CHAPTER XVIII

THE EVOLUTION OF MENTAL CHARACTERS 385

(1) We have to inquire into the stage of mental evolution reached at different times. (2) After discussing evidence derived from fossils, (3) from the study of primitive races, (4) from Binet-Simon tests, and (5) elsewhere, we conclude that by far the greater part of mental evolution had been accomplished in Palaeolithic times. (6) Conditions in the intermediate period strongly favoured intellect, (7) but in the first and second periods there ceased to be any considerable premium upon intellect, (8) while, though at the opening of the third period some advance was favoured, later conditions merely allowed of the existence of greater diversity. (9) Definite conclusions postponed until tradition has been studied.