120 EVOLUTION AND MAN S PLACE IN NATUEE 



development, points to an opposite conclusion. Some 

 higher origin we must seek, for a potentiality so much 

 higher than appears in organism. Observation of the 

 functions of human life has carried us beyond differ 

 entiation in structure, and beyond division of labour 

 in physiological functions. Evidence for distinctive- 

 ness of rational life lies clearly before us. Advances 

 in moral character, the most important of all varia 

 tions possible in human life, cannot be transmitted 

 to the succeeding generation. Each individual must 

 achieve his own victories; none can hand down such 

 gains. This marks the presence in Nature of a new 

 order of life, whose functions transcend those of the 

 cells and tissues and organs of a highly specialised 

 animal. Here, individuality, as personality, is subject 

 to a new order of laws. In accordance with these, 

 a type of excellence is presented in which the most 

 highly organised animals have no share. To power 

 of insight, special to man, an orderly system of exist 

 ence, unseen by any life lower in rank, becomes visible 

 in Nature. By use of understanding, of wisdom, and 

 of rational purpose, the individual forms for himself 

 a moral character, in which no other life can share. 

 Limitations of heredity become conspicuous here. 

 The rational agent may either gain by heredity ; or 

 he may suffer under the laws of inheritance. As 

 most differ in their lot, some having, under head of 

 patrimony, large inheritance in property, others but 

 few possessions; so have they differences in life- 

 inheritance. Such differences are in every sense 

 more serious, as affecting development and experi 

 ence. Possessions are external, heredity is vital. 

 The gravest questions of responsibility arise here, 



