217 



Those philosophers, who take a great deal of pains to 

 define instinct, are not. aware, that in order to do it, 

 they should spend some time in the head, of an animal* 

 without becoming the animal itself. To say in general, 

 that instinct is the result of the impression of certain 

 objects on the machine, of the machine on the soul, and 

 of the soul on the machine, is to substitute terms that 

 are a litlle less obscure, instead of a very obscure term ; 

 but the idea does not issue from the thick darkness that 

 covers it : we well know what, is not instinct, but are 

 utterly ignorant what it is. It is not understanding, or 

 reason : the brute has neither our notions, nor our mean 

 ideas, because it has not our signs. 



2. At the same time that NATURE has taught divers 

 animals the method of attacking and pursuing their prey, 

 she has instructed them in that of self-defence or escap- 

 ing. If we were conversant in the books of nature, we 

 should there see, without doubt, that the profit always 

 makes amends for the loss. A register of the births and 

 deaths of some species puts this truth beyond all con* 

 troversy. 



Those species which multiply most, have the greatest 

 number of enemies. Caterpillars and vine-fretters are 

 attacked as much within as without, by I know not how 

 many insects, that are always bent on destroying the in- 

 dividuals, \vithout being able to effect the destruction of 

 the species. Many species seek their living or retreat in 

 the inner part of the earth, or in that of plants and 

 animals. Others build themselves nests or shells with 

 amazing art, where they pass their time in weakness and 

 inactivity. 



Some that are more skilful, can, like us, make them* 

 selves clothes, and even procure matter for their nourish- 

 ment. They strip our cloths and furs of their hairs, 

 and make a kind of stuff of it, wherewith they clothe 

 themselves. The form of their dress is very simple, but 

 very commodious. It is a sort of muff or case, which 

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