INVESTIGATION VERSUS PROPAGANDISM 323 



The several views relative to the age of the Vero man may be 

 summarized as follows: 



From the viewpoint of the State Geologist — Pleistocene. 

 From the viewpoint of regional geology — opinion withheld. 

 From the viewpoint of physico-dynamic geology — Mid-Recent. 

 From the viewpoint of archaeology — Recent. 

 From the viewpoint of anthropology — Recent. 



From the viewpoint of vertebrate paleontology — -Early or Middle Pleisto- 

 cene. 



From the viewpoint of paleobotany — Late Pleistocene. 

 From the viewpoint of invertebrate paleontology — ? 



STAGE III. A TREND TOWARD ANTAGONISM AND PROPAGANDISM 



The preceding co-operative stage was wholesome and fruitful 

 in a gratifying degree, however indecisive. It is less gratifying 

 to note that some signs of a lapse into polemics have recently 

 manifested themselves. While the utmost independence and the 

 highest critical spirit are eminently wholesome, criticisms from 

 personal points of view that take such a form as to place an oppos- 

 ing view at a disadvantage, either from inadequacy or inaccuracy 

 of statement, do not make for wholesome progress. They are 

 not likely to be altogether fair — however well intended — either 

 to readers or to those criticized. If something in that line is 

 regarded as necessary, it is much better given the form of a joint 

 discussion, preferably with exchange of manuscript beforehand. 

 Such a discussion puts both sides before the reader at the same 

 time and on equal footing. If it is felt that an attack must be 

 made, let it be arranged that the defense go with the attack in 

 the spirit of ancient chivalrous combats and in the not less 

 chivalrous spirit of the most approved form of modern polemics. 



Partly in association with more or less polemical reviews and 

 partly independent of them, there has appeared also some tendency 

 to propagate preferred views as though they were determinate 

 while yet about half those who have taken part in the inquiry 

 dissent from such views. Unless the fact of such dissent is duly 

 impressed on the reader, he is placed under the disadvantage of 

 partisan influence, and if he is keenly alive to his rights, he is likely 

 to resent this. The varied opinions cited above seem quite clearly 



