2 io MODERN IDEAS OF EVOLUTION 



higher animals nearest to him, but with the humblest 

 animalcule. With all he shares a common material, 

 and many common features of structur J~jf 



When we ascend to the somewhat higher plane of 

 physiology we find in a general way the same relation 

 ship to animals. Of the four grand leading functions 

 of the animal nutrition, reproduction, voluntary 

 motion, and sensation all are performed by man as 

 by other animals. Here, however, there are some 

 marked divergences connected with special anatomi 

 cal structures on the one hand and with his higher 

 endowments on the other. With regard to food, for 

 example, man might be supposed to be limited by his 

 masticatory and digestive apparatus to succulent vege 

 table substances. But by virtue of his inventive 

 faculties he is practically unlimited, being able by 

 artificial processes to adapt the whole range of vege 

 table and animal food substances to his use. He is very 

 poorly furnished with natural tools to aid in procuring 

 food, as claws, tusk, &c., but by invented implements 

 he can practically surpass all other creatures. The 

 long time of helplessness in infancy, while it is neces 

 sary for the development of his powers, is a practical 

 disadvantage which leads to many social arrange 

 ments and contrivances specially characteristic of man. 

 Man s sensory powers, while inferior in range to those 

 of many other animals, are remarkable for balance 

 and completeness, leading to perceptions of differences 

 in colours, sounds, &c. which lie at the foundation 



