428 SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.—H. 
of tool is the criterion. Recently studies of the processes of making the 
tools have been undertaken, and a new basis for the classification of industries 
introduced. Not all tools—even when belonging to the same tool family— 
were manufactured in the same manner. ‘Thus it is possible to apply more 
definite criteria for classification purposes than the somewhat arbitrary 
type characteristics alone. Typology will still be essential, of course. 
Broadly speaking, industries can be classed as ‘ core,’ ‘ flake,’ or “ blade-and- 
burin.’ In each category various methods of making the tools occur. 
In early Palzolithic times two distinct sets of industries belonging to two 
different sets of cultures, i.e. to two distinct civilisations, exist—the one 
Asiatic, the other African. The Asiatic group includes the Cromerian, 
Clactonian, Levalloisian and Mousterian cultures; the African the great 
coup-de-poing culture. In Aurignacian times a distribution map of the 
fluting technique shows that this is of Asiatic not African origin and is 
associated with bone tools and home art. As certain other elements in our 
western European Aurignacian were introduced from Africa the dual origin 
of this culture is thus demonstrated. 
Miss E. Dora Eartuy.—Kisi tribe of Liberia (2.45). 
The Kisi tribe of Liberia inhabits villages dotted about the north-western 
corner of Liberia, and adjacent territory in French Guinea and the Sierra 
Leone Protectorate. 
The paramount Chief of the Liberian section belongs to the Kandakai 
family. His kingdom is divided into three districts, Wam, Rankolle, and 
Tengia. The clan chiefs under the paramount chief have each a number of 
subject sub-clans. Each sub-clan chief rules a number of villages called 
‘towns.’ 
The language belongs to the West Atlantic group, and is apparently semi- 
Bantu in character. Arabic seems to have had some influence on the 
structure. : 
The physical type of the ruling class is tall. "The prevailing type is short 
of stature, almost pygmy. 
The Kisi acknowledge a totemic origin. The tribal totems are the baboon 
(called grandfather), crocodile, alligator and kola nut. Clan totems are 
numerous. A certain river and secret mountain are worshipped, with 
impressive rites. 
Marriages are exogamous and often arranged when the bride is an infant. 
The bride-wealth is paid in iron-bar currency, called kilindi. 
Burial places are marked by a mound of stones. The ‘ towns’ may be 
said to be built round the family vault. 
Rt. Hon. Lord RacLtan.—Was early man a scientist ? (3.30). 
The belief that ‘ among primitive races similar needs and materials are 
apt to produce objects of similar appearance ’ is ill-founded. ‘There is no 
evidence that needs lead to artefacts at all; the prevalence of skeuomorphs 
shows that material is a factor of minor importance, and e.g. wooden weapons 
differ widely in type. 
Current theories about early man are based on a belief in the inventive- 
ness of the savage which is derived, not from fact, but from myth and from 
assumptions such as that ability to use implies ability to invent, and that 
local sequence implies local evolution. 
Inventions such as bows and boats are probably beyond the reach of 
primitives, and of the calendar beyond the reach of illiterates, for whom it 
