A NEW FACTOR 169 



For how vast is the contrast between the highest 

 brute conditions and those presented by humanity! 



During an enormously long primal era occurred 

 the slow but unparalleled phenomenal growth of 

 human intelligence. Chap. III. This fitted our 

 brute ancestors at an early period for modes of 

 conduct which enabled the race to escape exter- 

 mination. Later, when higher intelligence was ap- 

 plied to the use of clubs, missiles, and fire, man easily 

 became the supreme master on earth. 



Thereafter possessed of an intelligence so high 

 that it led to the comprehension of some of the prin- 

 ciples that govern the interactions between forces 

 and materials in the universe, our race no longer 

 depended on adapting conduct to environment, but 

 knew how its environment might in various ways be 

 altered to conform to its own needs and desires. 

 Possessing this knowledge, specialized industry, co- 

 operation and genius supplied the power to produce 

 these changes. 



A brief survey of the success thus far attained 

 along this line, and of the obstacles which had to be 

 overcome, will tend to throw the situation as a 

 whole into clearer light. 



Enormous areas formerly covered by the ocean, 

 by lakes, swamps, rivers, etc., have been converted 

 into rich agricultural lands. Arid regions have been 

 made to produce abundant harvests. Deserts have 

 been made accessible and beautiful. The rigors 

 of cold climates have been mitigated by artificial 



