604 EEPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1888. 



THE STONE AGE. 



The stone age has been divided, in Europe, into periods, although 

 scientists are not entirely harmonious therein. The names given, are ; 

 Eolithic, or dawn of the stone age ; the Paleolithic, or ancient stone; 

 and the Neolithic, or recent stone. The first two are of chipped stone, 

 the last is of polished stone. The first or Eolithic period belongs en- 

 tirely to the tertiary geologic epoch, and is not accepted by many of the 

 scientists of Europe. I give it a place here because of the possibility 

 of information we may obtain concerning it in America from disputants 

 and investigators. By being thus forewarned they might find imple- 

 ments or evidence in this country which would materially assist in solv- 

 ing the riddle and establish the existence of this period. 



THE EOLITHIC PERIOD. 



But little is known concerning this age in any part of the world. 

 But enough has been discovered to justify attention to and a search for 

 its evidences in places wbere.they are likely to occur. The implements 

 will be of the rudest possible form, so much so that their human manu- 

 facture has been the subject of much discussion, doubt, and, many 

 times, denial. The materials of which the implements found have been 

 made are usually flint or chert, but there is no reason why the man of 

 that period, if he had an existence, may not have used any stone which 

 was capable of being chipped. 



It is possible that bone or shell may have been used for implements, 

 and fossil specimens may be found bearing evidence of human work- 

 manship. While no such instance has been recognized, yet the objects 

 are worthy of attention. Fossilizedhumanremains might also be found. 

 Some examples are declared to have been discovered in Europe and in 

 South America, not to mention the contention over the Calaveras skull. 



The man of this age is claimed to have had an existence during the 

 tertiary geologic period. On this question the world needs enlighten- 

 ment. This can only be obtained by intelligent observation, accompa- 

 nied by accuracy of statement, with minute details, as everything de- 

 pends, in case of the discovery of a piece of evidence, upon the location, 

 situation, and association of the object, which once disturbed from its 

 original position can not be replaced. It is always best to call what- 

 ever of scientific aid is obtainable before any removal is made; also as 

 many witnesses as practicable. 



The value of human implements or remains will be greatly enhanced 

 if they are found associated with the remains of fossils, especially ani- 

 mals belonging to that period. These should be gathered and reported 

 with all possible detail and, the specimens preserved, no matter in what 

 number. In all discoveries of this kind the contention has heretofore 

 been whether the stratum in which the object is found belongs really to 

 the tertiary or to some later geologic formation, and after that whether 

 there has been any subsequent disturbance or intrusion. 



