varieties interiorly in the same;
if the sound is rendered sharper or graver, it is changed
in quality and quantity. 2. In the words themselves joined to
gether as in music, or in speech, when the voice is at one
time elevated, at another time lowered, now more quietly, now
again varied, altogether according to the affection of the sense
in the same expressions; thus by music alone, especialIy Italian
music, we institute a kind of speech more ornately, which
moves the affections of the animus; this speech we express
otherwise in words. 3. Likewise in speech by means of eio
quence, or a harmonious arrangement of words, which affects
the understanding itself or the superior faculty. 4. These
things bring it about that things said may be more fully and
easily grasped and understood, wherefore that art has gone S0
far that it imitates nature. 5. Rence there is no natural speech,
except such as is also notieed in brutes; indeed, that also can
be effigiec1 by music anel a concert of words.
489. These things cannot be ttnderstood e:rcept by means cf
ne'w doctrines: I. namely, by the doctrine of forms, 2. of order
and degrees, 3. of influxes, 4. of correspondences, 5. of modifi
204 THE SENSES.
NB. NB.
raised up from obj ects entering through the senses. 17. But
new productions exist either from nature, as in brutes, whence
there are wonderful instincts, as well to the geometrical
harmonies of the world as to the appetites of the body, as also
mutual loves of their own society; IS. also in some men there
are similar instincts, which, however, are called inclinations.
19. But imagination is produced especially in the human race
not by nature, but by oneself by the rational mind, 20. espe
cially by means of sciences and arts, into which a man ought
to be inaugurated. 21. Inclination accedes thereto. 22. The
imagination which is reproduced has no other cognition or
science than the external sensations themselves, that is to say,
the affections. 23. But the imagination indeed which is pro
duced, or the imagination formed anew from these things, ac
knowledges either nature as a cause superior to itself and its
order in itself, 24. or it acknowledges its own proper mind,
and its sciences and arts, according to the rules of which,
wherefore according to the acquired or formed order of which,
it is instituted. 25. Wherefore no cognition of goodness can
be ascribed to the imagination, as from itself, but from things
either inferior to itself, or superior to itself. 26. The whole
science of the imagination is memory; 27. thus the science of
the quality of good or of form, of which goodness and har
mony are predicated, resides in its memory, which is thus sepa
rated from affection. 2S. Thus imagination judges nothing,
that is, does not examine the truths of goodness, but only re
produces them, or produces new truths; 29. and indeed, from
causes above recounted, the imagination is only the mediate
faculty, in which the rational mind is instructed, and by which
it determines its will into act, especially into acts of speech.
30. Thus the imagination knows goods, either by affections, or
by previous science, or by nature, thus not from herself, but
from things inferior or superior to herse If, upon which she as
a mediate and mediating faculty depends. 31. That alone
seems to have its own and what is proper, which can reproduce
something from culture which is fixed in its memory, as
in sleepwalking and in nocturnal and diurnal phantasms.
(These things, strictly and brieRy, and in the exposition itse1f;
they are almost confused.)
22~ THE SENSES.
truths look to, and which the 1tnderstanding explores; they are
the good tlûngs, the better and the best which ought to be
chosen, a.et'uaU)1 embraced, and loved according to their nature.
ft is the part of SCIENCE therefore to know these truths which
manifest goodnesses, wherefore it is also its part to lmow the
nature of goodnesses by aid of the faculty of thinking and
j~tdging sensually from experience, physicall)1 by rules geo
metrically irue, philosophicaily b)1 reasor..s and analyses of the
mind, thus by those explored b)1 the anal)!tica,z way. ft is the
part of INTELLIGENCE to regard ends in every series of the
operations of the mind, and in its single moments, and to dis
pose the series of ends or mediate ends to the ultimate end in
order that they may be uses. It is the part of W1SDOM to
choose the better from the goods of ends, and the best from the'
better, which is the ultimaJe end of intelligence,-not only t{)l
choose, but also to 'will; not only to will, but also to do; so that
it ma)! take on astate conformable to the nature of that good
ness; wherefore to pursue the felicity which results thence. 1t is
the part of SUPERIOR W1SDüM, not only to choose, will and do
15
226 THE SENSES.
to the smell; 8. the delights of song and music and like things
to the hearing; 9. aU the beauties of nature to the sight; la.
many magnificences, as of c10thing and endless other apparatus,
which are outside us, and which affect the animus; Ir. finally
wealth, the goods of the world, because they are outside. 13.
