296 
ME. PEESrVVICH OX FLDsT-BIPLIDm’TS. 
of the flint. In C the whole flint is worked ; the cutting edge extends all round, and 
the midrib is not so distinct, or is rounded off. Now, it is to be observed that these 
cutting edges are always on one plane, and that they were produced by blows applied at 
the edge — the occasional splintering caused by the blow being generally apparent ; — and 
that the sides are equilateral. This regularity of structure surely imphes design, the 
application of forethought, and an intelligent purpose. One object is apparent through- 
out, that of giving to a hard durable substance a shape either sharp-pointed or cutting. 
Nothing surely but the human hand could have directed a series of blows not only parallel 
one with the other on each surface, but also carefully chrected along and maintained on 
one given plane, and resulting in producing a symmetrical foran. Under natru-al con- 
ditions of fracture, the greater number of blows would, on ordinary chances, fall on the 
broadest surfaces of these flints, and no sharp point and angle could be permanently 
maintained, still less gradually elaborated. 
In considering this point I have confined myself to the one set of implements termed 
“ Haches” by M. Boucher de Perthes*. Orr many of the other forms noticed by that 
gentleman there might reasonably be more difference of opinion. It suffices for orm 
purpose, in treating of the geological question, that we have one set of implements 
showing art and design. 
Lastly, all these flirrt-implements exhibit a peculiar and distinct type and a general 
agreement in finish and shape. They are not copied from any other form, nor do any 
others exactly resemble themf. 
2. On the second poirrt various considerations present themselves. If, however, the 
questioir can be settled upon the single character of the effects of weathering on the spe- 
cimens our end will be attained ; at the same time other objections will incidentally be 
disposed of. Some chalk flints when broken retain theh clear dark sruffaces compara- 
tively uiraltered for ages ; others, on the contrary, weather white hr the corrrse of a few 
years J. When, however, the flints are imbedded in gravel, the altera tiorr depends more 
uporr the rrature of the matrix. The broken flirrts there retairr, irr some parts, their black 
surfaces fresh and uncharrged, but rvith a more marked Utreorrs Irrstre than in ffeshly 
broken fliirt ; while in other parts of the same bed they are stairred rrrore or less deeply 
by the nature of the matrix in which they are imbedded. Thus irr siliceorrs and chalky 
sarrd, flints will remain unaltered ; irr some marls arrd clays they become opaque, Avhite. 
and bright as porcelairr ; in ochreous sand, especially if argillaceous, they staiir yellow, 
whilst in ferruginous sarrds and clays they assume a browrr colorrr. This stainirrg is so 
* 0]). cit. vol. i. p. 347-77. 
t The ordinary so-called stone celt is squarer and more chisel-shaped, and is generally more or less 
ground. The flint flakes or knives foimd at Menchecoirrt, and one flgiu’cd hy Dr. Eigollot from St. Acheid, 
seem, however, identical with the more recent specimens. For fuller information connected with these 
various points, see Mr. Evans’s interesting letter in Appendix (A), and his paper before referred to. 
t In the old part (11th century) of the Tower of London and in the old Norwich and other chui'ches, 
the flints still sliow a dark surface but little altered by long exposure. 
