CONCLUSION. 395 



say that the same function is performed by all, is to con- 

 found the general with the particular ; and to say that 

 functions are consequuntl}- independent of organs, is worse 

 than this, because it leaves out of sight the fact that the 

 whole surface of the animal which respires is the " organ " 

 of that general respiration. When acts can be performed 

 without agents, and animals can exist -without bodies, in the 

 shape of pure syntheses of functions, then will it be a 

 " grave error " to conclude that functions are necessarily 

 dependent on organs, and not till then. 



Although we have been forced to admit that Sensibility 

 can be manifested without nerves, and the paradox therefore 

 of nervous conduction taking place without nerves was only 

 a paradox in its terms, yet inasmuch as functions are neces- 

 sarily dependent on organs, we are also forced to conclude 

 that the various specialisations of nerve-tissue must bring 

 wdth them corresponding specialisations of function. What 

 those are we know not, perhaps may never know ; but the 

 mere recognition that such things must be, will help us to 

 understand many points. It explains, for example, the 

 absence of Pain in the lower animals, spoken of in the last 

 Chapter ; it explains the possibility of such myriads of subtle 

 differences in the perceptions of men so nearly allied as twin- 

 brothers. 



And now, dear reader, we must part company, after 

 having wandered together over many a reef and bay, and 

 skirted the great plains of Philosophy, traversed by many 

 foot-sore pilgrims who beckon us to follow. We have 

 caught some glimpses of the marvels and delights which 



