INTRODUCTOEY. 



Nature and Importance of the Inquiry — General Unwillingness 

 to approacli it — Theological Opposition and Misrepresent- 

 ation — Its Treatment as a Question of Natural History — 

 Ultimate Object, Truth and Eational Beliefs — Bearing of 

 the Inquiry on other Subjects of Research. 



At the present moment there are few scientific ques- 

 tions exciting so much interest as the origin and 

 antiquity of man. And yet, general as the interest 

 is, there is no subject so furtively studied and so un- 

 fairly dealt with. Impressed with certain theological 

 notions, a large section of inquirers approach the in- 

 vestigation with restraint and distrust, while even in 

 many of our learned societies an uneasy tenderness 

 prevails the moment it is announced for discussion. 

 Plant-life and animal-life in its lower phases may be 

 investigated and generalised upon with any amount of 

 freedom ; but, strangely enough, the study of man, 

 who at present crowns the biological system, is 

 shirked as if it were impiety to approach it. It is 

 true that anatomically most important knowledge has 



