Introduction 



The procession of life through the ages and the factors 

 in the sublime movement; the peopling of the earth by plants and 

 animals and the linking of life to life in subtle interrelations, 

 such as those between flowers and their insect-visitors; the life- 

 individual types and the extraordinary results of 

 the new inquiry called "experimental embryology" these also 

 are among the subjects with which this OUTLINE will deal. 



The behaviour of animals is another fascinating study, lead- 

 ing to a provisional picture of the dawn of mind. Indeed, no 

 branch of science surpasses in interest that which deals with 

 the ways and habits the truly wonderful devices, adaptations, 

 and instincts of insects, birds, and mammals. We no longer 

 deny a degree of intelligence to some members of the animal 

 world even the line between intelligence and reason is sometimes 

 difficult to find. 



Fresh contacts between physiology and the study of man's 

 mental life: precise studies of the ways of children and wild 

 peoples; and new methods like those of the psycho-analyst must 

 also receive the attention they deserve, for they are giving us a 



\" Psychology" and the claims of psychical research must 

 also be recognised by the open-minded. 



The general aim of the OUTLINE is to give the reader a clear 

 and concise view of the essentials of present-day science, so that 

 he may follow with intelligence the modern advance and share 

 appreciatively in man's continued conquest of his kingdom. 



J. ARTHUR THOMSON. 



