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in these nerveless animals.* We are of the contrary opinion, and 
rest our conclusion on the consent of all zoologists who have 
devoted themselves long and perseveringly to the exact observ- 
ation of such nerveless animals. Nay, we are even convinced 
that these very nerveless, but nevertheless soul-possessing animals, 
are of the highest interest to comparative psychology, and first 
make known to us the true key for the comprehension of soul- 
development. 
The most instructive, best known and most accurately 
observed in this noteworthy group of lower animals, is the common 
fresh-water polyp, the Hydra. Truly this little tender, tiny creature 
is spread everywhere in our ponds and ditches, and is always 
to be found in abundance; yet only a few anticipate what a world 
of important disclosures, on the most important secrets of Nature, 
this despised little creature affords us. Its simple body has the 
form of an oval cup, which is sometimes coloured grey or green, 
sometimes brown or red. The hollow of the cup is the stomach 
of the hydra; the opening is its mouth. Round about the mouth 
stands a circle of from four to eight fine threads, which serve alike 
as feelers for touching, and as holders for seizing their food. 
Eyes and ears, muscles and nerves, we seek in vain in our hydra, 
and yet we are convinced that it has plenty of perception and 
motion. If we touch the slender, long outstretched body but 
gently with the point of a needle, in a moment it draws itself up 
together into a little round ball. If we place a tumbler with 
hydras in it at the window, in a few hours we shall have all the 
polyps collected together on the light side of the glass. They 
therefore have perception of light, though they have no eyes, and 
move crawling into the light, though they are without muscles. 
Sensation and voluntary motion, the most important tokens of 
of animal soul-life, are therefore undoubtedly present, and never- 
theless these animals are devoid of the proper organs of soul— 
* Heeckel’s case seems here to be materially strengthened by the recent 
discovery (which Professor F. M. Balfour holds to be demonstrated, véde Address 
at British Association, Section D, given in Nature for Sept. 2, 1880), that the 
nerves have been developed from processes of epithelial ce//s.— C. H. P, 
