134: THE WHENCE AND THE WHITHER OF MAN 



modified by intelligence, has been disproved by Mr. 

 Wallace. But while size of brain, keenness of sense- 

 organs, and length of life may be rightly emphasized 

 as the most important elements in the development of 

 vertebrate intelligence, the importance of the appen- 

 dages should never be forgotten. Cats seem to have 

 acquired certain accomplishments — opening doors, 

 ringing door-bells, etc. — never attained by the more 

 intelligent dog, mainly because of the greater mobility 

 and better powers of grasping of the forepaws. The 

 elephant has its trunk and the ape its hand. The 

 power of handhng and the increased size of the brain 

 aided each other in a common advance. 



The teachableness of mammals is also a sign of high 

 intelligence. The young are often taught by the par- 

 ent, a dim foreshadowing of the human family relation. 

 And we notice this capacity in domestic animals be- 

 cause of its practical value to man. And here, too, we 

 notice the difference between individuals, which fails 

 in instinct. All spiders of the same species build and 

 hunt alike, although differences caused by the moulding 

 influence of intelligence will probably be here discov- 

 ered. But among individual dogs and horses we find 

 all degrees of intelligence from absolute stupidity to 

 high intelligence. And many mammals are slandered 

 grievously by man. The pig is not stupid, far from it. 



Still only in man does intelligence reign supreme 

 and clearly show its innate powers. But even in man 

 certain realms, like those of the internal organs, are 

 rarely invaded by consciousness, but are normally left 

 to the control of refiex action. These actions go on 

 better without the interference of consciousness. 



But other lines of action are relegated as rapidly as 



