viii PREFACE. 



A few words will suffice on the general plan and arrangement 

 of the subject-matter. Two preliminary chapters, forming a close 

 link between the two volumes, deal in a summary way with the 

 cradle, origin, and migrations of the pleistocene precursor, with 

 the Stone and Metal Ages (where it was important to accentuate 

 the vast duration of the Neolithic period), and with the evolution 

 of writing systems, with which is ushered in the strictly historical 

 epoch. Then follow the chapters which are devoted seriatim to 

 the primary groups and chief sub-branches of the human family. 

 Each of the main sections is introduced with a general Conspectus, 

 in which are briefly summarised the more salient features con- 

 nected with the primeval home, past and present distribution, 

 physical and mental characters, and chief sub-groups of the several 

 main divisions. With the view of making this volume a trust- 

 worthy book of reference on the multifarious subjects dealt with, 

 I have everywhere aimed at accuracy in the statement of facts, 

 which are as far as possible drawn from the best available sources, 

 and supported by careful reference to recognised authorities. But 

 in the handling of such a body of scattered materials, errors both 

 of omission and commission can scarcely have been avoided, 

 and I can but hope that they will be found neither numerous 



nor serious. 



A. H. K. 



ARAM-GAH, 



79, BROADHURST GARDENS, N.W. 

 March, 1899. 



