224 ETHNOLOGY. 



Such are, for example, those of the following table : 



CHAPTER SECOND. 



THE SYMBOLS. 



§ 1. Qualities of the symbols. 



The symbols of prehistoric archaeology, in order to become general and 

 international, ought to be — 



1. Simple. — They must be as simple as possible, so that they can be 

 traced upon a chart by any one, even if he have no experience in draw- 

 ing. Simplicity is necessary, not only for the making of the symbol, but 

 still more for its easy reading. Complicated signs take up too much 

 room, and are too difficult to draw with accuracy. 



2. Trenchant. — They must be distinct, one from another, an indispensa- 

 ble conditiou to the easy and rapid reading of the chart. They ought 

 to present the greatest diversity possible consistent with simplicity. 



3. Special. — They should not be those already in use for other purposes, 

 especially in general topography. For example, the small circle would 

 be an excellent sign for prehistoric stations, but since it is in use for 

 actual stations, cities, towns, villages, &c., according to the scale, it 

 must be rejected. Its employment would render the distinction of pre- 

 historic sites impossible in cases where only black color is used. 



4. Universal. — They must be recognizable by all nations. This rejects 

 the employment of initial letters — words, and consequently initial letters, 

 varying in different languages. 



o. Mnemonic. — They must call to mind the object which they repi-e- 

 sent. Count Alexander Przedziecki, in his series of symbols, proposed 

 at Boulogne, introduced such signs as a Lumau skull, a stag's horn, a 

 little house on piles, »&c. While the mnemonic character has been re- 

 tained, the symbols have been laid aside as too difficult to draw. 



G. MultipUahle. — It is impossible to limit in an absolute manner the 

 number of symbols. It ought to be larger or smaller, according to the 

 scale of the chart, and the simplicity or complexity of each separate work. 



