38

Logic II 38

{section title: A definition is an affair of Efficiency.}

figured in the books. Treat the whole systems of spinal
and sympathetic nerves, the alimentary canal with its
adjuvants, the muscular system, the osseous system in
the same way. Hang these all in a cabinet so that from
a certain point of view [???] [??] [??????] each appears superposed
over the others in its proper place. That would be a [very?] singularly
instructive specimen. But to call it a man would be what
nobody would, for an instant propose do or dream. Now the best definition
that ever was framed is, at least, but a similar
dissection. It will not really work in the world as the
object defined will, although of. It will enable us to see how
the thing works, in so far as it shows the efficient causation.
The final causation, which is what characterizes the definition,
it leaves out of account. We make smoke rings. We make
one pass through another, and perform various experiments,
which give us an imperfect idea, yet some idea,
of what a vortex really is. How all these things happen