All these things are outside and affect the mind itself. 14.
Rence the things which are outside us, and are not ours, but
which by love we conjoin te ourseIves as ours,and love merely
for the sake of the delights, or for our own sake, not for the
sake of a higher or superior end. 15. If we love those things
for the sake of a superior end, then those ends are conjoined,
and from them we receive delights from the delights of the end.
16. Thus they are not to be looked at as without us but within
us, although they are without. 17. These things are known
as pleasures, because they are in ultimates as in effects.
543. The proximately superior love, for the sake of that
principal love is the love of the bod'j'. 1. The love of the body
is within us, sole/y for the delights of the body and the animus,
and not for the sake of better ends. 2. They are especiaUy
loves of the imagination or imaginary loves; 3. the loves of
vener)' for the sake of delights alone, not for the sake of an
other end; 4. the loves of our beauty; 5. the loves of our
gestures and manners, whence are various kinds of pride; 6.
the loves of our knowledge, especially that of the memor)',
whence we believe ourselves wiser than others, while neverthe
less we may be fools (phantastœ). 7. Thence are endless kinds
of insanities. 8. They are excited by causes within us, by the
blood; by the animal spirit; and not excited by causes without
us but by our very selves; 9. even the very proportions of the
blood excite those causes. ra. There are appetites of various
kinds. Ir. There are amusements of various kinds, there are
various kinds of pride and arrogance. 12. We regard society
in ourselves, but not ourselves in society. 13. That 'we ma)'
flatter this love, we favor the lowest love, which is as it were
the servant and the instrumental cause of it; wherefore this is
called the principal cause. 14. Thus it can be conjoined with
the prior, but it can also be separated.
544. In a word, aU those things pertain to the loves of the
SENSATION IN GENERAL. 229
for love is the very spiritual bond. ([) In no one is there pure
love except in God alone.
549. The remaining conclusions follow of thetnSelves with-
out comment.
550, H ecpvenly society is not for the salle of earthly society,'
î> for the heavenly arises from the earthly as from its sem-
inary, or, if we may argue from ends, it cornes to the same.
2. The end for the sake of which the world exists is the animal
'Kingdom.* (3:" The end for the sake of which the body exists is
the rational mind and the soul; for it is formed for the repre-
sentation of the soul, and for the image of the operations of
the mind. \EThe end for the sake of which man in part exists
is society. 5/ The end for the sake of which earthly society
exists is heavenly society. ~The end for the sake of which
heavenly society exists is the glory of the Divinity. ez.)Thus
every single inferior thing in itself as in an image and type
represents a superior [end].
551. Thus also all intelligence of truth descends. ~.As it
is with the good so it is with the true. Q.:.For truth produces
goodness from itself,c.1 and goodness contains truth in itself.
<.. 4.' Thus the one cannot be separated from the other in the
first instance ;;~. but that from which one flows, from that
flows the other. 6.jThus God, as He is goodness itself, so He
.J
/,i Fia 2.
few or many; the one rules the other, thus like moments in
like space; and without the general there is no modification.
IS. As fibreS are of apurer form, the more perfect they are,
and the less are they reduced to dissonances, and being col·
lected, the more easily are they led back to consonances; they
derive their nature from the perfection of their form.
564. The quantities of sounds express a!ffectio'nS, [1]. so that
qualities express sensations. 2. Thus qualitles or gravities of
sounds also express an acuter harmony, which indeed excites
affection, 3. but more naturally and easily if the harmony is
conjoined with an analogy of quantity. 4. Quantities are alti
tudes, as in figure 3, vvhere triple altitudes are represetned, as
own center, are harmony itself, the very nature and soul of the
kingdom, order itself, perfection itself and life itself. 8. But
the affection of moral truth and good does not exist except in
the understanding. 9. The understanding cannot but affect
the soul, and form a like state of it; 10. wherefore there is
given to it the choice of good and evil. 1 I. In order that a
state of it may thence exist, to which felicity or infelicity may
conformably redound.
