Perfect vs. perfectly

Question

In the below sentence, the word 'perfect' seems very strange.

It seems like it's better to replace it with 'perfectly'.

What do you think of my thought?

What the lower order of creation does from instinct, mankind do from experience and reason. It is not that man is entirely devoid of instinct, but that it is in him very perfect.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Very interesting question.

Let's simplify it for easier analysis:

Instinct is very perfect in mankind.

(a) I don't understand why you wish to use "perfectly" (the adverb).

(b) "Perfect" (the adjective) seems quite correctly to refer to "instinct."

Thank you.

Stenka25 · Answer

I already thought about the possibility of (b), but I cannot make sense of the sentense; instinct is very perfect.

Can you tell me what the sentence means?

Anonymous · Answer

Although the adjective "perfect" is probably called for in this sentence, I, too, have no idea of what the sentence means. If no one else answers this post, you might consider posting it again.  This time, don't question the use of "perfect."  Just ask the experts what the sentence means.  Take care!

Mr Wordy · Answer

Here it says "imperfect":

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=KA4oAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA18&dq=%22What+the+lower+order+of+creation+does+from+instinct%22&cd=1#v=onepage&q=%22What%20the%20lower%20order%20of%20creation%20does%20from%20instinct%22&f=false

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you very much for giving us the answer.

Perfect vs. perfectly

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