The Natural Fracture of Flint and its Bearing upon Rudimentary Flint Implements

Abstract

The determination of human flaking as against Nature's work upon flints has always been a vexed question with archæologists. It appeared apparently in the first place with the discovery of the Neolithic arrow-heads, as in some old books we find these relics described as “elf-darts,” which clearly proves that a supernatural origin was accorded to them. Though unfortunately we have no records of the discussions held over these first discovered Neoliths, we may I think assume that in those days the archæological camp was split into two sharply defined sections, one declaring that the arrow-heads were the outcome ot supernatural agencies, the other that some ancient race of men had fashioned them. Be that as it may, the fact remains that no such discussions have for many long years raged round these particular flaked flints, and they are now accepted as being as much evidences of man's work as is a dining-room table or a fireside arm-chair.