590. We can best learn from the atmospheres what kind of
affections exist, as also sensations; the sole difference exists,
that as in the atmospheres the parts are free, and thus the free
parts are modilied, so the parts of the animal kingdom, espe
ciaUy in the cortex, are bound; and' there is furthermore this
difference, that in the animal kingdom the beginning or soul is
aUve, from which soul the rest of the things th~rein derive
their life a.ccording to form; of this organic form 1 venture to
tell. I. The modified atmospheres indeed are concentrated
towards the single part, as has been shown above. 2. The
single part receives the form of modification of the larger part,
yea, that of the whole. 3. This part, because it is a constant
little volume from the purer atmosphere, thus affected, cannot
but communicate that affection with those things which flow
within, and compose its form. 4. This form similarly com
municates with its own inmosts. 5. Thus the atmospheres
them;elves suffer from disharmonies even to their inmosts.
6. But because al! the parts are free, they flow back when the
modification is finished. 7. From these things also, in some
measure, but as in a shadow, it can be deducted how the uni
verse suffers from the perverted state of man; 8. but this does
not belong in this place.
591. These affections arise from aU our live senses, as from
touch, taste, smell [hearing] and sight; I. for they are affec
tions arising from the harmony of the modes themselves in
themselves and among themselves; 2. which coincide simul
taneously or successively. 3. Taste is such an affection, 4.
similarly smell; 5. hearing is such in respect to song and modu
lation; 6. sight, in respect to images and colors. 7. In every
mode of song that kind of affection lies hidden, as also in
THE SENSES.
*ln the original MS. three lines of July land 2; l wrote it July
are here crossed off; they read: 2." See the editor's preface to
"These things wnich l have writ DE GENERATIONE. The dream here
ten were foreannounced to me in refem.d to. ~ill be .found in a note
a wonderful way. See the dream to n, 'ytp below.-TR.
. , A' zq
SENSATION IN GENERAL. 253
done; afterwards also it appeared also a little gold ",as given me,
to me, as if it had come to a point althoLlgh there was sorne copper
",hen my mean stivers were ex among it." (2 Documents con
changed for better coins; then ceming Swedenborg, 19B.)
SENSATION IN GENERAL.
nesses of truths, and finally of choosing the best are only inter
mediate ends. 3. But this is our ultimate end, 4. which in
volves the ultimate end of tmiversal creation, which is the
glory of Gad.
640. Thus finall'y ta hea'venly happiness, which is a per
petuai continuation of spiritual life. \~C vVe can by no means
arrive at spiritual life of ourseIves ;\ 2. for spiritual Iife con
sists of the love of the highest good, that is, of Gad Himself,
and of His Love, which is in Christ Jesus. 3. We cannat of
ourselves mount up farther than ta the love of ourselves. r 4.....
This love is adjoined to every intellectual sensation. 5. Every
inferior love extinguishes the superior, and, conversely, the
superior, the inferior; there is a perpetuai collision, and finally
an extinction of the one, that the other may triumph. (6:)The
love of the world, of the body, of the goods of the worId, that
is ta say, avarice is altogether repugnant to the love of self.
j':':The love of self or of one's own glory, of fame, of the mind,
of the faculties entirely extinguishes avarice.. 8. But superior
love or love of the highest good, which is truly spiritual, ex
tinguishes the love of self, and induces humiliation so that one
regards oneself as nothing. (9:) Thus where natural life is
supreme, there divine spiritual-îife cannat be ;ro:'l wherefore
the love of self must first be extinguished.. IL Since this does
not fall under any sensation it is not the part of our pO\vers to
assume that extinction, but it is of the Divine beneficence /Iz.'
wherefore it is necessary for the love of self ta be extin
guished, and ourselves thus regeneratec1; 13:' _... wherefore with
out regeneration by the Divine Spirit or the Spirit of Christ
we can by no means enter into the kingdom of Gad. (Ï4~IThus
one cannat be regenerated unless the interior man die. 115.
