FINAL CAUSES 119 



followed which will eliminate this dilemma. It is based 

 on the fact that function precedes structure, by which I 

 mean that functions now performed by well-differentiated 

 and specific organs, were undertaken by more generalised 

 structures before these organs existed ; just as, for ex- 

 ample, the membrane of a sea-anemone performs functions 

 of both digestion and respiration. 



Again, when a new function is required by even a 

 highly organised being, that function is, so to say, under- 

 taken for a time by some existing organ (of totally 

 different function), until such modifications have occurred 

 in successive generations, as will ultimately enable the 

 organ (thus metamorphosed into a new form) to execute 

 its new functions exclusively. For example, the tendrils 

 of Naravelia are foreshadowed in the sensitive climbing 

 petioles of Clematis, and the seed-carrying expanded leaf 

 of Cycas is preliminary to the ordinary closed seed-vessel, 

 such as the pod of a pea. 



Now, these principles of differentiation and meta- 

 morphosis which run through the organised world, imply 

 a universal potentiality of acquiring new functions, which, 

 at the same time, proceeds to modify structure, and so 

 gives rise to new organs. 



May we not, then, legitimately pass from a considera- 

 tion of finality in the actual organ to a finality in this 

 very power and potency inherent in organised matter ? 

 Whence it comes is unsearchable and past finding out. 

 All we can say is, that inorganic matter shows no sign of 

 it whatever, whereas organised matter, or its ultimate 

 elements, protoplasm with its nucleus, would appear to 

 have it to an infinite degree. 



Grant finality in this marvellous power, and the whole 

 question would seem to at once meet with its ultimate 

 solution. 



