Duplicated Functions 75 



the reflex is more direct, undeviating, invariable, sure. 

 For example, research has recently proved that involun- 

 tary movements may be produced in a variety of normal 

 circumstances, and in hysterical subjects, when the stimu- 

 lation is too weak, or intermittent, or unimportant, to be 

 perceived at all. 



. 5. Experiments show that the energies of the two are 

 not quantitatively the same. Mosso and Waller have 

 shown that the muscles do work under electric stimulation 

 after being quite exhausted for voluntary action, and vice 

 versa. There may be exchanges of energy between the 

 two circuits involved, and this may give the animal in- 

 creased force in this reaction or that. 

 '"^ 6. The intelligence could not attend to the necessary 

 functions of life without the aid of reflexes — to say nothing 

 of the luxuries of acquisition. So not to have the reflexes 

 would prevent the growth of the intelligence. For exam- 

 ple, suppose we had to walk, wink, breathe, swallow, brush 

 away flies and mosquitoes, etc., all by voluntary attention 

 to the details and all at the same time. While chasing 

 flies we should forget to breathe! And when should we 

 have a moment's time to think .? In this line it is in order 

 to cite the experiments made on 'distraction,' which show 

 that most of the common adaptations of life can go on by 

 reflex and subconscious processes while the intelligence 

 is otherwise occupied.^ 



^ 7 Attention and voluntary intermeddling with reflex 

 and instinctive functions tend to destroy their efficiency, 

 bringing confusion and all kinds of disturbance. 



The foregoing are all psychological facts, and more 

 might be added showing that instinct has its own great 



1 See Binet, Alterations of Personality, Part II., Chap. V. (Eng. trans.). 



