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An Essay on Instinct.

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and not mechanical. This prevailing sentiment was altered a little by a wrong application of the principles of Locke. But the balance was soon afterwards restored to its former preponderance in behalf of instinctive principles, by the writings of lord Shaftesbury and Dr. Hutcheson; and still more particularly by those of Dr. Reid. Some authors, who, with Locke, reject innate notions and innate principles, both speculative and practical, allow that the mind acts sometimes instinctively; others, who reject Locke's ideal theory altogether, detail a great number of instinctive principles of mind; whilst a third class of writers will have the actions, that have been generally denominated instinctive, to be either habitual, associated, or

degree from that of man, but that it is of
a kind entirely different from it; and that
they are incapable both of memory and
reasoning: the faculty of imagination
serving to give them a confused idea of
events that are past, by the view, or other
impressions, of objects that are present.
The third and principal class of instincts
is that which comprehends all those which
M. Reimar calls spontaneous. This spe-
cies of instinct is not attended with any
power of reflection, determining the animal
to decide freely between two different
modes of action present to his imagina-
tion; nor is it merely corporeal or mecha-
nical. It is put into action by the natural
and primitive principle of self-love, im-
planted in all animated beings; or by a
love of pleasure and aversion to pain, pro-mechanical.
ducing a voluntary inclination to perform
certain actions which tend to their well-being
and preservation. To the performance of
these actions they are particularly prompted
by their present sensations, by imagination
supplying the place of memory, and by
other causes.

The wonderful effects produced by these instinctive appetites, are farther to be attributed to the exquisite mechanism in their bodily conformation, particularly in the structure of the various organs with which they execute their operations, and to the superior perfection and acuteness of their external senses, by which they are quickly and distinctly informed of those qualities of objects which most materially concern them. In order to account for the more curious and surprising operations of brute animals, M. Reimar adds two other principles, viz. 1st, an internal distinct perception of the precise power and proper use of their various bodily organs, together with an innate knowledge of the qualities of those objects around them in which they are interested; and, 2ndly, certain innate and determinate powers and inclinations, impressed by the Author of nature, à priori, on the soul itself; by which they are arbitrarily, and without their own knowledge or consciousness, directed and irresistibly impelled to the performance of these various operations, which they execute with such unremitting industry and art. These determinate forces, which constitute the principal part of M. Reimar's system, are no where so visible and distinguishable as in that numerous set of instincts which he classes under the title of the industrious instincts of animals.

The majority of philosophers, even in Des Cartes's time, maintained, that the actions of the brutes were mostly instinctive,

Nor does the matter rest

here: for some authors of a very modern date go so far even as to maintain that the word instinct is unphilosophical; since all that has been referred to this principle, whether in man or in the brutes, may be the result of experience, or of imitation.

Some writers confound the actions that have been generally deemed instinctive with those that spring from reason; some with those that spring from mechanism ; and others with such as spring from habit and association. But it is easy, we think, to distinguish them from each and all of these, by pointing out actions which differ from such as are called rational, habitual, or mechanical. An action is called rational when it is performed under the influence of a motive; that is, with a view to consequences: thus, to worship the Deity for having created us, for his goodness towards us, and that he may reward us hereafter, is a rational action. Some are of opinion that the motive, or the end we have in view in our rational actions, is the cause of these actions; but as we learn from experience that the human mind can act not only in opposition to the strongest external motive, but against all external motives whatever, properly so called, we cannot help thinking it more correct to call thern simply inducements, and to consider the mind itself solely and properly as the

cause.

Mechanical actions also have a cause as well as those that are rational; namely, mechanism or organization. But this cause is not an end proposed, or a motive; neither is it an inward feeling, disposition, or sensation : thus a clock goes through its course of hours, minutes, and seconds, without a view to consequences, without spontaneity, and even without being able to check its own action. To

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An Essay on Instinct.

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this class belong the actions of the heart | man seem to want altogether that spontaand arteries, the vermicular action of the neity which we observe in the instinctive intestines, and those of secretion and actions of the other animals; such as nestrespiration in animals. Instinctive actions building, for instance, and the operations may be traced to a cause, as well as both of bees, described in a subsequent part of the preceding; but this cannot be referred this article, or the migrations of birds of to the class of motives, as they are not passage "through the pathless air without performed with a view to consequences; chart or compass." Öne instance of an neither can the cause be said to be mecha-action confessedly_habitual will illustrate nism, as they are accompanied with spontaneity.

