HACHET-SOUPLET'S "DE L' ANIMAL A L'ENFANT"i 



WALTER S. HUNTER 



The University of Texas 



In the present volume the author attempts to set forth the 

 main outlines of an embryo science, that of comparative edu- 

 cation. This discipline is to be based upon an experimental 

 study of animals and children as opposed to the hitherto current 

 a priori ideas. The child presents only a difference in degree 

 and not in nature with respect to the higher animals. Hence 

 methods of training suitable to the latter are applicable to the 

 former. And Hachet-Souplet has had long experience in the 

 training of animals. 



In the elaboration of this program, the author treats first, 

 animals and then children. His standard, however, is the child 

 and animal life is interpreted in terms of this. The chapter 

 headings and some of the topics of the first part are as follows: 

 (1). Experimental study of sensations in animals. In addition 

 to comments of a general nature, tests on pitch and visual 

 intensity discrimination are described. Pigeons tested on the 

 last problem gave results verifying Fechner's law — "du moins 

 grossierment," writes Hachet-Souplet. And one may well accept 

 the qualification, for the most elementary precautions are ignored 

 in the work which is hardly so scientific as the tests Galton 

 once made with his whistle. (2). Fundamental and derived 

 instincts. Hunger and fear (primitively the rejection of food) 

 are fundamental and unmodifiable. Derived instincts are habits. 

 It is interesting to note that the author does not follow Bergson 

 in relating instinct and intelligence as opposites. (3) and (4). 

 The experimental study of derived instincts. (5). The principal 

 laws of the association of sensations. The chief law here is 

 that of recurrence. Stimuli d c b a precede the reaction r. The 

 associations formed remount from a to d. This law makes 

 anticipation possible in that d or c can lead to r before b or a 

 appears. At the close of this chapter the author announces 



1 Hachet-Souplet, P. De 1' Animal a l'Enfant. Pp. 176. Paris, Alcan. 1913. 



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