The Knickerbocker, Vol. 22, No. 6, December 1843

This thought‑provoking essay explores whether the lower animals possess a mind or merely act on instinct. Drawing on observations from surgeons, naturalists, and classical writers, it presents vivid anecdotes—such as a rescued spaniel returning to nurse a fellow dog, a fox trapped by its own greed, and beavers engineering elaborate dams. Each story highlights surprising problem‑solving, empathy, and cooperative behavior that challenge the notion of animal simplicity.

The author weaves these accounts with references to Buffon, Cicero, and Pliny, suggesting that animals not only communicate but also organize labor, keep watch, and remember tasks like ants building and storing food. By juxtaposing scientific reports with classical quotations, the piece invites listeners to reconsider the boundary between human reason and animal instinct. It offers a compelling invitation to marvel at the hidden intellect that pervades the natural world.