CRADLE OF MAN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17180, 10 February 1930, Page 10

CRADLE OF MAN

AUSTRALIAN'S THEORY "HUMAN HISTORY" LONDON, Jan. 50. "The cradle of mankind probably lies somewhere between the Himalayan mountains and the heart of Africa," writes Professor Grafton Elliot. Smith, formerly of Sydney, in "Human History," which Cape's are publishing on February 17, The outstanding distinctions of tile homo sapiens were their small and amazingly adaptable hands, combined with their aptitude. Hy virtue of Inch development in the frontal portion of tho brain, they were able to attain perfection in skill which made them special instruments in man's destiny. He says: "South-west Asia or the northeastern part of Africa may be the cradle of the homo sapiens." Professor Elliot Smith treats of the diffusion of man over the earth, and discusses primitive races, including the Australian aborigines. Ho says it may be 1,030,000 years since the pithecanthropus' and sinanthropus roamed the earth. Chellean stone working may have begun 500.000 years ago. The earliest known prototype of the homo sapiens may be 50,000 years old. and a contemporary of the Neanderthal man. Civilisation began in the east 4000 years before the birth of Christ.