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ASCENT OF MAN 225

for using a stone, a tool, or a weapon, for feeling
round things and appreciating their three dimensions,
it would react on other parts of the body, such as
the spinal column, the pelvis, and perhaps even the
larynx. In his address to the Anthropological Section
of the British Association in 1893, Dr Robert Munro
directed attention to three propositions: (l) the
mechanical and physical advantages of the erect
position, (2) the consequent differentiation of the
limbs into hands and feet, and (3) the causal relation
between this and the development of the brain.

(£) Fiske and others have called attention to the
prolonged helpless infancy, so characteristic of human
offspring, and illustrated in a less marked degree
among Simian races. It would tend, in conditions
not too severe, to tighten the family bond, and to
evolve gentleness and a habit of altruistic outlook. It
should also be remembered that the type of brain
which characterises man is marked by its relative
poverty in inherited instinct and by its eminent
educability.

(*:) The influence of the family was probably an
important factor, fostering sympathy and mutual aid,
prompting talk and division of labour. Even in early
days, children would educate their parents. It must
be remembered that many animals exhibit family life,
and also pairing for prolonged periods or for life.

(d) If we grant the incipient man a growing,
plastic, and restless brain, a strong feeling of kinship,
some family ties, an erect attitude, the habit of using
his hands and voice, all of which the anthropoid
analogy suggests, and if we deny him sufficient
physical strength to keep his foothold by virtue of that



	ASCENT OF MAN 225 for using a stone, a tool, or a weapon, for feeling round things and appreciating their three dimensions, it would react on other parts of the body, such as the spinal column, the pelvis, and perhaps even the larynx. In his address to the Anthropological Section of the British Association in 1893, Dr Robert Munro directed attention to three propositions: (l) the mechanical and physical advantages of the erect position, (2) the consequent differentiation of the limbs into hands and feet, and (3) the causal relation between this and the development of the brain. (£) Fiske and others have called attention to the prolonged helpless infancy, so characteristic of human offspring, and illustrated in a less marked degree among Simian races. It would tend, in conditions not too severe, to tighten the family bond, and to evolve gentleness and a habit of altruistic outlook. It should also be remembered that the type of brain which characterises man is marked by its relative poverty in inherited instinct and by its eminent educability. (:) The influence of the family was probably an important factor, fostering sympathy and mutual aid, prompting talk and division of labour. Even in early days, children would educate their parents. It must be remembered that many animals exhibit family life, and also pairing for prolonged periods or for life. (d)* If we grant the incipient man a growing, plastic, and restless brain, a strong feeling of kinship, some family ties, an erect attitude, the habit of using his hands and voice, all of which the anthropoid analogy suggests, and if we deny him sufficient physical strength to keep his foothold by virtue of that