The proper cause, however, is the internal feeling, sensation, or disposition, that leads to the performance of them, without design or intelligence on the part of the animal. Thus an infant, in a few minutes after birth, seeks the breast, without any knowledge whatever of its necessity for his preservation; and a pair of young birds, without teaching or experience, build their first nest with as much skill and exactness as the oldest of their tribe could do; and that, too, of the customary materials of their species, and in the situations best calculated for depositing and hatching their eggs. Instinct and mechanism have been oftener confounded with each other, particularly of late, than any other of those principles of action which we are considering; and yet we cannot help thinking that the distinction between habit and instinct will not appear as palpable as those we have already made, particularly as some habits are formed at so early an age, that it is very difficult to ascertain whether the actions that spring from them are from habit or from nature. But supposing such a principle as instinct, such as we have described it, the actions that spring from it must differ from such as are habitual, in this, "that the former must be from nature, and the latter acquired."

this more fully. Let us take that motion of the eye-lids which occurs almost every instant. This action cannot be the necessary result of mechanism, as we see that children do not, for some days after birth, close their eye-lids on the approach of external objects. But as soon as some object (suppose too much light) has made them feel inconvenience or pain, and thus produced a voluntary or mechanical motion of the eye-lids, this effect becomes gradually so intimately associated with its cause, that even the appearance of the candie will produce the effect. And, finally, habit gives us so great a proneness to this action, that we perform it constantly, amidst all our occupations, without consciousness, will, or spontaneity; and even without perceiving that, in every waking minute of our lives, we are several moments totally in the dark. And so far is this motion from being a voluntary act, that it requires a strong exertion of will and attention to check it, even for a short time; but, do what we will, we can never check it altogether.

To avoid being misunderstood, it will be necessary to illustrate more fully the distinction between habits of art, in which we acquire a facility only from frequent practice, such as playing expertly on the violin or harpsichord, and those habits, which, besides a facility, induce also a Habit has been defined to be a facility proneness to act; for instance, in that of doing, and not only a facility, but also motion of the eye-lids just described, and a proneness to do certain things, from many other awkward motions and habits having done them frequently before. This learned from bad example and bad comdefinition, however, is manifestly not ap- pany. Habits of the latter kind may be proplicable to habits of art, but only to such perly called principles of action; habits of art as can be properly called principles of cannot. These require thought, attention, action. Instinctive actions agree with and will in the performance of their opehabitual ones of the latter kind in this, that rations; whilst the others require no small they are both performed without_intelli- exertion of thought, attention, and will to gence, will, or design; and this has ac- check them. Nor can they, even thus, cordingly induced Dr. Reid to confound be completely overcome, until, by repeated them, and to class them, very improperly exertions, a counter-habit is established, we think, under the head of mechanical which is the best way to obviate their actions. Their agreeing in a few particu-effects. It was this that made Dr. Reid lars could not warrant him in reducing them to the same class, particularly when he tells us himself, that "the origin of one is natural, of the other acquired."

But, besides this, the habitual actions of

say, "I conceive it to be a part of our constitution, that what we have been accustomed to do, we acquire not only a facility, but a proneness to do on like occasions; so that it requires a particular

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Grades of Colour.-Slave Trade.

will or effort to forbear it, but to do it requires, very often, no will at all. We are carried by habit, as by a stream in swimming, if we make no resistance." Dr. Reid distinguishes these two species of habits; but in some passages he seems to confound them, for he classes them and instinct under the head of mechanical principles. Thus, he says, "Habit differs from instinct, not in its nature, but in its origin; the latter being natural, the former acquired. Both operate without will or intention, without thought, and therefore may be called mechanical principles." From both these passages it would seem that he meant habit in general; for the assertions are not qualified in any shape. If such was his opinion, his doctrine agrees exactly with that of Dr. Hartley, whose language affords no opportunity for being in doubt about his meaning. It appears, however, more philosophical to admit any possibly conceivable rapidity in our intellectual operations, than to suppose that any action performed with so much correctness, and with such rapidity, as violin and harpsichord playing in some instances, can be merely habitual, or automatic; that is, in every one of its minute subdivisions altogether unconnected with the exertions of the will. In habits of art, then, we deem it more correct to admit the interference of the will; but in the other class, which only, because they give not merely a facility, but also a proneness to act, ought to be called principles of action, we see no reason for admitting its interference in any respect.

(To be concluded in our next.)

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These distinctions, and the appellations which result from them, are deemed matters of no small importance amongst the West Indian descendants of Ham. The nearer each grade, and the individuals of each grade, approach in colour to the European complexion, the higher are they elevated in their own estimation. In Barbadoes the Costies and Fusties frequently assemble, to dance and feast at what they call Dignity Balls; and on these occasions they appear arrayed in as much finery as their means enable them to acquire. In the very midst of these recreations, they are as tenacious of their respective ranks as the nobles of France, or the pachas of Turkey. It is not, indeed, so difficult to ascertain their relative rights to such distinctions, even at first sight, as in the case of our European lords and ladies-for their titles are exhibited so plainly, in the very colour of their countenances, that he who runs may read. Hence, the gentleman-usher of the Dignity Ball will make the Fustie yield to the Costie, with "Madam, move lower down

this lady's dignity requires it :" and if an unfortunate Sambo or Negro should thrust his ebon visage into the room, there would be a universal cry of, "Out with the inferior fellow-out with the black intruder."

