The Descent of Man

Testament.") and not admit that almost all civilised
nations still retain traces of such rude
habits as the forcible capture of wives. What
ancient nation, as the same author asks, can be
named that was originally monogamous? The
primitive idea of justice, as shewn by the law of
battle and other customs of which vestiges still
remain, was likewise most rude. Many existing
superstitions are the remnants of former false
religious beliefs. The highest form of religion—
the grand idea of God hating sin and loving
righteousness—was unknown during primeval
times.
Turning to the other kind of evidence: Sir J.
Lubbock has shewn that some savages have
recently improved a little in some of their simpler
arts. From the extremely curious account
which he gives of the weapons, tools, and arts,
in use amongst savages in various parts of the
world, it cannot be doubted that these have
nearly all been independent discoveries, excep-