264 THE WORLD-ENERGY 



considers the subject, that the "intelligence" of the 

 lower animals is enormously overestimated, as is also 

 their sensibility. The facts brought to light in biologi- 

 cal investigations appear to justify, in great measure, 

 the Cartesian view that the animal organism is an 

 automaton. 



It is to be noted further, indeed, that the living unit 

 as thus far considered is merely one example of a particu- 

 lar type or species. As such it is essentially limited in its 

 possibilities of development. And this implies that all 

 the various phases of growth involved in its nature must 

 be completed within a limited period. Whence it appears 

 that the destiny of such living unit is to fulfil the total 

 round of functions of which it is capable, and, even in so 

 doing, to bring to an end its own separate existence. 



And yet, though from its very nature, the individual 

 living (animal) unit must undergo dissolution, it is 

 evident, on the other hand, that the very process con- 

 stituting such unit also involves its own perpetuation as 

 type or species. Though the individual dies, the species 

 survives. 



Such is the general conclusion respecting the physic- 

 ally constituted living unit. We have next to inquire 

 a little more in detail as to the process of development of 

 such living units,, 



