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Cii. XLIII.l 



PALEOLITHIC MAN. 



4D3 



completely subjected to tlie same general laws of reproduc- 

 tion, increase, growth, disease, and deatli,— that if progres- 

 sive development, spontaneous variation, and natural selection 

 have for millions of years directed the chnnges of the rest of 



human 



I 



exem 



evolution. Such a near bond of connection between man 

 and the rest of the animate creation is regarded by many as 

 derogatory to our dignity. It certainly gives a rude shock to 

 many traditional beliefs, and dispels some poetic illusions re- 

 specting an ideal genealogy which scarcely 'appeared less than 

 archangel ruined.' But we have already had to exchange 

 the pleasing conceptions indulged in by poets and theologians 

 as to the high position in the scale of being held by our 

 early progenitors, for more humble and lowly beginnings, 

 the joint labours of the geologist and archeologist having 



lithic Man.* 



gnorance and barbarism 



time 



ever arrive, when science shall have obtained such an ascen- 



millions 



them 



im 



gained over error, instead of resisting the new discovery, long 

 after the evidence in its favour is conclusive. The 



mot 



our planet round the sun, the shape of the earth, the existence 

 of the antipodes, the vast antiquity of our globe, the distinct 

 assemblages of species of animals and plants by which it 

 was successively inhabited, and lastly the antiquity and bar- 

 barism of Primeval Man, all these generalisations, when first 

 announced, have been a source of anxiety and unhappiness. 

 The future now opening before us begins already to ' reveal 

 new doctrines, if possible more than ever out of harmony 

 with cherished associations of thought. It. is therefore de- 

 snable, when we contrast ourselves with the rude and super- 



emember 



com 



* For remarks on Paleolithic Man see close of Chapter XLVII. 



I 



