CHAP. XVI - COMPENSATIONS

Summary

Compensation is a fpecies of relation. It is relation when the defects of one part, or of one organ, are fupplied by the ftructure of another part, or of another organ. Thus,

I. The fhort, unbending neck of the elephant, is compenfated by the length and flexibility of his probofcis. He could not have reached the ground without it; or, if it be fuppofed that he might have fed upon the fruit, leaves, or branches of trees, how was he to drink? Should it be afked, Why is the elephant's neck fo fhort? it may be anfwered that the weight of a head fo heavy could not have been fupported at the end of a longer lever. To a form therefore, in fome refpects neceffary, but in fome refpects alfo inadequate to the occafions of the animal, a fupplement is added, which exactly makes up the deficiency under which he laboured.

If it be fuggefted, that this probofcis may have been produced in a long courfe of generations, by the conftant endeavour of the elephant to thruft out his nofe, (which is the general hypothefis by which it has lately been attempted to account for the forms of animated nature,) I would afk, how was the animal to fubfift in the mean time; during the procefs; until this prolongation of fnout were completed? What was to become of the individual, whilft the fpecies was perfecting?