182 
THE DESCENT OP MAN. 
Part l . 
the fingers, first of one hand and then of the other, 
and lastly of the toes. We have traces of this in our 
own decimal system, and in the Roman numerals, which 
after reaching to the number V., change into VI., &c., 
when the other hand no doubt w T as used. So again, 
“ when we speak of three-score and ten, we are count- 
“ iug by the vigesimal system, each score thus ideally 
“ made, standing for 20 — for ‘ one man ’ as a Mexican 
“ or Carib would put it.” 31 According to a large and 
increasing school of philologists, every language bears 
the marks of its slow and gradual evolution. So it 
is with the art of writing, as letters are rudiments of 
pictorial representations. It is hardly possible to read 
Mr. M‘Lennan’s work 32 and not admit that almost all 
civilised nations still retain some traces of such rude 
habits as the forcible capture of wives. What ancient 
nation, as the same author asks, can be named that was 
originally monogamous ? The primitive idea of justice, 
as shewn by the law of battle and other customs of 
which traces still remain, was likewise most rude. Many 
existing superstitions are the remnants of former false 
religious beliefs. Tho highest form of religion — the 
grand idea of God hating sin and loving righteousness 
— was unknown during primeval times. 
Turning to the other kind of evidence : Sir J. Lub- 
bock has shewn that some savages have recently ini' 
proved a little in some of their simpler arts. From the 
31 ‘ Koval Institution of Great Britain,’ Marcli 15, 1867. Also, 
‘ Researches into tho Early History of Mankind,’ 1865. 
32 ‘ Primitive Marriage,’ 1S65. See, likewise, an excellent article, 
evidently ky the same author, in the ‘ North British Review,’ July, 
1SG9. Also, Mr. L. H. Morgan, “ A Conjectural Solution of the Origin 
of the Class. System of Relationship,” in ‘ Proc. American Acad, of 
Sciences,’ vol. vii. Peb. 1868. Prof. Schaaffhausen (‘ Autliropolog- 
Review,’ Oct. 186!),- p. 373) remarks on “the vestiges of human sacri- 
“ fices found both in Homer aud the Old Testament.” 
