The Principles of Biology, Volume 2 (of 2)Spencer, Herbert
Science
The Principles of Biology, Volume 2 (of 2)
Spencer, Herbert
Biology
molecular motion between them, they may become more physiologically
differentiated. The contrast between their molecular motions leads to
the line of discharge; the line of discharge, once formed, permits a
greater contrast of their molecular motions to arise; thereupon the
quantities of molecular motion transferred to restore equilibrium,
being increased, the channel of transfer is made more permeable; and
its further permeability, so caused, renders possible a still more
marked unlikeness of action between the parts. Thus the differentiation
and the integration progress hand in hand as before. How the same
principle holds throughout the higher stages of nervous development,
can be seen only still more vaguely. Nevertheless, it is comprehensible
that as functions become further divided, there will arise the
need for sub-connexions along which there may take place secondary
equilibrations subordinate to the main ones. It is manifest, too, that
whereas the differentiation of functions proceeds, not necessarily by
division into two, but often by division into several, and usually in
such ways as not to leave any two functions that are just complementary
to one another, the restorations of equilibrium cannot be so simple
as above supposed. And especially when we bear in mind that many
differentiated functions, as those of the senses, cannot be held
complementary to any other functions in particular; it becomes manifest
that the equilibrations that have to be made in an organism of much
heterogeneity, are extremely complex, and do not take place between
each organ and some other, but between each organ and all the others.
The peculiarity of the molecular motion propagated from each organ,
has to be neutralized by some counter-peculiarity in the average of
the molecular motions with which it is brought into relation. All the
variously-modified molecular motions from the various parts, must have
their pluses and minuses mutually cancelled: if not locally, then at
some centre to which each unbalanced motion travels until it meets with
some opposite unbalanced motion to destroy it. Still, involved as these
actions must become, it is possible to see how the general principle
illustrated by the simple case above supposed, will continue to hold.
For always the molecular motion proceeding from any one differentiated
part, will travel most readily towards that place where a molecular
motion most complementary to it in kind exists--no matter whether this
complementary molecular motion be that proceeding from any one other
organ, or the _resultant_ of the molecular motions proceeding from
many other organs. So that the tendency will be for each channel of
communication or nerve, to unite itself with some centre or ganglion,
where it comes into relation with other nerves. And if there be any
parts of its peculiar molecular motion uncancelled by the molecular
motions it meets at this centre; or if, as will probably happen, the
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