32 
LE CONTE. 
are conceivably and probably are really wholly molecular; 
but these latter are of a different order and cannot—at least 
as we know them in ourselves—by the utmost stretch of the 
imagination be construed in terms of molecular movement. 
Right here, therefore, there is supposed to be an unbridge¬ 
able chasm and therefore a prime division in science. Right 
here commences psychology, the science of the psyche, the 
soul, the spirit. All below this is molecular movement— 
kinesis—and belongs to physiology; all above is meta kinesis, 
and belongs to psychology or philosophy, for these are iden¬ 
tified. 
But as great as this chasm undoubtedly is, it is not so 
great as it at first seems, nor so great as another chasm to be 
mentioned presently. In fact, it is far less great than most 
imagine. There are man}^ stages of gradation between the 
admittedly physiological unconscious reflex actions and the 
purely psychical conscious actions: (1) First, of course, there 
is the series of seven steps given above without the least con¬ 
sciousness or volition. These are called reflex. Such are the 
actions of the heart, stomach, intestines, &c. (2) Secondly, 
there are actions which are wholly removed from volition 
but not from consciousness; such are actions like swallow¬ 
ing, sneezing, &c. (3) Thirdly, are those which are partly but 
only partly under control of volition also, such as breathing. 
(4) Then follow instinctive actions, so wonderful in many 
animals. These are conscious and semi-voluntary, but not 
individually acquired. They are inherited habits. (5) Next 
come habitual actions, such as walking, talking, writing, 
playing on a musical instrument, &c. These are also semi¬ 
voluntary— i. e., only the general result is willed—but they 
are individually acquired. (6) Next come the distinctly vol¬ 
untary actions of the higher animals— e. g ., actions performed 
for the first time. (7) Lastly, and in man alone, come moral 
actions, where opposite motives are weighed and free, de¬ 
liberate choice is made. Where, now, shall we draw the 
upper limit of physiology ? Or shall not physiology claim 
the whole, including even the highest activities of the human 
