CONTENTS 13 



CHAPTER XVIII 



PAGE 



THE EVOLUTION OF MENTAL CHARACTERS . . . .385 

 (1) We have to inquire into the stage of mental evolution reached 

 at different times. (2) After discussing evidence derived from 

 fossils, (3) from the study of primitive races, (4) from Binet-Simon 

 tests, and (5) elsewhere, we conclude that by far the greater part 

 of mental evolution had been accomplished in Palaeolithic times. 



(6) Conditions in the intermediate period strongly favoured intellect, 



(7) but in the first and second periods there ceased to be any con- 

 siderable premium upon intellect, (8) while, though at the opening 

 of the third period some advance was favoured, later conditions 

 merely allowed of the existence of greater diversity. (9) Definite 

 conclusions postponed until tradition has been studied. 



CHAPTER XIX 



THE NATURE OF TRADITION 407 



(1) The evolution of conceptual thought went hand in hand with 

 that of language, (2) and has passed through a scries of stages. 



(3) The products of conceptual thought are stored up in various ways, 



(4) are transmitted by language and by the operation of suggestion 

 and sympathy, and (5) are retained by habit. (6) In a relatively 

 unimportant way tradition is present among the higher animals. 

 (7) Tradition moulds the degree and direction of the use of mental 

 faculties, and (8) is naturally selected. 



CHAPTER XX 



THE ORIGIN OF TRADITION 419 



(1) Supposing other things to be equal, we have to study the 

 influence of differences in fertiUty and contact upon tradition. 

 (2) Fertility is a purely relative term. (3) The greater the fertiUty, 

 the greater the incentive to increase in skill and to the transmission 

 of skilled processes. (4) Since fertihty is relative there is a shifting 

 of the centres of progress. (5) Contact varies in quantity and 

 quality, and facilitates the transmission and encourages the forma- 

 tion of skiU. (6) Contact is hindered by isolation by sea, deserts, 

 and mountains, and is facilitated by rivers. Importance of location 

 and language. (7) Contact also influenced by economic factors 

 which have brought about (8) the evolution from the segmentary to 

 the organic form of social organization. (9) Thus the origin and 

 transmission of tradition have been very greatly encouraged in the 

 third period, (10) though certain influences work against the full 

 realization of the organic type in modern communities. (11) Differ- 

 ences in economic organization are correlated with other differences 

 in social organization. 



