Abstract
THIS little book is the fourth of a series called “Weltanschauungs-Fragen,” and apparently intended to include contributions to the monistic philosophy of Haeckel. Consequently, Dr. Ohm brings forward the two principal theories of animal intelligence—one that it is totally different in kind from human, and the other that it is the product of evolution, and differs only in degree, but is essentially of the same nature. After a brief historical introduction to the subject, and noticing the opinions held by various authors from Plato to Wasmann, Darwin, and Harold Höfding, Dr. Ohm speaks of the dawning intelligence indicated in Protista, sponges, Medusas, Hydra, molluscs, &c., and then inserts a chapter on instinct to controvert the view advocated by Wasmann that it is a perfect and divine inspiration, quite different from reason. Here he deals especially with the manifestations and imperfections of the intelligence of insects, especially ants and bees.
Das Seelenleben der Tiere.
By Dr. P. Ohm. Pp. 117. (Stuttgart: Neue Weltanschauung, 1909.)
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K., W. Das Seelenleben der Tiere . Nature 81, 394 (1909). https://doi.org/10.1038/081394b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/081394b0