Thus it is
that in those horned animals that have no front teeth in the upper jaw
the fat consists of suet. For the very fact that they have horns and
huckle-bones shows that their composition is rich in this earthy
element; for all such appurtenances are solid and earthy in character.
On the other hand in those hornless animals that have front teeth in
both jaws, and whose feet are divided into toes, there is no suet, but
in its place lard; and this, not being of an earthy character, neither
coagulates nor dries up into a friable mass.
Both lard and suet when present in moderate amount are beneficial;
for they contribute to health and strength, while they are no
hindrance to sensation. But when they are present in great excess,
they are injurious and destructive. For were the whole body formed
of them it would perish. For an animal is an animal in virtue of its
sensory part, that is in virtue of its flesh, or of the substance
analogous to flesh. But the blood, as before stated, is not sensitive;
as therefore is neither lard nor suet, seeing that they are nothing
but concocted blood. Were then the whole body composed of these
substances, it would be utterly without sensation. Such animals,
again, as are excessively fat age rapidly. For so much of their
blood is used in forming fat, that they have but little left; and when
there is but little blood the way is already open for decay.
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