Ill 



THE ORIGIN AND ANTIQUITY OF MAN 



Since we explain the origin of different forms of ani- 

 mal life by adaptive modification and descent, it is only 

 one step further to apply the same reasoning to the 

 human species and to account for man as descended 

 from some lower animal form now extinct. Darwin 

 advanced this theory in his, "Descent of Man." Since 

 Darwin wrote there has been much evidence gathered 

 to support the doctrine of descent. The evidence of 

 evolution is now based upon the discoveries of the ex- 

 plorer, paleontologist, anatomist, embryologist, and 

 physiologist. Most natural scientists regard this body 

 of testimony as constituting a confirmation of the theory 

 of evolution. For certain forms of life it is indeed, quite 

 conclusive.^ In this cha])ter, we shall concern ourselves 

 witli an examination of tlie chief evidences for tlie doc- 

 trine that man is descended, in common with other ani- 

 mals now living, from some lower and extinct form. 



The success of any demonstration that man is related 

 by descent to some lower creature, depends largely upon 

 our al)ility to reconstruct the series of related forms. 

 "Wlien the doctrine of the descent of man was first ad- 

 vanced, superficial and i)opular writers immediately 

 n'umped at tlie conclusion that naturalists believed that 

 man was descended from the "monkey." This, of 



1 But this is a matter that tho reader can look up for himself in the 

 many books now available Tipon the subject. 



39 