O Vanity! vanity!-what class of human society dost thou not pervade? Descendants of one common parent, (Noah) why scorn ye one another? What are most of the struggles for idle distinctions, which the proudest inhabitants of civilized Europe are so prone to make, but a contest betwixt Costies and Fusties for a little temporary pre-eminence. Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher, all is vanity, and vexation of spirit."-The Guardian.

SLAVE TRADE AT THE ISLAND OF NIAS, NEAR SUMATRA.

IN 1820, in compliance with the repeated solicitations of many of the principal chiefs of the island of Nias, for the protection of the Company, Sir T. S. Raffles, then Lieutenant Governor of Bencoolen, deputed Mr. Prince, accompanied by the late Doctor Jack, to visit the island, and to form there, if deemed advisable, one or more settlements in situations, that might appear best adapted for the purpose. Their first object was to ascertain to whom the actual sovereignty of the island belonged, and whether there was any supreme authority competent to enter into terms with them for the whole; but they found that none such existed. To the king of Acheen the people of Nias acknowledged no subjection, and it did not appear

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that his authority ever prevailed in the island. The whole country, it was found, had been immemorially divided among a number of independent chiefs, with whom it became necessary to form separate agreements. The northern districts as far south as a port called Gunong Lombo, had long considered themselves under the protection of the Company, and had even been in the habit of hoisting the English flag, and making appeals and references to Natal an acknowledgment which was paid in consequence of assistance which had been afforded them against Acheenese pirates, who infested their coasts, and at one time threatened a serious invasion.

Proceeding to visit the principal ports, Mr. Prince and Dr. Jack invited the chiefs connected with each to a conference, the result of all which was an agreement, under which British settlements were made at the ports of Tello Dalam and Lavago, and parties of Sepoys landed to secure the respectability of the flag.

The interest which the island of Nias then possessed, has in a great measure passed away with the cession of Bencoolen, and our other settlements on the west coast of Sumatra; but the report of the mission addressed to Sir T. S. Raffles, an ably written document, contains a minute account of the slave-trade, as carried on at Nias, which we deem of sufficient permanent interest to be laid before our readers. The evils of such a traffic are depicted in a manner well calculated to inspire distrust of the eulogiums which have been lavished on this commerce, as conducing highly to the happiness of all who are fortunate enough to become its victims.

“All the evils,” says the Report, "arising from the imperfection of their civil institutions, have been aggravated and increased by the odious traffic in slaves; and as this subject is one of peculiar interest, we have been particular in obtaining the most minute information concerning its extent, causes, and origin. The greatest number of slaves has hitherto been exported from Lemembawa and Tello Dalam; those from the northern parts have been much fewer. It is by no means easy to get an exact account of their numbers; some endeavouring to extenuate and diminish it, and others equally desirous of magnifying it, according as they wished to give us a favourable impression of their conduct, or a high idea of their wealth; and the very nature of the trade, in some measure, precludes exactness. From a comparison, however, of these different accounts, checked by an estimate of the number of vessels 133.-VOL. XII.

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resorting thither, and the value of their imports, we are satisfied that the annual number exported has not fallen short of 1,500. According to some accounts, more than this have been carried from Lemembawa alone; but we think the above estimate will be found nearer the truth. They are purchased chiefly by Acheenese and Chinese vessels; the latter of which carry them to Penang and Batavia.

"The circumstances that attend this traffic, are no less revolting to humanity, than those which marked it on the coast of Africa. The unhappy victims, torn by violence from their friends and country, and delivered, pinioned hand and foot, to the dealers in human flesh, are kept bound during the whole course of the voyage-a precaution which is considered necessary to the safety of the crew. Instance have occurred where the captives have seized a moment of liberty, to snatch up the first weapon within their reach, stab all whom they encountered, and complete the scene by leaping overboard, and voluntarily seeking a watery death.

"In their own country, the Nias people rarely make use of rice as food, and are almost unacquainted with the use of salt. The sudden change of diet to which they are subjected on board ship, added to the confinement and dejection of mind, prove fatal to many. Of a cargo of thirty slaves, twenty have been known to perish before the conclusion of the voyage; and on a moderate calculation it may be estimated, that of the total number purchased, one-fourth never reach their destination, but fall victims to the various circumstances above mentioned.