What is in the soul itself is above the sphere of our under
standing. "îl?) vVhen the interior man dies then first sorne
sense of that love or a certain superior happiness is born/il.
which emulates heavenly happiness, although obscurely. .IS.
Thus this new Iife is perpetuated ;(I<;~) but it supposes the ex
tinction of natural life or that of the body and imagination,
which continually fights against it. Go:: Nor can there be any
conception of the nature of that heavenly happiness; where
SENSATION IN GENERAL.
CI-L'\PTER VIII.
just like the rose of a watering pot; they easily lose their
cOl1sistency, so that when they are rubbed, they suffer them
selves to be put forth into the forms of soft pyramids, and to
be depressed at the sides. The serico-villous papil1ce are the
smal1est and most numerous of al1, and they occupy the whole
superior surface of the tongue, indeed the intervals them
selves of the rest of the papil1;:e; they are to be cal1ed rather
conical than vil10us papillce, for they are represented as such
by the microscope; they are natural1y rather soft, and after
death the)' become flaccid, to the degree that they are some
what more long and slender than in the natural state; on
rubbing them between the fingers they are shortened and be
come thick. The reticular membrane in the boiled tongues of
oxen, indeed in human tongues, is a kind of mucilaginous and
cIear substance between the papil1ary membrane and the ex
ternal, or epidermis, scattered and sparse; this material be
cornes white by boiling; the foramina there are caused [by the
pyramidial papiIlce].
645. l\L\LPIGHI. There are bodies breaking forth from the
outmost surface of the tongue, and in the direction of the pos
terior pole, slightly curved, arranged in a series, resembling a
carding comb; these prominences are cartilaginous in the ox,
in the fonn of a boar's tooth; they exhibit a concavity at the
root; the)' are composed of a dense and tenacious material;
about the sides of the tongue they grow so slender that they
are almost obliterated ; in the base of the tongue instead of the
membranous tunic are found bodies which are almost like a
somewhat blunt conical teat; the single bodies are invested by
the membrane of the exterior of the tongue. In the tongue of
the fish they are bony at the apex, conical and blunt; these
horns are found in the base of the tongue; they are evidently
hollow; neverthless their substance becomes so slender and is
so dilated at the middle, that it not only gives place to the
subentering nervous papil1a, but also appears diaphanous;
they are implanted in a kind of mucous body; very minute
pores and meatuses are observed, especially at the roots of the
horns; under this they present a glutinous substance, white
outwardly, black beneath; it is stretched after the manner
THE SENSE OF T ASTE.
that no one shaH ascend above it. Let the [ail] seeing fates
so bear us on that we shall return to the silver and golden
ages; and, with our mind as a leader, let us strive to struggle
out by the analytical way; in that event the divinity is with us,
whose principal essence is wisdom and charity; but let us Ilot
therefore desert effects, for we ought to strive by means of
them.
650. 1. Wherefore the uses are: 1. That the sense may per
ceive what l'ies hidden in the foods which are taken, whether
they are suitable for the blood, whether they ought to be turned
into chyle, whether they ought to be committed to the stomach,
and the chyle and blood-making viscera ; wherefore, that it may
perceive what .will serve the corporeal life, and be homogene
ous with it; wherefore, the tongue is prefixed to the abdominal
viscera, and that sense is for the nutrition of the corporeal
life. 2. That that sense may affect the animus and the body
itself, and thus excite the appetite, and continue the desire for
food, or even that it may affect in a contrary manner, that it
may reject things taken, and may extinguish the appetite;
wherefore, that it may desire a thing if it be good, may turn
aside and reject it if it be evil; whether a thing be truly good,
or truly evil for the body, is not given man to know by nature.
but by art, afthough there are indications in the appetite itself
for what is taken, which precede in man; it is otherwise in
brutes. 3. That according to the affection of the sense and
the appetite thence arising, the state of the little sensories and
of that organ may be changed; then also the state of the
stomach itself and of all the viscera dedicated to nutrition. 4.
Finally that effects according to the change of state may come
into existence, that the media may be excited, that the salivary
pores may be opened, that the papil1<e may be extended, that
all things may be arranged for nutrition; these media them
selves then produce the effect; they are innumerable and ex
tend throughout the whole body.
