360 LAUGEL'S PROBLEMS OF NATURE AND LIFE. 



mingle. It is here, if anywhere, that we may hope to 

 obtain some enlargement and clearer definition of our 

 knowledge. Little is gained by multiplying examples 

 of individual instincts, wonderful though these be, and 

 meriting a better classification than any yet adopted. 

 What we need and desire is some great work, founded 

 on actual research, but treating the subject also as one 

 of general philosophy, and holding in view certain 

 definite questions for solution. Such are the relation 

 as to priority or causality between the organisation 

 and the particular instincts of species all that con- 

 cerns the hereditary nature of instincts their depend- 

 ence on habits and the casual conditions of life, 

 including here the separation of species into races 

 and the influence upon them of reason and the will. 

 These questions, were there no others, present ample 

 material for future enquiry. Time, as well as com- 

 bined and zealous research, will be needed even for 

 their partial solution. But we confidently hope for 

 some such work as that we have indicated, giving us 

 closer approach to that mysterious part of life where 

 mental and material functions, intelligence and in- 

 stincts, are linked together, either in co-operation or 

 conflict. One result of all research must be deemed 

 certain the recognition of an Almighty Power far 

 above our comprehension in its nature and attributes, 

 but ruling throughout all creation, living and lifeless, 

 by laws and forces which we may partially but never 

 can wholly understand. 'I had rather believe,' said 

 Lord Bacon, ' all the fables in the Legend, and the 

 Talmud, and the Alcoran, than that this universal 



