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6. Cultural Elements and Complexes

In view of the further linguistical discussion, we now have to put emphasis on the process of assimilation of the cultural elements and the loss of original complexes. I shall call the cultural or ethnographical element a phenomenon which cannot be dissected into its component parts. So the term is a relative one, for all depends upon the observer's attitude — from which point of view one looks at the phenomenon. Let us take some instances. The cart is an ethnographical phenomenon which may be dissected as follows: the wheel, the axe, the frame, and the accessories for using draught animals. There may also be other elements used besides these. From the point of view of the economic organization of transportation, the cart will also be an element, besides the motor force used, the roads, etc. The same may be stated in reference to any phenomenon. These groups of elements constitute the complexes. So, for instance, the cart, the motor power, the roads, etc., form the complex of transportation. It is natural that in a complex like transportation the elements must be adjusted in such a way that the whole complex may be adapted to its function; e.g., the type of cart, which is also a complex, must be adapted to the existing motor power, and it must be adapted to the existing roads, etc. At the same time, the method of transportation enters as an element into the complex of economical organization. There is no need of a transport organization if there is nothing to be transported, andso on. In this way, the elements are grouped into complexes and the complexes are again grouped into larger complexes. The whole system forming the complex results from the adaptation of the ethnos to the existing conditions of milieus and its own inherited morphological and physiological complex. To establish where the inherited morphology with its functions conditions the elaboration of the system of adaptation of the cultural complex, and where the cultural complex implies a change of physical and functional peculiarity of ethnos, is sometimes impossible, for all of them are bound in the system of equilibrium. We have already pointed out that all cultural phenomena are a product of adaptation, as well as all physical features of man, but the character of cultural phenomena needs some supplementary analysis.

 
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