651. Therefore, the rule is: affection according to sensation,
change of state acco~ding to affection, effect according to
change of state. But let us proceed to the particulars.
THE SENSE OF TASTE.
652. 2. ~ow as to the first use, that the senses may perceive
what lies hidden iti the foods which are ta/un, whether they are
suitaf:;le for the chyle, the blood and the viscera, or whether
those things are homogeneous which touch this barrier and
gate, these things are to be observed: 1. We must consider the
quality of the foods which are taken, especially those parts
which excite the sense; 2. the quality of the little sensones
which correspond and apperceive; 3. how that which touches
and creates taste is brought near, or how it is dissolved,
brought near, touches and imprints an image of itself.
653. Wherefore, we must consider the objects of taste
themselves, and the media and aids.
654. 3. As to the quality of the objects or foods it is to be
observed: Î. They are the dissolved parts floating in water, the
salivary menstruum which resolves similar things to their
unities. 2. Those parts are diversely figured, they are angulate,
fiat, circular and diversely spherical, of infinite variety; nature
herself produces this variety in the minerai kingdom, where the
forms are quite simple; they are compounded and formed in
infinite modes in the vegetable kingdom; finally they are taken
and formed othenvise in the animal kingdom; thus it is the
parts of a three-fold kingdom which affect the little sensories
of taste, that is, the tongue; 3. there are parts hard and heavy,
. heavier elements, sa1ts, not soft, yie1ding, elastic; for they do
not affect the tongue; sorne of the dissolved parts break forth
as oils and spirits, sorne while they yield put forth their spicules
or planes: thus the)' are ail parts of the angular form which
are hard both outwardly and inwardly; this will come to be
demonstrated in the doctrine of forms. 4. It is only their ex-
ternal surfaces which affect, whence what kind of figures they
have is evident to the sense itself, that is to say, whether they
can be accommodated to the chyle. 5. The maximum of that
sense seems to be cornmon salt, \Vith its eight acids or spicules,
for the tongue perceives it floating in water; many things taken
at once are not so sensed uniess they be dissolved; we can
know what of aH things belongs to that sense; if only we take
a particle of watel, one particle of salt fi11s up the eight in-
terstices of water; this has been shawn elsewhere. 6 That
19
THE SENSES.
through the whole force which they receive aH the way to their
extreme ends, just as other elastic bodies, air and ether, that is,
the atmospheres, almost in an instant; according to experience.
4· Wherefore those sensory fibres are rather soft, so also the
fifth pair, according to the authorities ; therefore they are more
tumid with spirit, and are more sensitive; for there is nothing
in them which does not flow, as it were, in its own manner,
and which is not mobile in each of its points. S. From contact
a similar tremiscence instantly arises in the fibre, and a similar
modification in the' spirit, wherefore a similar representation
in the termini of the fibres; how slight a touch produces a
mutual effect in bodies slightfy elastic, likewise in elastic mem
branes and nerves, is wel1 known, because it happens similarly
in those which entirely correspond with the touch. 6. Every
fibrous composition expanded into the papi1la corresponds to
its papilla which is everywhere various in the tongue, where
fore the composition of the fibre is also various. 7. The modi
fication itself thence arising is cal1ed sensation, ,,,,hen to the
modification is added life; for sensation is modification in
which is life, in which again is spirit, and final1y, in the cortical
substance where it is in its first cause, resides the sou\. 8.
Sensation not only pervades the fibres, which are continued to
the papill~ of touch, but also pervades aH the fibres with which
it is in connection, wherefore the whole medul1ary substance,
both that of the medul1a oblongata and that of the cerebrum
and cerebellum. This is evident from the nature of the tremis
cence and modific2.tion in hard things and in the .atmospheres,
also from the perpetuaI connection, al'so from the nature of
the sensation, that the whole cortical substance must participate
in it. We wil1 see that the brains and the cortical and medul
lary substance participate in it. 9. Every sensation pervades
the cerebrum equally, where it becomes sensation, as well also
the cerebel1um; wherefore the fibre of the cerebrum which is
of the ninth pair, and the fibre of the cerebelhtm, tbat is, that
of the eighth pair, are joined together everywhere in a mutual
. anastomosis, and the nerve of the fifth pair which springs
from another origin, and is both soft and hard, also acts as a
uniting medium; for the nerve of the fifth pair arises from
THE SENSES.
