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implements of one common type by widely- separate races of 
men, and appear to furnish indirect evidence of the common 
origin of mankind. Dr. O’ Callaghan, in a paper read before 
this Society at Bradford, arrived at a similar conclusion, from 
the consideration of the universal practice of forming the 
cromlech as a place of sepulture by uncivilized people in 
every part of the world, and in all ages. 
Finally, in reply to the generally received opinion that 
celts, in the ordinary acceptation of the term, have been used 
as weapons of defence, I venture to remark that it is very 
probable, as we find them of different forms. The common 
socketed celt or pot celt, the same with the loop, the 
palstave, the lance head, &c.* Their uses may have been as 
different as their forms. That while some have undoubtedly 
been for spear heads, or offensive and defensive weapons, 
others appear as ill adapted for that purpose, 
Mr. Syer Cuming, who has given much attention to these 
objects, believes that the socketed specimens have been used 
as buts or ferrules for the shafts of spears or lances, by which 
they might be fixed in the ground, or even used at times for 
offensive weapons; just as the Romans used the spiculi of 
their hastce. As evidence of this connected use, Mr. Cuming 
cites their frequent discovery along with spear heads ; that of 
a stone found in the Isle of Anglesea, upon which were cut 
moulds for casting both the spear blade and the celt; and 
also that iron ferrules, of analogous shape and structure, are 
frequently seen upon the spear shafts of warriors of both 
Eastern and Western Africa. 
The occurrence of celts in burial mounds, or simple graves, 
is quite in accordance with their character, either as weapons 
of defence or insignia of office, as we find it a universal 
practice among uncivilized nations to inter with their dead 
See Wilde’s Catalogue of the Antiquities of the Royal Irish Academy. 
