44 EVOLUTION AND MAN S PLACE IN NATURE 



templated when we look on arrow-heads and stone 

 axes. At that remote period in the world s history to 

 which our thought is now being carried, we mark a 

 point in natural history when a little thought was worth 

 more than well-developed muscle. Among remains 

 examined, arrow-heads count for more than skulls, as 

 evidence of what went on in these times. We judge by 

 results, and when these are carefully estimated, we 

 are ready to say with Darwin, primeval man practised 

 i a division of labour. l 



From this point, however, we are enabled better to 

 present the contrast between mechanism and mind. 

 It is objectively the difference between the axe and 

 the man who wields it ; so much is the man above his 

 tools. Tested again objectively, but this time by 

 results, it is the difference between splintered wood, 

 and the expectation of comfort for subsequent use of 

 it. So also do we recognise the difference between 

 animal and man. In material language, it is the 

 difference between muscle and tool, as the latter adds 

 to working power. The difference does not appear in 

 grip ; but in the purpose which directs the grasp, as 

 it formerly directed manufacture of the tool. Neither 

 the activity of man himself, nor the material symbols 

 of such activity, can be explained without reference 

 to rational power. So much is suggested by discovery 

 of arrow-heads in tumuli, that we are already finding 

 it impossible to restrict ourselves to language applic 

 able to material things. We need a vocabulary which 

 includes thought and purpose/ We cannot get 

 along without terms applicable to things higher than 

 flints and muscular power. 



1 Descent of Man, p. 50. 



