104 Unconscious Memory 



more readily into one channel than into another. This 

 predisposition is either the result of a habit which keeps 

 continually cutting for itself a deeper and deeper channel, 

 until in the end it leaves indelible traces whether in the 

 individual or in the race, or it is expressly called into 

 being by the unconscious formative principle in genera- 

 tion, so as to facilitate action in a given direction. This 

 last will be the case more frequently in respect of exterior 

 organisation — as, for example, with the weapons or 

 working organs of animals — while to the former must be 

 referred the molecular condition of brain and ganglia 

 which bring about the perpetually recurring elements of 

 an instinct such as the hexagonal shape of the cells of 

 bees. We shall presently see that by individual character 

 we mean the sum of the individual methods of reaction 

 against all possible motives, and that this character de- 

 pends essentially upon a constitution of mind and body 

 acquired in some measure through habit by the individual, 

 but for the most part inherited. But an instinct is also 

 a mode of reaction against certain motives ; here, too, 

 then, we are dealing with character, though perhaps not 

 so much with that of the individual as of the race ; for 

 by character in regard to instinct we do not intend the 

 differences that distinguish individuals, but races from 

 one another. If any one chooses to maintain that such 

 a predisposition for certain kinds of activity on the part 

 of brain and body constitutes a mechanism, this may in 

 one sense be admitted ; but as against this view it must 

 be remarked — 



1. That such deviations from the normal scheme of 

 an instinct as cannot be referred to conscious deliberation 

 are not provided for by any predisposition in thismechanism. 



2. That heredity is only possible under the circumstances 

 of a constant superintendence of the embryonic develop- 

 ment by a purposive unconscious activity of growth. It 

 must be admitted, however, that this is influenced in 

 return by the predisposition existing in the germ. 



