2 ELEMENTS OF BIOLOGY 



ing the insect larva to determine why it moves. The material is 

 probed more and more deeply; as each larva is found the problem 

 of what causes its motion must be undertaken. Thus Science as it 

 succeeds in establishing one principle, finds itself faced with still 

 more difficult and obscure problems. 



The NATURAL SCIENCES havc the task of explaining the materials 

 and actions that, our senses tell us, make up the world about us 

 and extend out into space. Astronomy deals with the stars; geology 

 with the Earth; physics with the laws of energy; chemistry with 

 the nature and behavior of the ultimate particles of which matter 

 is composed. 



The Science of Biology. The science of biology consists of 

 the principles that characterize all living bodies and are responsible 

 for that phenomenon which we term life. Being the science of mat- 

 ter in the living state, Biology is in large measure made up of prin- 

 ciples that are derived from Physics and Chemistry. The chief value 

 of a knowledge of the science of Biology to one who has no voca- 

 tional interest, lies in the enrichment it brings to one's appreciation 

 of the unity of all material things and in the enlargement of ability 

 to comprehend broad and general principles. Animal biology is con- 

 cerned with the manner in which the principles of living matter 

 apply in the lives of animals. These are evident to us when we 

 compare and analyze a multitude of facts. Consequently the study 

 of Animal Biology involves familiarizing oneself with facts. But 

 ability to memorize and to re-state facts does not constitute knowl- 

 edge; it is only when one has considered the relation of the facts 

 to each other^and has a conception of the underlying order that 

 pervades all life that the science of Animal Biology becomes a use- 

 ful and enriching mental experience. This experience is gained only 

 by acquainting oneself with many animals and many processes that 

 are not met with in everyday life, by following a reasonable plan 

 in arranging these facts, and by thoughtful contemplation of the 

 significance of the various forms and activities of animals and their 



