122 SECTIONAL ADDRESSES. 
from the larger towns, and in this way acts favourably to the biological 
future of the island communities. 
The question as to what determines or inhibits the ‘ progressive’ 
development of an isolated animal or human group, provided as it is with 
an-actual or potentially higher metabolic rate than that of its more 
dominated portion, is a question of the greatest interest. In so far as 
isolation leads to greater ‘individuation,’ we may look to the isolated as 
the source of fresh individuality and power to wield dominance, to be paid 
for in time, however, with the inevitable price of diminished progress. 
A careful survey of closely allied species in certain groups of animals 
(Fishes, Echinoderms) has shown that the nearest allies of a given species 
occupy widely separated areas. Thus, the common European Starfish has 
its nearest ally on the opposite coast of Canada and America, and the sea- 
urchin, Echinus esculentus, has its nearest ally in blood far removed in space. 
Canada and Scotland might serve as a typical example. Just as conditions 
of existence form one of the factors governing isolation, so the readiness to 
make a change of function in ‘ adaptation’ to a consensus of favourable 
conditions may determine the advance. The heightened metabolic activity 
of the isolated ones may then profit by the new environment which they 
incorporate into their new individuality. 
Professor Elliot Smith has emphasised this view of the origin of 
civilisation. If, as we all hoped, he had addressed you, I venture to think 
that in his mind, if not expressed in his words, would have been that 
thought “ the readiness is all.’, Many tides in the affairs of men may have 
washed the islands of the strong isolated groups before their concurrent 
benefit was grasped and developed. Egypt and Western Asia was not 
the only area where the earth would have seen the birth of civilisation, 
but elsewhere, perhaps, the/readiness was lacking even if the physiological 
impetus was stored in the biological history of the people. So it may 
have been with the history of animals and so it may be in the future. 
“In the reproof of chance lies the true proof of men.’ Yet chance has 
other gifts than harsh reproof. 
Zoology as a Factor in Civilisation. 
When we consider the principles of periodicity of regulation in form 
and function, and of that characterisation of successive generations 
which constitutes genetics, we cannot help concluding that, so far as they 
are fruitful in stimulating inquiry and true to the best of our limited 
critical knowledge, they should serve to a much larger extent than is now 
the case in human thought and endeavour. I am not now referring to such 
knowledge as having merely a pragmatic sanction. Usefulness is not the 
justification for the study of biology. Wisdom is justified of all her children. 
It is because we are the outcome of the biological process that a science of 
life will provide men with a truer understanding. Biology in the Greek 
sense will be founded on the biology of science. 
Such recognition of its basal position has not yet been obtained by 
biology. The progress of industrialism, the application of physics and 
chemistry to national needs and national entertainment have won, for 
physical science, an appreciation and a belief which, even if unreasoned by 
the majority, has, I believe none the less, that sanction which gives weight 
