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race improved, becoming in turn semi-savage, semi- 

 civilised, civilised, and cultured, the intellectual powers,, 

 of course, developed similarly, until, at the present day, 

 we find men possessed of the most wonderful mental 

 grandeur, we might almost say, conceivable. But this 

 would be saying too much, for we must not forget that,, 

 just as evolution has continued in the past from eternity, 

 so will it continue in the future to eternity ; and who 

 can tell to what heights the human mind may soar in 

 the future? 



Lofty as is the human intellect at the present time, as 

 compared with the mental powers of those we have left 

 far behind in the march of evolution, it is yet very far 

 from being able to grasp many of the great problems 

 of the universe, such as that of existence. Perhaps at 

 some future time, in millions of ages to come, these 

 great questions may be answered; but at present we 

 know they baffle the wisest men, and continually remind 

 us of the finite and limited character of our intellectual 

 faculties. 



This comparison of the mental development of the 

 individual with that of the whole race is extremely 

 interesting, and provides ample material for thought. 

 By such comparison, and by it alone, can the science of 

 psychology ever be based on a sure and enduring founda- 

 tion. It is all very well for theologians and other biassed 

 people to declare that animal intelligence has nothing 

 in common with the reasoning powers of man ; but let 

 them honestly look at the facts as they are, thanks to the 

 indefatigable energy and indomitable perseverance of 

 lovers of science and truth, now presented to us. Candid 

 observers cannot fail to notice that the difference between 

 the intelligence of man and that of the lower animals is- 

 one only of degree, and not of kind. When we see 

 the order of sequence being followed in the develop- 

 ment of the individual so like that of the whole race, 

 not only as regards the bodily structure, but also as 

 regards the mental functions, can we help arriving at 

 the conclusion that the one is but the epitome of the 

 other, and that the superior intellect of man is but a 

 higher development of the so-called instincts of the 

 lower animals ? Have we not at the present day, among.. 



