Sense

(sens.) [From L. sens us; sen tio, I feel.] The external organs of S. are usually cla ed under five heads, viz., those of sight, hearing, feeling, smell, and taste. The nerves and the brain are the organs of sensation. If the external organ be destroyed, no sensation can be produced; where there are no nerves there is no sensation; where the nervous branches are most numerous there is most sensation; if the nerves be destroyed, sensations cannot be produced from those parts to which the nerve belongs, which are farther from the brain than the injured parts. The nerves of sensation terminate in the brain. If the brain is compre ed, sensation is suspended; if the brain is considerably injured, sensation ceases. The accuracy and extent of the perception depend on the vividne and efficaciousne of the compound sensations and the number of them received from the same or similar objects in different situations, and through the medium of different senses. The object, therefore, of early education should be to invigorate the organs of sense. Common S.is that power of the mind which, by a kind of instinct, or a short pro ce of reasoning, perceives truth, the relation of things, cause and effect, ., and hence enables the po e or to discern what is right and expedient, and adopt the best means to accomplish his purpose.- Moral S., that mental faculty which has the power of distinguishing Septuagesima, between right and wrong. [s. 813]