CONFORMITY WITH PLAN 315 



were sought that were supposed to have brought about a 

 gradual adaptation. 



So for decades the word " adaptation " has served as a 

 false sign-post, which has turned research away altogether 

 from the right path. It is time, therefore, to choose a word 

 that contains no false theories of the kind, but repro- 

 duces nothing but the naked truth. " Congruity " seems to me 

 a term of the kind, since it asserts nothing but the undisputed 

 fact that organism and environment suit one another. The 

 question remains open as to whether the congruity was present 

 from the beginning, or whether it was gradually acquired. 

 In the latter case, we should be able to discover relations that 

 are more incongruous than others. 



As we know, this question has already been decided. 

 There is no " more " or " less " as regards congruity. Con- 

 gruity is always perfect, so far as the means at the disposal 

 of the animal extend. If all organisms are perfectly con- 

 gruous with their surrounding-world, there is no such thing 

 as gradual attainment of perfection ; the perfection of con- 

 gruity exists everywhere from the very beginning. 



If this be admitted, the paltry analogy with the human 

 way of doing things collapses into nothing, and we stand face 

 to face with a real law of Nature, as free from exceptions as is 

 the law of gravity. 



Every organism, so long as it has all its mechanical and 

 chemical properties, is congruous with its surrounding-world, 

 in perfect conformity with plan. This at once disposes of 

 the doctrine that denies conformity with plan in Nature. At 

 the same time — and this is less obvious — the doctrine of 

 purposefulness in Nature falls to the ground. A purpose, i.e. 

 an idea postponed to the future, in no way carries with it 

 guarantee for the complete exploitation of all the available 

 resources ; this will always be only more or less completely 

 realised. 



