60 MIND IN EVOLUTION CHAP. 



2 Sensori-motor action 



So far we have dealt with cases in which the internal 

 need selects one among a number of type actions. We 

 pass to cases in which type actions are variously com- 

 bined, measured and adjusted to suit the position or 

 motions of an outer object and so achieve some effect 

 in relation to it. A simple reflex is indeed related to 

 an outer object. If a pencil is put into a baby's fingers, 

 they close over it and we classify the grasp as a mere 

 reflex. The baby's eyes will also follow the light reflexly 

 and its lips will suck anything put into them. But the 

 new-born infant does not grasp at a thing, and it is not 

 for some weeks that a change occurs in this respect. The 

 child will then direct its hand towards anything that 

 catches the eyes, fixating vision upon it at the same time, 

 and if it succeeds in catching hold will convey the object 

 to its mouth. Much of this is still automatic, but we 

 observe, first, a combination of processes which were 

 previously distinct, and secondly, what is more important 

 for our purpose, an adaptation, at first exceedingly 

 imperfect but rapidly improving, of the grasping move- 

 ment to the position and movements of the attractive 

 object. Now the position and movements of outer 

 objects are highly individual, and we can attain no success 

 in dealing with them until we can similarly individualise 

 our response. The cricketer who catches the ball no 

 doubt discharges type-motions which have become habits, 

 but all depends on his judgment, that is to say, on a 

 rapidly formed combination of a number of relevant 

 data his own position, the speed and direction of the 

 ball, and possible allowance for wind, and so on. This 

 combination is unique and varies from case to case, and 

 it is so adjusted as to secure a satisfactory result. Is it 

 then purposive ? Is the cricketer inspired by the idea 

 of the catch and of its glorious results ? The answer 

 appears to be in the negative. Such an idea may of course 

 be present, but our experience teaches us that if we think 

 we shall probably miss. Success is obtained by concen- 

 tration on the field of perception, and the slightest 



