c Journal of Comparative Neurology. 



eral feeling. He makes general feeling the last member of a long series 

 of processes. 



The general feeling may be designated as the feeling which affects 

 not only a definite group of nerves, but which causes similar alterations 

 in the whole nervous system. 



We may also designate general feelings as all unlocalized physiologi- 

 cal affectations of the consciousness which are of an agreeable or disa- 

 greeable character. This definition excludes pain, tickling and organic 

 sensations. 



In spite of this endeavor to separate general from localized feelings, 

 it must not be supposed that the two are never united. Tooth-ache is a 

 localized feeling, yet with it goes a general feeling which aft'ects not only 

 the diseased part, but the whole body. 



First Traces of Mind. It is a bright day. The sun falls upon 

 tbe body. A portion of the light is absorbed, a portion reflected. A 

 few rays enter the eye, impinge upon the retina and send an excitation 

 to the brain. The mind is affected. Immediately processes spring into 

 action which from- a physiological stand-point have no existence whatso- 

 ever. We see, not the flat image which is produced on the retina, but a 

 body having a definite form, size and perspective. Here we have three 

 factors at work: 1st, the external excitation ; 2d, the physiological inter- 

 media ; 3d, the psychical processes. In researches upon feeling, as well 

 as upon all other psychical states, these three factors must be investi- 

 gated. 



The question arises, how do we know that there is such a thing as 

 feeling? Self observation tells us so. Just so certainly as I know that 

 I think, just so certainly do I know that I feel thus or so. , Observation 

 of the actions and writings of other men lead tolthe same result. So do 

 studies of the actions of the lower animals.^ [Indeed, in the lower an- 

 imals feeling predominates over the other factors. ^, Here then is the 

 best field for the study of feeling. 



The question now arises, how far down the scale shall we push our 

 researches? Where in the evolution of life does mind first appear? 

 V/here in the development of the individual does mind first appear? 

 There is no royal road to the solution of this question ; no criterion by 

 which to tell the conscious from the unconscious being. True, all con- 

 scious beings are capable of movements. But all movements do not in- 

 dicate a mind. During a cyclone, rocks and trees perform many gymnas- 



