258 PHILOSOPHY OF ZOOLOGY. 



of this desire, will often enable the naturalist to find out and 

 to distinguish particular species ; and the extent of this kind 

 of knowledge distinguishes the practical from the closet na- 

 turalist. 



4. Curiosity. We observe in children, a disposition to 

 examine the objects which surround them, and to ascertain 

 their properties. Nor is this tendency confined to the early 

 period. It continues to exercise its controul in manhood, 

 and even in old age, prompting us to attend to new objects, 

 to study the changes which present themselves, and to main* 

 tain our acquaintance with the world in which we live. 



This principle appears to exercise a greater influence upon 

 the human species than upon the individuals of any other, 

 and urges us to examine a greater variety of objects, in every 

 possible state of combination. It is to this feature of our cha- 

 racter, that we can refer our superior capability of receiving 

 instruction. But the same principle operates, although in an 

 inferior degree, among some of the lower animals. We have 

 thus limited our assertion, because, among many animals, we 

 do not perceive even a trace of this desire, the attention being 

 exclusively confined to the supply of the bodily wants. The 

 monkey tribe are fond of examining new objects, and will 

 subject themselves to a considerable degree of trouble in 

 the attempt. The dog is seldom disposed to suffer a stran- 

 ger to remain in his company, unmolested by his attempts 

 to become acquainted with his appearance and smell. 



This instinct, in the lower animals, is confined to the ap- 

 pearances and present properties of objects; while, with 

 man, the case is different. He does not rest satisfied with 

 a knowledge of appearances, but he is disposed to examine 

 the agents which have produced them. The lower ani- 

 mals have their curiosity confined to effects ; man alone at- 

 tempts to investigate causes. He builds, and he pulls 

 down, he combines and divides, in order to satisfy his CIL- 



