272 THE GENESIS OF SPECIES. [CHAP. 



victuals), harmonizes well with the suggested possibility as 

 to an augmented viability and prepotency in new organic 

 forms evolved by peculiar consentaneous actions of con- 

 ditions and forces, both external and internal. . 



The remarkable series of changes noted by Dr. Bastian 

 were certainly not produced by external incident forces 

 only, but by these acting on a peculiar materia, having 

 special properties and powers. Therefore, the changes 

 were induced by the consentaneous action of internal and 

 external forces. 1 In the same way, then, we may expect 

 changes in higher forms to be evolved by similar united 

 action of internal and external forces. 



One other point may here be adverted to. When the 

 remarkable way in which structure and function simulta- 

 neously change, is borne in mind ; when those numerous 

 instances in which nature has supplied similar wants by 

 similar means, as detailed in Chapter III., are remembered; 

 when also all the wonderful contrivances of orchids, of 

 mimicry, and the strange complexity of certain instinctive 

 actions are considered : then the conviction forces itself on 

 many minds that the organic world is the expression of an 

 intelligence of some kind. This view has been well advo- 

 cated by Mr. Joseph John Murphy, in his recent work so 

 often here referred to. 



This intelligence, however, is evidently not altogether 

 such as ours, or else has other purposes than those most 

 obvious to us. For the end is often attained in singularly 

 roundabout ways, or with a prodigality of means which 

 seems out of all proportion with the result : not with the 



1 Though hardly necessary, it may be well to remark that the views here 

 advocated in no way depend upon the truth of the doctrine of Spontaneous 

 Generation. 



