Mr. French on the nature of Instinct. 71 



Art. X. An inquiry into the true nature of Instinct, and of 

 the Mental Distinction between Brute Animals and Man, 

 Essai/ III, On the Specific Constitution of the Brute 

 Mind, and its modifications under Human Influence: in* 

 eluding an analysis of the theory of Brute Action contained 

 in Dr. Hancock'' s " Essay on Instinct, and its Physical 

 and Moral Relations^ By John Oliver French, J^^^, 



When we consider the influence which operates the guidance 

 of beings forming the lower degrees in the scale of animal exist* 

 ence, we are struck with the varied manifestations of an intelligent 

 cause : upon the subjects of this influence, the mind dwells with 

 an unembarrassed delight, in great measure arising from the clear 

 view which is afforded us of their definite station in the mental 

 universe, as the humble agents of a Wisdom not their own. The 

 other portion of the sphere of Brute action claims, however, as 

 strong, though less placid, an interest, and invites our powers of 

 investigation, as presenting a more perfect analogy to the un-^ 

 shackled intelligence of the human mind. An important elucida- 

 tion is here as it were spontaneously aimed at ; and the question 

 arises, how far the nature of the Brute is in reality assimilated to 

 our own. The conduct of animals in a state of intercourse with 

 Man, presents, therefore, an apparent point of contact with him, 

 which is peculiarly deserving of attention. For if the Brute really 

 be susceptible of education by the same Free Principle as Man, 

 the inference is, that, like Man, he is a rational agent; but if the 

 contrary, he is then, notwithstanding appearances, only a subject 

 in nature fitted to receive peculiar influences of a moral and 

 rational order: some of which may be impressed by the imme- 

 diate agency of man, according to a certain law of permission : 

 and thus he forms but a part of that mirror in which man's reason 

 is reflected. 



To attempt some illustrations of this point, will form the main 

 object of the present Essay: — but as a work, written by Dr. 

 Hancock, professedly upon the subject of Instinct, has recently 

 made its appcaran&e, and as this work necessarily enters into the 