"On the scenes of violence that take place in the country itself, in the search of victims, it will be needless to dwell; they can be better imagined than described. We shall relate one well-authenticated instance, as given by an eye-witness. A plan had been laid, to attack a single insulated house inhabited by a man, his wife, and children, and to seize the whole family. At the appointed hour, the house was surrounded; when the man no sooner discovered his situation, understood the purpose, and saw that there was no escape, than he locked himself into the inner apartment, drew his kris, killed first his wife and children, and then plunged it into his own breast, preferring death to a life of slavery.

"Such are the circumstances which our inquiries have brought to light. It is impossible to view a people possessed of such high qualities as we have described, subject to such evils, without feeling the strongest interest in their favour. They have appealed

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to Britain for protection, they have placed themselves under her flag, and now look to her for the restoration of peace and tranquillity to their distracted country. We cannot forbear recording the remarkable expression of one of the chiefs of Tello Dalam, on our threatening to leave the place in displeasure, if he failed to comply with a request we had made; he earnestly entreated us not to harbour such a thought for a moment. "Have patience with us," he said, "we are ignorant, uninstructed people, but we are desirous of obtaining the means of improvement: formerly we looked to the Malays and Acheenese, but they deceived us; if you should now desert us, from whom can we entertain any hope?”

"With a view to ascertain the best means of effecting the suppression of this nefarious commerce, we have been minute in our inquiries into the causes and origin of slavery in Pulo Nias, and the mode in which slaves are procured. Slavery is recognized by their laws and customs; it is the punishment ordained for certain crimes, and it is permitted as the ultimate resource in cases of debt. These customs have no doubt been much increased in severity, by the temptation of an external demand, and are often employed on very slight pretences; but they are quite inadequate to account for the great numbers actually exported. We have abundant proof that the greatest number are made slaves by open and actual violence. The rajahs had little hesitation of admitting the fact, but said, the system originated with foreigners, and that the source of the evil was without. In fact, the temptation of exorbitant gain, and the persuasion of the dealers who resort to the ports, prove too much for their selfdenial, and induce the more unprincipled among them to have recourse to every means of fraud, stratagem, or violence, to procure victims to their avarice.

"It must not be forgotten to record the few instances we have met with of chiefs whose virtue has been proof against temptation. Those of Roheeli and Gunong Lambo deserve in this respect the highest praise: not only have they absolutely prohibited the traffic in their own districts, but they even refuse to permit the transit of slaves from the interior, or the disposal of them in any way at their respective ports. We have had still greater reason to be satisfied with the conduct of the rajah of Lumembawa. On first opening the subject to him, and explaining our views and intentions, he expressed his own approbation, but wished to communicate with the chief of the interior, with whom he was connected, before

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entering into such important engagements. The answer proved unfavourable and the rajah was threatened with vengeance if he received us. After some consultation, however, he came on board, and acquainted us that he was determined to disregard the threats of the interior chief, and to enter into agreements with us. He professed himself ready to place himself under our authority, and to shut his port against all exportation of slaves, on condition of our affording protection and encouragement to its legitimate commerce. This was peculiarly gratifying, as Lomembawa has hitherto been the greatest slave-port on the island, and therefore the one where we expected to meet with the greatest difficulties. Indeed, it is but justice to the different chiefs to say, that, on full discussion, they entered into our views with regard to the slave trade with more cordiality than could have been expected.

"The measures therefore to be adopted for its suppression, appear to divide themselves into three branches: 1st, to check as much as possible the external demand; 2nd, To endeavour to soften and modify the severity of the native customs; and 3d, To provide the means of relief to debtors, and such as by existing usages are liable to the condition of slavery. The first depends upon our vigilance; and we have accordingly established such port regulations (they had formed settlements, and hoisted the British colours) and adopted such local arrangements as may facilitate this object, by obliging all vessels to take a pass, or port clearance, from the Company's representative at Tello Dalam or Lavago, and directing the confiscation of any vessel or boat in which slaves may be discovered.

"The second object will be of slower attainment; the change in their customs will be effected gradually and by persuasion, and several practices will fall into disuse of themselves, when the temptation which maintains them is withdrawn; and the chiefs have, on the whole, shewn so much willingness to attend to our suggestions, that we entertain hopes of great improvement, as our influence extends. We have declared, that no Malay or other foreign settler shall in future be permitted to avail himself of the native custom in regard to debts, either to recover such exorbitant interest, or to possess himself of the person of his debtor; and as they are the principal agents of the slave trade, and have most of the disposable capital in their hands, this prohibition will be attended with good effects. The domestic slaves of the Nias people themselves are considered as part of the family, and are

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