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.