1749. However, when there exists an equilibrium of these spirits with others, then they are of use in the same way the skin is to the interior organs. For by means of outward qualities, a person learns inward ones, but this is so because the Lord instills into the outer parts useful functions. To make an analogy: the skin is of service not only in the discharging of foul elements, but also in the intake of elements that help to nourish the interiors. But in this case, the skin is at the disposition of the inward life in letting those elements in. They are breathed in through the outside according to the inclinations of the inward parts. 1748, 27 March.