hitrodiictory. 37 



foundation for the comparison which we wish to In- 

 stitute between man and the lower animals. 



If we mistake not, we shall find Instinct to be 

 one of the great provisions which make the present 

 condition of the world possible — an absolute neces- 

 sity in animal life. It is one method of carrying 

 out a plan, or if one objects to this phrase, it is one 

 part of a great system which we find in operation 

 around us. This system is a unity in its operations 

 — so far a unity that we detect the same method 

 in all its parts — in parts even the most remote. 

 That we may see the relation of instinctive acts to 

 other operations in nature and the use of Instinct 

 itself, we shall trace the analogies of Instinct when- 

 ever we can find them. Our scheme then will em- 

 brace the consideration of the following topics, — 



1. The operations in inorganic nature foreshad- 

 owing histinct. 



2. The operations in plant life simulati7ig In- 

 stinct, 



3 . The operations in animal Physiology simulating 

 Instinct. 



4. Lowest forms of histinct for the welfare of the 

 individual, supplementing physiology or function of 

 organs. 



•5. The higher forms of histinct for the welfare 

 of the individual animal ; as knowing its enemies with- 

 out experience. 



6. The relation of Instinct to special structure, 



7. histinct as necessary for communities of ani- 

 mals. 



8. Development of Instinct by parental relation 



