INTRODUCTION 



In either case, it is certain that organisms and 

 societies used in the sociological acceptation of 

 the term exhibit some characters in common, and 

 some distinctive characters. 



The common characters may be accounted for 

 by the co-operation which exists in both cases 

 between the units of which they are composed 

 (individuals, or cells). 



The dissimilar characters are probably connected 

 with what . constitutes the essential difference be- 

 tween social aggregates and organic aggregates. 

 With the former there is a physiological continuity 

 between the composing units, while with the latter 

 co-operation is entirely due to mental relations. 



II. Individuals, colonies and societies. Our view 

 in this matter is considerably at variance with the 

 current opinion. Many authors, and M. Espinas 

 among them, regard colonies, whether animal or vege- 

 table, as societies, even when the members of these 

 colonies are connected by physiological bonds. 1 



logical characters of life, viz.: 1. Correlation of parts ; 2. Relation 

 between structure and function ; 3. Division of all living parts 

 into other living parts ; 4. Spontaneity of movement ; 5. Partic- 

 ulate existence ; 6. Development and degeneration, i.e.' evolution, 

 are to be found in a greater extent in animal and human societies." 

 1 See Les Societts animales, section 2, pp. 207 and foil. 

 (Espinas), Cours de philosophic positive, vol. iv. (A Comte). 

 "These strange societies are to be found among the lower 

 animals, an involuntary co-operation being the result of an un- 

 severable organic union, which is either a mere adherence or 

 actual continuity." 



