i 2 6 THE GROUNDWORK OF SCIENCE

Processes of repair are far more conspicuous and remark-

able in certain lower animals than they are in man and the

creatures nearly allied to him. The tails of lizards, the legs

of newts, and even the eye, lower jaw, and the front part

of the head of similar animals can be reproduced after

removal.

Processes of repair in ourselves take place in perfect

unconsciousness, and our will has no direct control over

them ; but they are directed to a useful end, and are carried

on by vital processes which are practically full of purpose

though their end is altogether unforeseen, because quite

unknown to the patient who benefits by them.

These facts as to unconscious but appropriately purposive

processes of repair, naturally .lead us to reflect on those

wonderfully appropriate, and seemingly purposive processes

and metamorphoses whereby the embryo is developed, and

the adult condition gradually attained. A description of such

processes does not come within the sphere of the present

work. Indeed, some of our readers may wonder why we

have already said so much respecting merely vital processes

which are not accompanied by sensation, and may, therefore,

well seem altogether foreign to questions of thought, know-

ledge, science, and its groundwork.

Nevertheless, they have a distinct reference thereto, as

will almost immediately appear when we come to speak of

instinctive action. But before entering upon that function

a few words must be said concerning our faculty of acquiring

habits.

The power of forming habits has a certain analogy with

reflex action, since it is the result of a power which our

organism possesses to react, within limits, when it is acted

on. Let us consider what a habit is. A "habit" is not

formed by repeating an action a great number of times,

though it may be much confirmed and strengthened thereby.

Processes of repair are far more conspicuous and remark-

able in certain lower animals than they are in man and the

creatures nearly allied to him. The tails of lizards, the legs

of newts, and even the eye, lower jaw, and the front part

of the head of similar animals can be reproduced after

removal.

Processes of repair in ourselves take place in perfect

unconsciousness, and our will has no direct control over

them ; but they are directed to a useful end, and are carried

on by vital processes which are practically full of purpose

though their end is altogether unforeseen, because quite

unknown to the patient who benefits by them.

These facts as to unconscious but appropriately purposive

processes of repair, naturally .lead us to reflect on those

wonderfully appropriate, and seemingly purposive processes

and metamorphoses whereby the embryo is developed, and

the adult condition gradually attained. A description of such

processes does not come within the sphere of the present

work. Indeed, some of our readers may wonder why we

have already said so much respecting merely vital processes

which are not accompanied by sensation, and may, therefore,

well seem altogether foreign to questions of thought, know-

ledge, science, and its groundwork.

Nevertheless, they have a distinct reference thereto, as

will almost immediately appear when we come to speak of

instinctive action. But before entering upon that function

a few words must be said concerning our faculty of acquiring

habits.

The power of forming habits has a certain analogy with

reflex action, since it is the result of a power which our

organism possesses to react, within limits, when it is acted

on. Let us consider what a habit is. A "habit" is not

formed by repeating an action a great number of times,

though it may be much confirmed and strengthened thereby.