74 STUDIES IN ANIMAL LIFE. 



interrogated and rightly interpreted the replies; 

 and tMs danger arises from the complexity of the 

 cases with which we are dealing, and our proneness 

 to overlook or disregard some seemingly trifling 

 condition — a trifle which may turn out of the ut- 

 most importance. The one reason why the study 

 of science is valuable as a means of culture, over 

 and above its own immediate objects, is that in it 

 the mind learns to submit to realities instead of 

 thrusting its figments in the place of realities — en- 

 deavors to ascertain accurately what the order of 

 Nature is, and not what it ought to be or might be. 

 The one reason why, of all sciences. Biology is pre- 

 eminent as a means of culture, is, that, owing to the 

 great complexity of all the cases it investigates, it 

 familiarizes the mind with the necessity of attend- 

 ing to all the conditions, and it thus keeps the mind- 

 alert. It cultivates caution, which, considering the 

 tendency there is in men to " anticipate^ Nature," is 

 a mental tonic of inestimable worth. I am far from 

 asserting that biologists are more accurate reasoners 

 than other men ; indeed, the mass of crude hypoth- 

 esis which passes unchallenged by them is against 

 such an idea. But, whether its advantage be used 

 or neglected, the truth nevertheless is, that Biology, 

 from the complexity of its problems, and the ne- 

 cessity of incessant verification of its detaDs, offers 

 greater advantages for culture than any other branch 

 of science. 

 I have once or twice mentioned the words Mol- 



