ORGANIC DEVELOPMENT. 421 



transformations of inferior animals. They have also ren- 

 dered it extremely probable that the organs of the system, 

 instead of existing simultaneously in the germ, arise in re- 

 gulated succession, and are the results not of the mere ex- 

 pansion of pre-existing rudiments, but of a real formation 

 by the union of certain elements; which elements are them- 

 selves successively formed by the gradual coalescence or 

 juxtaposition of their constituent materials. On contem- 

 plating the infinitely lengthened chain of means and ends, 

 and of causes and effects, which, during the construction 

 and assemblage of the numerous parts composing the ani- 

 mal machine, are in constant operation, adapting them to 

 their various purposes, and combining them into one effi- 

 cient and harmonious system, it is impossible not to be deep- 

 ly impressed with the extent and the profoundness of the 

 views of Omniscient Providence, which far exceed the ut- 

 most boundaries of our vision, and surpass even the powers 

 of the human imagination.* 



The clearest evidence of enlarged and provident designs 

 may be collected from observing the order in which the 

 nascent organs are successively brought forwards, and added 

 to the growing fabric: such order appearing, in all cases, to 

 be that best calculated to secure the due performance of their 

 appointed functions, and to promote the general objects of 

 the system. The apparatus first perfected is that which is 

 immediately necessary for the exercise of the vital actions, 

 and which is therefore required for the completion of all the 

 other structures; but provision is likewise made for the esta- 



* " Si 1'on applique," says Cuvier, when speaking- of the anatomy of in- 

 sects, " a chacune de ces especes, par la pensee, ce qu'il seroit bien impos- 

 sible qu'un homme entreprit de verifier en effet pour toutes, une organisa- 

 sation a-peu-pres egale en complication a celle qui a etc decrite dans la 

 chenille par Lyonet, et tout recemment dans le hanneton par M. Straus, et ce- 

 pendant plus ou moins differente dans chaque insecte, 1'imagination com- 

 mencera a concevoir quelque chose de cette richesse effrayante, et de ces 

 millions de millions de parties, et de parties de parties, toujours correlatives, 

 tonjours en harmonic, qui constituent le grand ouvrage de la nature." (His- 

 toire des Progres des Sciences Naturelles, iv. 145.) 



