548. THE SENSE AND SENSORIUM OF TOUCH SPECIFICALLY.
In the papillary organ of the cutis, as in a mirror, we may contemplate the sense of touch, and see the nature of that sense; and vice versa: the one being exactly represented in the other; for the fibres put together and the form conceived with reference to every kind of variety and idea of use; as the papillary form with reference to touch (n. 531). In order to the existence of a sensorium that can apprehend the several varieties of an object with their differences and distinctions, the fibres must be disposed into an organic form (n. 531). By a similar contemplation of the one thing in the other, [that is to say, of the sense in the organ,] we are instructed respecting the rest of the senses. Thus, by the papillary surface of the tongue we are instructed respecting taste; by the papillary surface of the nares, respecting smell; by the sonorous tympana and laminae of the ears, respecting hearing; and by the construction of the two chambers of the eye, respecting sight: for wherever there is a sense, there is a sensorium also; wherever there is a force and modification, there is a substance also; in short, wherever there are accidents, there are subjects also: the one thing flows from the other, as something from something. And thus from the organic fabrics themselves, when anatomically unfolded into their parts, and examined scientifically, me may conclude, not conjecturally but certainly, respecting the offices that are performed (h).
(h) I have very frequently endeavored to show, that a diligent anatomical investigation, penetrating down to parts, and connexions of parts, has the especial result, of enabling us to search out thence, and survey as in a mirror, the uses of the viscera. (See Part I., p. 33, 34, n. 32 (d); p. 341, n. 241; p. 377, 378, n. 260 (n, o); p. 379-381, n. 260 (s); p. 430, 431, n. 286 (g): Part II., p. 141, n. 393; p. 361-366, n. 464-466, and the notes.) For all causes flow according to the nexus of substances: predicates and accidents most flow from substances as their subjects.