both the cerebrum and the cerebellum. la. Thus the extemal
organ of sense, whether it be of taste or of smell, whether of
hearing or of sight, does not sensate, but is only an instru
ment for receiving a contact, and for carrying it to the sen
sory; for that alone sensates which [is] organically [con
structed] for applying sensations ta itself, also the diverse
states of the change to be suitably put on, therefore although
there is onl)' one force, [yet] the very organic form brings it
about that it is such as it is, and not something else. LI 1]
This is apparent from those organs when injured, dissected,
etc., when their fibres are separated, and from phenomena of
the brain and its diseases, from sicknesses of the animus; this
[condition] instantly feigns a sensation in the organ; hence
the fallacies of the senses delude us. 12. The more distinctly
all things act in the tongue, in the fibre and in the brain, even
so that every single fibre is distinctly left to itself, but hmlted
to the general, the more acute, distinct and perfect are sense
and affection, the better likewise are the very organic forms
arranged in part and in the common pact, as is evident in the
smallest reptil'es, in the earliest years, in adolescence, in the
weil; it is otherwise in the sick, in the wom out, in the aged,
where the simple fibres coalesce and do not exercise their own
right, but breathe only what is general.
659. That the outmost or vag'inal tunie by the arteria! way
likewise carries sensation, b~tt a ruder one, to the brain. These
things are to be considered: 1. That the vaginal tunic con
sists of mere arterial ramifications, as is the case with most of
the membranes in the body, as also in the brain (which will be
demonstrated in the work on the Brain), wherefore they are
of a passive disposition. 2. The inmost tunic consists ot the
corporeal fibres of the arteries, these fibres terminate in the
cortical substance. The vaginal tunic of the tongue consists
of this inmost tunic, and through the carotids creeps swiftly
up to the cortical substance of each brain. 3. This tunic
weaves the cortical spherule itself, and finally unites with the
fibres thence springing forth; of these things eIsewhere. 4.
Thus a concourse of sensation takes place in the cortical sub
stance; on one side through the arteries, on the other side
THE SENSE OF TAS TE.
as, for instance, colors, the forms of the parts of which are so
arranged, that they may be affected thus or otherwise, under
this or that color. 9. If we conceive of affection alone, we
conceive of only an occult quality, and a general, obscure anc\
indistinct idea; myriads of forms concur in every single affec
tion, and simula te one form. 10. The soul alone know::> sensa
tions, for thence it produces affections; if it did not know
them, whence could there be an affection, whether [sensation 1
took place or not? the idea results from the form of the part
and the compound. II. We must inquire into what affection
is, elsewhere.
663. The brain is affected according to the state of its organ,
that is ta say: 1. from the particular state of the papilh:e; 2.
from their state in general; 3. from the state of the mem
branes; 4. from the state of the fibres. 5. For they are only
recipient and deferent organs, and of themselves feel noth
ing. 6. This is evident from the state of the tangue, its
papill;:e and membranes, that is, wb ether the state be hurt,
sick or sound, in respect to the natural structure or contingent
variety. 7. Thus the brain is deceived by the fal1'acies of the
senses; for it receives in the same manner as [the modes] are
brought ta it. So it occurs in the other sensory organs in the
extremes.
664. The organ is affected according to the sfate of each
bmin. 1. If the brain is sick; 2. if its animus is affected. 3. If
the minci persuades itself that this woulcl be suitable for the
blood, it therefore appetizes it and loves that which hUrts. 4.
Rence is the appetite for unsuitable things, for medicines, for
pains tbemselves; for the mind has respect to the health of the
body and the restitution of the blood; thence it is evident
that a similar harmony occurs wben nature indicates foods
suitable for the body. 5. But the rational mind is deceived,
not so the soul which is above the mind.
