de Spy (Fig. 29), shows a low, retreating forehead, marked prognathism, a sloping chin, and large third-molar teeth. In support of these views on cranial development a number of more recently discovered skeletons might be adduced; but as they are associated with other features of early human civilisation, they fall to be described later on.
A comparison of the skeletons of primitive races may therefore be regarded as a third line of research into the past history of mankind, and if it be conjoined with an archaeological investigation of their handicraft products, important results may be expected. For it is quite evident that many of the savage races still surviving are merely side eddies of an earlier stream of culture through which civilised races have passed. They have merely thrown off old-fashioned garments for the more comfortable garb of the modern methods of living.
Biblical account of Creation.
The Biblical account of the creation of the world and man has exercised the minds of many of the most eminent philosophers, scientists, and religionists of our day. Although the attempt to reconcile its details with the ascertained facts of palæontology has failed, it is not necessary to regard the story as a mere fanciful myth. We must bear in mind that the doctrine of evolution was known as a speculation to the early inhabitants of India, Babylonia, and the eastern shores of the Mediterranean long before the writer in Genesis penned his memorable narrative. By distributing the work over five consecutive days a definite chronological sequence is affirmed, which gives an evolutionary character to the specific acts of creation therein recorded. On the supposition that these days represent vast periods of time, some critics maintain that the order in which life is made to appear corresponds to that disclosed by palæontological researches. Mr Gladstone, in his famous controversy with Professor Huxley on this subject (Collected Essays, vol. iv., p. 176, "Nineteenth Century," 1885-6), thus tabulates the chronological sequence of events as deduced from the Biblical narrative:—
(1) A period of land anterior to all life.
(2) A period of vegetable life anterior to animal life.
