972 On Catagenesis, (October, 
motion on animal structure has been discussed in papers by 
Ryder, Hyatt, Clevenger and myself, and I have cited the evi- 
dence of vertebrate paleontology as conclusively proving such — 
an effect.’ 
The object of the present paper is to pursue the question of 
the relation of sensibility to evolution, and to consider some of 
the consequences which it involves. It is scarcely necessary 
to observe that in the early stage which the subject presents a 
the present time, I can only point out the logical conclusions 
derivable from facts well established rather than any experimental 
discoveries not already known. And I will say here to those who 
object to the introduction of metaphysics into biology, that they 
cannot logically exclude the subject. As in one sense a function 
of nervous tissue, mind is one of the functions of the body. Its 
phenomena are everywhere present in the animal kingdom. 
Moreover, when studied in the inductive, @ posteriori method, 
metaphysics is an exact science. As Bain observes, it is a good 
deal easier to foretell the actions of a man than those of the 
weather. It is only want of familiarity with the subject which 
can induce a biologist to exclude the science of mind from the 
field. 
For the benefit of those who are not familiar with the doctrine 
of archæsthetism I give an outline of its implications. In the 
first place the hypothesis that consciousness had played a leading 
part in evolution would seem to be negatived by the well known 
facts of reflex action, automatism, etc., where acts are often pE 
consciously performed, and often performed in direct opposition 
to present stimuli. But while it is well understood that these 
phenomena are functions of organized structure, it is beli h 
that the habits which they represent were inaugurated eee 
the immediate agency of consciousness. It is not believed i 
a designed act can have been performed for the first time "a 
consciousness on the part of the animal, of the want which ; 
act was designed to relieve or supply. This opinion accords ie 
our knowledge of ourselves, and by irresistible inference, with an 
belief regarding other animals. From such familiar observ we 
we also know that so soon as a movement of body or mind has 
1 The Evidence for Wlatión 
; in the History of the Extinct Mammalia, Am 
Adv. Sci. 
AMER 
» 1883, p. 32. 
eT nrUsASINE, 3882, p. 4 poldt, 
Lite. same view is expressed by Ribot, Diseases of the Will, p. 38 (HUM 
4. 
