TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION G. 861 



attained, the acquisition and application of almost all the other sciences which 

 belong to the fields of research relegated to the other Sections. For how could the 

 gigantic engineering structures of modem times he designed without recourse to 

 mathematics, or steam and other motors without a knowledge of physics, or modern 

 metallurgical operations be conducted without chemistry, or mining without geology, 

 or communications by rail, ship, and wire be established and carried on with all 

 parts of the world without attention to geography, or extensive manufacturing 

 enterprises be developed if the laws of economics were neglected ? 



As to biological studies, they seem at first sight to have but little to do with 

 mechanical science. It might even be thought that the civU engineer could afford 

 altogether to neglect this part of the work of the Association. But I trust I shall 

 be able to show you before I finish that any such view is absolutely untenable. 



MECHANISMS IN NATTJEE. 



Indeed, I hope, in the course of this address, to satisfy you that mechanical 

 science is largely indebted to mechanisms as they exist in nature, if not for its 

 origin, at all events for much of its progress hitherto, and that nature must still 

 be our giiide. 



Mechanical science has been built up entirely upon observation and experiment, 

 and the natural laws which have been induced therefrom by man. The lower 

 animals in their wild condition work with tools or appliances external to their 

 bodies to but a very slight extent, and man in a primitive or savage state does the 

 same. But many, if not most, animals can be taught to use mechanisms if care- 

 fully trained from infancy. Thus, the well-known donkey at Carisbrooke Castle 

 draws water from a deep well by a treadmill arrangement just as well as a man 

 could do it. He watches the rope on the barrel till the full pail rises above the 

 parapet of the well, then slacks back a little to allow it to be rested thereon, and 

 only then leaves the drum and retreats to his stable. But, according to his 

 attendant, four years were needed for his education, and unless it had been 

 commenced early it would have been useless. 



I have seen a canary gradually lift from a little well, situated a foot below its 

 perch, a thimble full of water by pulling up with its beak, bit by bit, a little chain 

 attached to it, and securing each length lifted with its foot till it could take 

 another pull. When the thimble reached its perch level the bird took a drink, and 

 then let it fall back into the well. Numerous other examples will doubtless occur 

 to you. 



But though anmials can be taught to make use of mechanical appliances 

 provided for them — a fact which shows the existence in their brains of a faculty 

 corresponding in kind, if not in degree, to the mechanical faculty in man— they 

 rarely, on their own initiative, make use of anything external to their bodies as 

 tools ; and still more rarely, if ever, do they make, alter, or adapt such mechanical 

 aids. Mr. C. Wood, of Middlesbrough, informs me that certain crows which 

 frequent oyster-beds on the coast of India wait until the receding tide uncovers the 

 oysters, which still remain open for a time. A crow will then put a pebble inside 

 one, and, having thus gagged it and secured his own safety, will proceed to pick it 

 out and eat it at leisure. A monkey will crack a nut between two stones, and wiU 

 hurl missiles at his enemies. But in some countries he is systematically entrapped 

 by tying to a, tree a hollow gourd containing rice, and having a hole large enough 

 for his hand, but too small for his clenched fist, to pass through. He cUmbs the 

 tree and grasps the rice, and remains there till taken, being too greedy, and not 

 baving sufficient sense, to let go the rice and withdraw his hand. 



This is on a par with the snuff-taking imbecUe, described by Hugh Miller,^ 



whom the boys used to tease by giving him a little snufi" at the bottom of a deep 



tin box. The imbecile would try to get at it for hours without the idea ever 



■occurring to him that he might achieve his object by turning the box upside down. 



All animals are, however, in their bodily frames, and in the intricate processes 



' Ml/ Schools and Schoolmasters, by Hugh Miller. 



