Headly, in his book on “Life and Evolution,” instances our old
friend, the ameba, which we have since childhood all agreed to
be one of the most primitive forms of life. This microscopic
creature, a unicellular morsel of protoplasm, undoubtedly has
the power of choice. It exercises this power whenever it eats.
Diatoms enveloped in flint are its favorite food. When an ameba
comes in contact with one of these minute vegetables it swallows
it through an aperture--a mouth--which it conveniently makes at
whichever point an aperture is required. But when, on the other
hand, the ameba comes in contact with a small grain of flint he
leaves it severely alone; he does not treat it as he does the
flinty envelop of the diatom.
(382)
=Choice, Right=--See WAY, THE RIGHT.