THE WORLD OF LIVING ORGANISMS 131 



it is the interpolation into the function-circle of the pro- 

 perties discovered that completes the physiological activity. 

 Even the numerous solutions of mechanical problems with 

 which the animal furnishes us from its world of action have 

 biological significance only as links in the chain of function. 



As we traverse a function-circle, we are absolutely certain 

 that all the time we shall come upon fresh arrangements 

 expressing design ; but we have no confidence whatsoever 

 that we shall anywhere light on a mechanical arrangement. 

 We have already learnt that protoplasm is called on to play 

 a part that is not only conformable with plan, but also super- 

 mechanical. 



Now since conformity with plan is the supreme law, not 

 only for material things but also for the processes of 

 the mind (of which apperception is the direct expression), 

 many investigators are inclined to transfer from physiology 

 to psychology, and from the body to the mind of the animal, 

 the guidance according to plan which constitutes the main 

 activity of the inner world. 



There is one essential objection to this, and it is that we 

 are trying to treat the whole function-world of the animal 

 under investigation as our own experience, and not as the 

 experience of the animal They are our indications which 

 are affecting the animal. It is we who observe the guidance 

 given. It is our apperception which recognises the plan. 

 If we tried to change the point of view suddenly and look 

 at things from the animal's mind, we should lose the inter- 

 connection of the appearances on which for us it primarily 

 depends. We should suddenly find ourselves surrounded 

 by the animal's appearances, which have no connection with 

 our own. For the unity of appearances depends solely on 

 the unity of our own apperception. 



It is another question whether the apperception of another 

 creature can express itself as an objective natural factor 



