The Summary of Physics Restored

180That the forms of the other animals are endowed with knowledge is sufficiently shown by their mating and generation at appointed seasons; the due distributions involved in shaping and nourishing the parts of individuals; the distinct functions of those parts without confusion; the varied movements of their affections; their keen sensory faculties; the hidden spirits moving their limbs harmoniously as instruments; their capacity for training; their obedience and respect towards their masters; their instinct foretelling what is to come; religious observance in many of them; skill in obtaining food; and prudence in choosing dens, securing protection and avoiding dangers. There are, in a word, all the things suited to knowledge and reason that Nature bestows upon them. In any individual, however, Nature is nothing other than its form, the principle of movement, rest, action and life in the thing in which it is present. To it are entrusted the care, direction and preservation of its body, just as a ship is entrusted to a sailor.