CHAPTER XL 

 THE EVOLUTION OF MAN 



Time Required for Man's Evolution. — At the 

 present time there is but one species of man, comprising 

 several distinct races which differ from each other as 

 regards complexion, color of hair and eyes, stature, shape 

 of head, and many other structural as well as mental 

 peculiarities. If all of these widely differing races are 

 the result of evolution from a single ancestral type — 

 and there is no good reason for believing the contrary — 

 then the length of time required for these changes must 

 have been enormous. 



It is also reasonably certain that the great differences 

 existing among modern races with regard to their re- 

 ligious and social customs, their laws and the various 

 phases of communal life are the result of gradual changes 

 extending over a long period of years. The world-wide 

 distribution of man as well as the great size of his brain, 

 when compared with the highest apes, also indicates 

 his great antiquity. On the basis of these facts it is 

 assumed by some investigators that man, or rather an 

 ape-like creature with an admixture of human charac- 

 ters, first appeared on the earth 2,000,000 years ago. 

 Other students of the subject are convinced that 5,000,- 

 000 years is nearer the truth. 



Place of Origin. — Granted that man first appeared 

 millions of years ago, it now remains to determine his 

 place of origin. For several reasons Asia appears to 

 fulfil the requirements most satisfactorily. In the first 

 place there are very strong indications that human 

 civilization has endured for a much longer period on that 

 continent than elsewhere. Secondly, it is the home of 



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