66 Heredity, Variation and Genius 



partially deficient affinities as just missing the best 

 composition to issue in the eccentricity of insanity 

 with a streak of genius or of genius with a streak 

 of insanity. For notably thin is the partition 

 between erratic specimens of one-facetted or wry- 

 minded genius and some forms of insanity. 



Noteworthy too is it, as memorable instances 

 prove, that the special and complex compositions 

 of elements in genius are sometimes so unstable 

 in the individual case as easily to burst into 

 explosions of insanity. A brain which is sensi- 

 tive to new impressions and in travail to make 

 the fit reactions, pulsating tentatively in new 

 adaptations to the environment, must needs be 

 less stable than the brain which, settled in fixed 

 relations to its surroundings, like unprogressive 

 ant or bee, is bluntly insensible to everything 

 outside them. Craving new vital relations to a 

 yet unrealized environment wherein it may gain 

 and maintain a comfortable equilibrium, it is 

 necessarily liable, when it is not strong and well- 

 balanced, as large, whole and sane genius is, to 

 disintegration. For it has oftentimes to struggle 

 hard to develop its individuality and fulfil its 

 special being against adverse circumstances, being 

 either without the patient fortitude to adapt 

 itself to circumstances or without the strength of 

 character to adapt circumstances to it ; one or 

 the other of which alternatives is the necessary 

 condition of a stable and comfortable mental 

 equilibrium. Naturally the stability will be less 



