[Illustration: Fig. 48.--THAUMATROPE, OR "WONDER-TURNER."]
In Kay's "Life of Sir John Malcolm," we find an admirable and apt passage. Sir John says:--"I have been employed these last few hours with John Elliot, and other boys, in trying how long we could keep up two cricket-balls. Lord Minto caught us. He says he must send me on a commission to some very young monarch, for that I shall never have the gravity of an ambassador for a prince turned of twelve. He, however, added the well-known and admirable story of Henry IV. of France, who, when caught on all fours carrying one of his children, by the Spanish envoy, looked up and said, 'Is your excellency married?' 'I am, and have a family,' was the reply. 'Well, then,' said the monarch, 'I am satisfied, and shall take another turn round the room,' and off he galloped, with his son on his back flogging and spurring him. I have sometimes thought of breaking myself of what are termed boyish habits; but reflection has satisfied me that it would be very foolish, and that I should esteem it a blessing that I can find amusement in everything, from tossing a cricket-ball, to negotiating a treaty with the Emperor of China. Men who will give themselves entirely to business, and despise (which is the term) trifles, are very able, in their general conception of the great outlines of a plan, but they feel a want of knowledge, which is only to be gained by mixing with all classes in the world, when they come to those lesser points upon which its successful execution may depend."
[Verse: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."--CORINTH. X.]
Because the atoms of which our bodies are composed are _continually changing_. Those atoms that have fulfilled the purposes of nature are removed from the system, and, therefore, new matter must be introduced to supply their place.
870. _Why do we eat animal and vegetable food?_
Because their substances are composed of _oxygen_, _hydrogen_, _carbon_, and _nitrogen_--the four chemical elements of which the human system is formed. They are, therefore, capable of nourishing the body, after undergoing digestion.
Because mastication is _the first process towards the digestion of food_. Before animal or vegetable substances can nourish us, their condition must be entirely changed, their _organic_ states must be dissolved, and they must become simple matter, in a homogeneous mass, consisting of the four chemical elements necessary to nutrition, and they must again be restored to an organic condition.