1008 Editors’ Table. [No 
modifications if produced can be inherited. Since, however, it 
is admitted that mechanically-profitable variations do appear, 
and that they are inherited, the inquiry at this point is limited 
to the question whether the impacts, strains, torsions, flexures, 
etc., to which the parts of an animal are subjected by its motions 
do affect the structure or not. The final contest is, however, of 
a remarkable character. It is denied that the mental condition 
of an animal—zz., its sensations—has any influence in the de 
termination of its movements. This proposition is apparently 
equivalent to the assertion that designed movements do not 
exist. An animal does not eat because it is hungry; it does — 
not seek flight because it is frightened; it does not seek shelter 
because of temperature or storm; its voice is exerted without | 4 
purpose, etc., etc. We imagine that it will be long before such a 
an opinion can be sustained by any scientific evidence. Yet 
seems to be the only alternative that is open to those who deny — 
that consciousness is at the basis of evolution. It would tes 
to be the final reductio ad absurdum of that side of the question 
A brief statement of a discussion of these points referred t0 
in the last NATURALIST is deferred to the December number, 
general notes, department Psychology. o 
THE appearance of the first number of Dr. Whitman's Jouri 
of Morphology seems an event of sufficient importance 1M the 
history of American science to warrant more than a an 
nouncement. Several times have magazines been started 
were fondly expected to play the same part in the United pene 
that the Quarterly Fournal of Microscopical Science does eee 
land, but all have lamentably failed. Their editors have 
Succeeded in gaining the confidence and support of the R 
American workers. This rock Dr. Whitman has apparently p 
_ caped, and his first number, in variety of subject and p 
treatment as well as in beautiful appearance, will compare ©” 
_ ably with any publication in the old world. 
Fh adt af hein 
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