The Industries of Animals

"The Industries of Animals" by Frédéric Houssay is a scientific exploration from the late 19th century that investigates the diverse activities of animals, examining their behaviors that mirror human industries, hunting techniques, and defense tactics. This comparative study highlights the roles of both instinct and intelligence in shaping animal behavior, starting with an introduction to the "animal industries" concept, and contrasts the approaches of naturalist's, both present day, and from the past. Houssay emphasizes the importance of viewing animal behavior through the lens of evolution, setting the stage for an examination of activities like hunting, fishing, and defense mechanisms, that showcases the complex relationship between innate abilities and learned intelligence, ultimately offering insights into the animal kingdom.