665. Also according to the state of the mediating fibres,. that
is ta say, 1. of those fibres which communicate sensation to the
brain, 2. of those by which the brain communicates with the
organ, 3. by which the papill::e communicate with the ex
tremes, with the common membrane, with the motor fibre and
THE SENSE OF TASTE. 3°1
the same series, both inmostly in the brain and 111 its internaI
sensories, and in extremes, that is in the body.t
CHAPTER IX.
730. That they are lungs in least form, and discrete qua.nt·ït)•.
I. They concur with the motions of the lungs, because with the
motion of the brains; 2. because they underlie* the papillary
substance; 3. because they are approached by the nerves; 4.
they emulate the pulmonary vesicles inserted in [i. e., at the
root of] the hairs; these are similar follicles. 5. The underly
ing muscles concur in a general way, as, for instance, the
abdominal and pectoral. 6. By these media the respiration of
the lungs reigns in the extremes, thus in aIl points. 7. Where
fore fleshy threads are interwoven with them, in brutes mani
festly muscular fibres; see experience.
731. That they are the beginnings' of the. veins. 1. For the
artery enters, the vein goes out. 2. There the surfaces make the
turning point. 3. There are also other beginnings of the veins,
that is to say, pure continuations. 4. There are anastomoses.
4 [a]. There are pendulous stiriée, as in other glands. 5. There
are little mouths. 6. Similarly as in the hepatic glands there
are beginnings of the hepatic veins, and elsewhere. 7. These
were aIl beginnings in the beginning of things. 8. In the course
of time the beginnings were obliterated, when aIl things were
formed, many anastomoses went off into tendons, 9. and they
underlie the layers which consist of various filaments and at the
same time of arteries and veins. la. For there are venous and
arterial ramifications which sometimes constitute the whole
membrane and the whole mass. II. But if we consider the
beginnings in a simple state they seem to be these things; for
when they are once formed, then determinations are formed
from them in a very diverse manner; just as nature draws her
offspring and ways.
732. That perhaps tlunce a·rises the external venous tunie
whieh con'esponds and, as il were, is continued to the internaI
arterial tunie: 1. By a similar turning in these glands. 2. The
outmost tunic of the artery passes over into the surface of the
gland; 3. and immediately passes over in the surface of the
vein, 4. the emissary tunic from the papillée accompanying it.
5. But these are only conjectures.
733. That titis tunie seems to be extended eveninto the peri
334 THE SENSES.
been said, that which arises from the simple papilla, and is a
fibre of the brain, but now arisen from a new corporeal be
ginning; 2. the second is the fibre thence compounded, that is,
the little arterial canal; 3. the third, that is, the little venous
canal, is from this last fibre and the one that arose before it.
4. These compositions must be called passive, respectively, ta
the fibres of the brain, which are active.
739. F,'om these things it is evident how ttniversal essences
arise, are determined, and reunite themselves in their begin
nings, according to the doctrine of universals in the chapter on
the Peritoneum.
The Adipose Membrane.
740. 15 fa J. EXPERIENCE. The adipose membrane IS fur
nished with cells not always equal, with layers mutually folded
together and superimposed upon one another; there the fat is
soft and fluent; this is interj ected into ail the interstices of the
muscles. From this layer break forth bulbs or tumors which
are the roots of the hairs, which break through the single
layers and the cutic1e itself.
AnalJ'sis.
741. 15 [b]. Every embodiment of the blood, that is, its bet
ter part, insinuates itself into the fat. 1. Lest it be evaporated
and sweated out with the effiuvia. 2. Those effiuvia, espe
cially the coarser, are also fatty and oily; 3. thus just as they
are in the omentum, 4. that there may be a restitution thence
into the blood through the veins, and that the blood may be
fed in time of need. 5. How true fat is distinguished from
the spurious and defiled, depends on the invitation of the fllt
itself from incitation through' the arterial capillaries, the
structure of which, their insertion, exsertion, and motion corre
spond.
742. That the impurity of the fat is evaporated through cer
tain channels, indeed throttgh the cuticles. 1. For there is evi
dently a transit and entrance either into the glands, 2. or about
the glands and thus through the chinks about the papillary
THE SENSE OF TOUCH. 337
[THE END.]