606 HUMAN JAW AND FLINT-IMPLEMENTS 



The Flint-objects, which are accepted as proofs of human 

 industry of very remote antiquity, are therefore of two kinds. 

 1st. The more simple, or flakes. 2nd. The haches, which 

 have been shaped out of blocks into form by the repeated 

 detachment of small fragments or eclats. 



Where haches occur, flakes designed for use commonly 

 occur also. 



Flint haches, of undoubted antiquity, bear certain marks, 

 the presence of one or more of which is considered necessary 

 to guarantee their genuineness. 1st. They are weather- 

 stained or discoloured, according to the nature of the embed- 

 ding deposit. 2nd. They present a general polish or vitreous 

 glimmer, which is not seen on the dull fresh fracture of the 

 same flint. 3rd. They are patched over with a patina, con- 

 sisting of a crust of carbonate of lime, or of other mineral 

 matter, or they bear dendrites. 



Besides these, there are other indications which, regarded 

 per se, are less certain and constant, but which assist mate- 

 rially in judging on the genuineness of haches. 1st. Com- 

 monly they are more or less used and blunted or indented at 

 their sharp edges, and they are frequently abraded by roll- 

 ing. 2nd. The conchoidal facets, caused by the detachment 

 of flakes, are broad and shallow, and the dividing ridges but 

 little conspicuous. 3rd. Residuary films are either absent 

 from the facets, or, if present, their margins are broken, 

 and colouring matter in matrix is generally interposed 

 between them and the body of the flint, through capillary 

 action. 



The broad and shallow facet and the low dividing ridges 

 have been closely imitated by using stone hammers at the 

 present time ; but in certain cases haches, considered upon 

 other grounds to be of genuine antiquity, present conchoidal 

 facets and raised dividing ridges. In others, the points or 

 edges are uninjured. In these instances the vitreous glim- 

 mer, dendrite, or other kind of patina, are relied upon as 

 tests of their genuine character. Occasionally the discrimi- 

 nation, except by practised experts, is difficult and per- 

 plexing. 



Counterfeit haches of modern fabrication are commonly 

 distinguishable with readiness, by the absence of all the 

 characters above indicated, and by the presence of certain 

 peculiar marks. 1st. They present no vitreous glimmer 

 different from a fresh fracture ; they are unstained, un- 

 weathered, and free from dendrites or other patina ; and they 

 bear no marks of rolling. 2nd. The facets are more con- 

 choidal, narrower, deeper, and commonly more numerous ; 

 and the dividing ridges well pronounced, angular, and 



