BIOLOGY IN HUMAN AFFAIRS 



religion, and other studies in which the idea of evolution 

 is an essentially vitalizing element. In consequence of such 

 a view, the mental horizon is tremendously enlarged, and 

 an intellectual outlook is attained from which the shadows 

 of superstition and irrational fear have departed. Nothing 

 could contribute more directly to human welfare than 

 a study which is capable of imparting this liberating 

 philosophy. 



And there still remain to be mentioned certain intellect- 

 ual benefits afforded by the scientific study of animals which 

 are of real value, though they may be thought lacking in 

 high philosophic dignity. A first-hand acquaintance with 

 earthworms, fruitflies, insects, and mice — gained in ana- 

 tomical and genetic studies — removes forever the stupid 

 attitudes of fear or disgust which ignorant people often 

 take toward such creatures, and thus helps toward a 

 rational appreciation of nature. More than this, when we 

 have noted how a mere Protozoan, like Paramoecium, 

 moves about in its miniature world in a way startlingly 

 similar to our own movements of trial and error in explor- 

 ing a dark room or in pursuing the scientific method; 

 when we have observed identical modes of eye-defect 

 inheritance in a fly and in ourselves; and when we have 

 found the same bones, nerves, and muscles in an ape as 

 exist in our own bodies, we come into permanent realiza- 

 tion of our intimate relationship with the lower animals. 

 General recognition o'f this relationship will lead naturally 

 to public confidence in the practical value of animal 

 experimentation and willing support of institutions where 

 it is carried on, to the sure advancement of human welfare. 

 Finally, it may be suggested that persons who have studied 

 such natural processes as excretion and reproduction. In 

 surveying the physiology of animals, are not likely to be 

 unduly impressed with inane taboos handed on to them 

 from an ignorant and squeamish past. This is a point of 



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