The Popular Science Review Volume 9 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1870 Excerpt: ...the author believes to be a Stentor. We believe it is to be described in the April number of the Monthly Microscopical Journal. The Spicules of Gorgonacea.--Mr. Kent, in a paper published in the Monthly Microscopical Journal (February), demonstrates that the microscope may be well employed in grouping this division of the Actinozoa. Mr. Kent's paper is accompanied by two handsome plates which fully bear out his views. Have Animals Instinct or Reason?--Readers of Mr. Darwin's work who may admit instinct will still be led to give it such a philosophical explanation that it becomes but a form of reasoning under peculiar circumstances. To such we commend a very interesting paper on the " Intelligence of Animals," read before the Montreal Natural History Society by Professor Bell (January 31). The author spoke of the reasoning powers in many of the higher and larger animals as being too well established to require a plea, and devoted much of his paper to instances of what might be regarded as intelligence in such small creatures as insects. He adduced many arguments based on the organisation and development of these animals, and more especially on their habits, for legarding them as possessed of something more than real instinct. It was mentioned, amongst other proofs of the possession of a reasoning power, that insects, if baffled in one means of accompli.-hing their object, will generally try another; and that we find them as prompt and skilful in overcoming exceptional and artificial difficulties as in performing the ordinary duties of their lives. The habits of insects, like those of larger animals, appeared to be in a great measure the result of the accumulated experience of many generations. The term "instinct" has too general and vague...