Hamilton* s Definition. 43 



a work of intelligence and knowledge. Here we have 

 again the assertion of entire ignorance on the part 

 of the actor of the end in view in every instinctive 

 act ; but that the work is still one of intelligence 

 and knowledge. We suppose this simply means 

 that the work performed instinctively, that is, with- 

 out a comprehension, by the actor, of the end aimed 

 at, is such as would commend itself to the judg- 

 ment of an intelligent and wise being as man may 

 become by experience and by instruction from the 

 experience of others. We must here anticipate our 

 discussion by saying that we believe there are such 

 acts, and that they have their place of necessity in 

 the great system of means by which organic beings 

 are kept on this globe. 



If we commence with gravitation, the lowest 

 and most far-reaching of all the forces that modify 

 and control this universe, we can pass on through a 

 series of agencies till we reach man, who has power 

 of self-control and is able to comprehend the mech- 

 anism of the universe. And when he, through this 

 power of comprehension, surveys all these agencies 

 below him in their relation to each other, he finds 

 each one of them doing, in its own sphere, just what 

 Hamilton asserts to be the work of Instinct. That 

 is, in their relations to other agencies, they are do- 

 ing just what a wise being would approve of, be- 

 cause, by the combined action of all, results are 

 reached that commend themselves to Reason. 



It is gravitation that gives form to the globe, 

 holds it in place and moves it as a part of a system 

 of worlds around the Sun. Cohesion cements the 



