The Doctrine of Digestive Powers
A Contribution to the Philosophy of Nature
By
Dr. August Wolff
Professor of Philosophy and Physics at Marburg
First Part
Marburg
Published by Johann Christian Dieterich
1788
Preface
The philosophy of nature has taken a new direction in recent times. One has begun to regard nature not as a machine, but as a living organism, which is held together and moved by an inner force. This inner force, which can also be called the life force, is what brings nature to light in all its phenomena. It is what makes plants grow, animals move, and humans think and feel.
Digestive power is a special expression of this life force. It is what takes in food into the body and breaks it down into usable components. It is what nourishes and sustains the body. Digestive power is therefore one of the most important forces of life.
It is therefore of great importance to examine digestive power closely and recognize its laws. This is the goal of the present treatise. The author has endeavored to describe digestive power in its various phenomena and explain its laws. He hopes that his work will contribute to a deeper understanding of nature and improve the healing arts.
Marburg, January 1, 1788
Dr. August Wolff
Nature is a living organism, which is held together and moved by an inner force. This inner force, which can also be called the life force, is what brings nature to light in all its phenomena. It is what makes plants grow, animals move, and humans think and feel.
Digestive power is a special expression of this life force. It is what takes in food into the body and breaks it down into usable components. It is what nourishes and sustains the body. Digestive power is therefore one of the most important forces of life.
Digestive power, however, is not a simple force. It is a composite force, which consists of various elements. These elements are the nitrogenous, acidic, earthy, and ethereal components. Each of these elements has its special task and its special effect. Digestive power is therefore a complex phenomenon, which can only be understood through a close examination of its various elements.
The present treatise has set itself the goal of describing digestive power in its various phenomena and explaining its laws. The author has endeavored to regard digestive power not only as a mechanical force, but also as an organic force. He has attempted to understand digestive power in its connection with the entire organism and recognize its importance for life.
The author hopes that his work will contribute to a deeper understanding of nature and improve the healing arts.
Marburg, January 1, 1788
Dr. August Wolff
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