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From restorations by J. H. McGregor 
TRINIL APE-MAN NEANDERTHAL MAN CrO-MAGNON MAN 
Pithecanthropur erectus Homo neanderthalensis Homo sapiens 
That these three restorations of prehistoric man form a progressive series, from left to right, is 
evident not only by the general form and the appearance of relative intelligence appreciated by 
the most casual observer, but especially by definite anatomical characters such as increased promi- 
nence of the chin, reduction of the eyebrow ridges, reduction of the prominence of the lower face 
as a whole, increased size of skull and of brain capacity (brain capacities of the three races from 
left to right: 858—900cc.; 1408cc.; 1550—-1880cc.) 
The Hall of the Age of Man in the 
American Museum 
By mewn Y FPATREKFIELD OSBORN 
_ Reprinted, with slight changes, from Natural History, the Journal of the American Museum of Natural 
History, for May-June, 1920, pages 228-246. 
The exhibits in the Hall of the Age of Man are intended to illustrate what is known of the 
origin, relationships and early history of man, as deduced from his remains and primitive 
implements, and also to show the animals by which he was surrounded in the early stages of 
his existence. These animals are shown not only as mounted skeletons but in a series of large 
mural paintings portraying them as they appeared in the flesh amid their natural surroundings. 
These paintings are the result of the study of their fossil remains and their careful comparison 
with related existing animals, a work to which the author has devoted many years of study. 
Hence they give an accurate and vivid idea of the animals that were the contemporaries of man 
in various regions in the infancy of the world. 
Five cases in the center of the hall are devoted to the story of man, and that it can be 
compressed into so small a space is an indication of the scarcity of his remains, for here are dis- 
played reproductions of all the notable specimens that have been discovered. It has been 
necessary to use copies, for the actual specimens are few in number and scattered through many 
museums In many widely separated parts of the world. 
HE beginning of the Age of early stages of human evolution, pro- 
Man, some 500,000 years ago, gressed from natural causes due di- 
roughly estimated as the close rectly or indirectly to the Glacial epoch. 
_ of the Age of Mammals, marks in real- With the introduction of firearms the 
ity but the beginning of the close of destruction has proceeded with increas- 
the Age of Mammals. The extinction ing rapidity, and today it is going on, 
of the most superb mammals that the by the use of guns and steel traps, at 
| earth has ever produced, during the a more rapid rate than ever. By the 
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