[8] 



To point out the precise method of the evolution of 

 mind, step by step, until the final climax of consciousness- 

 was reached, would require an abler pen than mine ; 

 therefore I shall be content to briefly notice the different 

 products of intellectual development in the order in 

 which they are unfolded, showing the analogy between 

 ontogenesis, or the life-history of the individual, and 

 phylogenesis, or that of the whole race, not now as 

 regards bodily, but only mental, evolution. We must 

 ever remember that the biogenetic law insists that the 

 process of development in the race is reflected in minia- 

 ture in the embryonic history of every individual. In 

 other words, it is, beyond doubt, an accepted article of 

 faith with biologists that the development of the indivi- 

 dual from the embryo in utero to the full-grown man is 

 an exact counterpart of the development of the whole 

 race from the primitive protoplasmic atom, the lowly 

 Moneron, to homo sapiens^ equally in regard to mental 

 as to bodily evolution. 



Every human individual commences his term of separate 

 existence as a tiny speck of protoplasm, and slowly 

 advances through the phases of separate cell-life, multi- 

 cellular existence, and the gastrula, vermiform, and pisci- 

 form stages, being finally born as a partially-developed 

 member of the human family, from which moment he 

 grows rapidly to the perfection of the adult state, having 

 accomplished, in the short period of about a score of 

 years, precisely what his counterpart, the race, effected 

 in many millions of years. During the period in which 

 the individual dwells in utero great and rapid modifica- - 

 tions take place in the general construction of the foetus ; 

 sensory perception makes its appearance very early, being 

 followed quickly by the first attempt at differentiation of 

 special sense-organs in the form of tiny surface depres- 

 sions ; the brain and spinal system gradually take shape 

 and make ready for future action ; and the little body 

 slowly assumes a form suitable for separate extra-uterine 

 existence. At the moment of birth the brain and special 

 sense-organs are not yet developed to such a degree that 

 they can properly discharge the functions they are called 

 upon to perform in the mature state; they have to 

 advance gradually to perfection in harmony with the 



