Note (39) — CANTO FOURTH.

“We have a most humiliating reflection, in observing the powers of renovation which are enjoyed by the inhabitants of shells, some of which, after their testaceous coverings have been broken, whether on the edges, in holes, or in cracks about the middle, no matter where—possess the power of directing, from their secretory vessels, a sufficient quantity of calcareous matter and animal gluten to repair the injury effectually;—whereas man has not the power of directing a single particle, either of earthy or glutinous matter, from his secretory system, to repair a small deficiency of enamel, which is literally a modification of porcelain shell, and the loss of which makes every accession of cold actually distressing.” (Hare on the Stomach, p. 277.)