The second part develops the link between memory and instinct, interpreting instinct as “inherited memory.” Butler stresses that instincts, as seen in insects, may be passed down across generations, connecting this view to both Darwin’s and Lamarck’s theories. While critical of Darwin’s natural selection, he acknowledges the value of Lamarck’s emphasis on habit and adaptation. The instincts of neuter insects illustrate how conscious experience may evolve into unconscious behavior over time. In conclusion, Butler frames habit, memory, instinct, and evolution as parts of a continuous process, offering a unified perspective on human and animal behavior.
