The Utility of Specific Characters

Abstract

I HAVE followed the discussion on this subject with great interest; and though I am at such a distance that my thoughts may come a little late, I wish to call attention to a few points. In NATURE for October 22, 1896, p. 605, mention is made of a discussion on Neo-Lamarckism at the British Association. In opening the discussion, Prof. Lloyd Morgan referred to the importance of noting the bearing of certain cases that may be considered as crucial, or as nearly crucial as any that we are at present able to obtain, on the process by which specific instincts are built up. As illustrating this class of cases, he refers to the drinking instinct in newly-hatched chickens, where the instinctive response begins at the point where the teaching of the parent bird would naturally be inadequate.