editor's preface. XV 



Sir Charles Lyell, and Mr. John Evans, Had the work 

 assumed a more systematic form, this, perhaps, would 

 not have happened. 



In Lecture X it will be seen that the author has un- 

 fortunately accepted the wild speculation of Professor 

 Huxley respecting the resemblance of the Neanderthal 

 calvaria to that of the Australian. The important observ- 

 ations of Dr. Barnard Davis respecting the synostotic con- 

 dition of this fragment bid fair to solve the question by 

 showing that the Neanderthal skull is merely an abnormal 

 relic, and that all the theories founded thereon as to 

 the extreme savage state of the primitive inhabitants of 

 Europe are utterly worthless. 



Prof. Vogt acknowledges that, to a great extent, he is 

 willing to accept the conclusions of England's great modern 

 naturalist, Charles Darwin ; but, unlike many of that pro- 

 found observer's followers in this country, he entirely 

 repudiates the opinions respecting man's unity of origin 

 which a section of Darwinites in this country are now 

 endeavouring to promulgate. The author's views on this 

 point I hold, in the present state of science, to be 

 especially sound and philosophical : and I hope that this 

 work may help to counteract the inconsistent and an- 

 tiquated doctrines now being taught by one of our 

 government Professors respecting the small distinction 

 which exists between the members of the genus Homo. 



Nor is the author, like some of our fellow countrymen, 

 afraid to accept the logical consequences of his opinions 

 respecting transmutation and development. On the con- 

 trary, none can charge M. Vogt with ambiguity as to his 

 real sentiments. From his oiDponents I hope he will 

 receive the credit of being honest and open in the ex- 

 pression of his opinions, although few may agree with 



