Physical and Teleological views of Organization. 89 
world? An affirmative answer must, I think, be given to this 
question. The adaptation seen in the inorganie world has refer- 
euce only to existing circumstances, and the only surety of its 
continuation is in the persistence of the forces on which it de- 
] - Such, for instance, is that of the planetary system. It 
4s properly called an adaptation only in virtue of the existing har- 
Mony found. But this harmony, however perfect, indicates no 
definite end, which is the final reason of its existence. 
On the other hand, with organic nature, other and different re- 
tations are seen. For besides the adaptation just spoken of, and 
which conduces to its general harmony with matter, there is su- 
peradded an individual adaptation of the whole, for an end, 
Seemingly in view from the beginning. Indeed, we can truly say 
with Kant, that this end constitutes the very definition of an or- 
ganized form. 
Ib all our investigations into the structure of animals and » 
Plants, we involuntarily (in one sense) proceed upon the princi- 
nothing was made in vain. If at any time we have 
even a misgiving of the whole truth of this principle, our scien- 
tific ardor, as hopeful of real results, is immediately relaxed, not 
to say harmed. This. involunta mission of a doctrine, shows 
how Secretly yet how firmly is our mind, iu its study of natu 
Phenomena, linked with the teleological view of organization.* 
We cannot free ourselves from it, any more than we can free 
ves from the silent yet constant admission of the truth of 
ale great physical doctrine that nothing comes by chance. 'This 
‘Westion, therefore, which I have put, might well seem not only 
Stperfluous, but highly unphilosophical. Bat I was led to com- 
Meuce with it from the fact. that a very sagacious mind,} thinks 
. Meorrectly answered in the negative. We will, however, pur- 
Sue this subject a little farther. I have said that the adaptation 
the inorganic world has reference to existing circumstances 
only, while that of the organic world beside being individual, 
has always reference to events or contingencies of the future. 
This point is well illustrated in the phenomena of reproduction. 
animals were first created, the footing on which they 
_, enced life, was the same in each. But why, accepting the 
Physical view of organization, were their powers of reproduction 
formed exactly in accordance with their probabilities and hiabili- 
ties of €Xistence, as all zoological experience constantly shows 
this prin le in the 
hat t 
be tr i the strength and ever-constant presence of 
Lad of evvat Hetiralists, has been the grand secret of their 
is so the insta f many notable men, might be adduc , 
ieee of Cuvier this was riatmaientie aie and it served as an ever-faithful in- 
to to him domains of knowledge hitherto untrodden. There is an- 
based y, ist now living, whose splendid labors, as I know personally, have been 
i Upon this same principle. 
Schwann, Mikroscop. a é&c., or Sydenham Soc, Ed, p: 187. — 
Stooxn Serius, Vol, XV, No, 43,—Jan, 1853. 12 
a 
- this 
