Relative Chronology of Geology. Nature of Geological Evidence. Ages of stone, bronze, and iron. High Antiquity of Man in Western Europe, as evidenced by his Pre-historic Remains. Newer and Higher Varieties of Man. This Progression in Obvious Operation. Differences among Men lessened but not obli- INTRODUCTORY. Nature and Importance of the Inquiry-General Unwillingness to approach it-Theological Opposition and Misrepresentation-Its Treatment as a Question of Natural HistoryUltimate Object, Truth and Rational Beliefs-Bearing of the Inquiry on other Subjects of Research. AT the present moment there are few scientific questions exciting so much interest as the origin and antiquity of man. And yet, general as the interest is, there is no subject so furtively studied and so unfairly dealt with. Impressed with certain theological notions, a large section of inquirers approach the investigation with restraint and distrust, while even in many of our learned societies an uneasy tenderness prevails the moment it is announced for discussion. Plant-life and animal-life in its lower phases may be investigated and generalised upon with any amount of freedom; but, strangely enough, the study of man, who at present crowns the biological system, is shirked as if it were impiety to approach it. It is true that anatomically most important knowledge has |