A Manual of the Antiquity of Man

"A Manual of the Antiquity of Man" by J. P. MacLean is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the origins and early history of humankind, examining archaeological findings and geological evidence to establish a timeline for human existence. It aims to educate the public on the antiquity of the human race and its significance within the context of geological and biological developments. At the start of the book, MacLean expresses the growing public interest in the antiquity of man, spurred largely by earlier works from Sir Charles Lyell and other geologists. He notes that while many scientific discussions have emerged, there remains a need for a popular, accessible outline of the subject. The introduction discusses early attempts to understand human history through geological timelines and the significance of various archaeological discoveries, setting the stage for a detailed examination of human existence across different epochs, including the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, as well as the impact of glacial and interglacial changes on early human life.