Chap. XL] UNCONSCIOUS COGNITION. 167 



rendered definite, so certain appropriate actions will follow 

 certain impressions with unfailing regularity and precision. 

 There goes on, as it were, an organization of 'Intelli- 

 j^ence ' primarily of the organic or unconscious kind, which 

 is the hidden cause of the purposive character displayed 

 by so many movements. 



We say that the process is primarily of the organic 

 or unconscious type, because one may witness even 

 in Medusae and in organisms only a little above them 

 actions of a purposive type in response to stimuli acting 

 upon different parts of their bodies. And it is difficult 

 to believe that the Neural Developments in such creatures, 

 by means of which the several motions follow in response 

 to the several stimuli, can have been brought about under 

 the influence of any distinct * conscious ' guidance. We 

 have here, doubtless, to do with ' organic processes ' only 

 a few degrees more complex than those which may take 

 place in a Sun-dew or other ' Sensitive Plant.' 



Organic processes of the same kind possibly constitute 

 the basis or starting point for all subsequent neural de- 

 velopments and Mental Acquisitions, even when in higher 

 animals such processes become quickened, in some 

 further unknown manner, under the directive influence of 

 Conscious Efforts of gradually increasing distinctness. 



