THE 
JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. 
HE languages in which animals converse more or less 
definitely with other individuals of their own, or of 
nearly allied, species, were discussed in the “Journal 
of Science ” some years ago (1875, p. 68). The conclusion 
reached was unfavourable to the common egoistic notion 
that speech is the exclusive prerogative of man. That con- 
clusion we are still free to uphold. We regret however that, 
so far as we are aware, no one has undertaken a formal 
study of these animal tongues, so as to converse with any 
of our “ poor relations ” in their own language. 
Commending this subject to the attention of such persons 
as have the needful time and the opportunities at their 
command, we wish now to examine the attempts of certain 
of the lower animals to acquire human speech. 
It seems at first sight curious that these attempts have 
been made with the greatest success, not by the mammalian 
groups which rank physiologically and psychologically 
nearest to us, — such as the apes and the Carnivora,— but 
by certain birds. But we must remember that a number of 
attributes must coexist in any animal before it can be ca- 
pable of speech. In the first place, its vocal organs — especi- 
ally the tongue, the glottis, and the pharynx — must be con- 
structed in a manner equivalent to, if not identical with, the 
same parts in man. Secondly, there must be a sufficient degree 
of general intelligence. The animal must be capable of 
remembering sounds, of perceiving the differences between 
them, and of connecting them with objects, events, wants, 
&c. In addition there must be an especial development of 
VOL. V. (THIRD SERIES.) B 
JANUARY, 1883. 
I. SPEECH IN ANIMALS. 
