about 1793. We may now return to the consideration of "otemism" or
totemism. We approach it rather as a fact in the science of
mythology than as a stage in the evolution of the modern family
system. For us totemism is interesting because it proves the
existence of that savage mental attitude which assumes kindred and
alliance between man and the things in the world. As will
afterwards be seen, totemism has also left its mark on the
mythologies of the civilised races. We shall examine the
institution first as it is found in Australia, because the
Australian form of totemism shows in the highest known degree the
savage habit of confusing in a community of kinship men, stars,
plants, beasts, the heavenly bodies, and the forces of Nature. When
this has once been elucidated, a shorter notice of other totemistic
races will serve our purpose.


[1] Voyages and Travels, 1791.

[2] Moeurs des Sauvages (1724), p. 461.

[3] Academy, December 15, 1883.

[4] Selected Essays (1881), ii. 376.

[5] Compare Mr. Max Muller's Contributions to the Science of
Mythology.


The society of the Murri or black fellows of Australia is divided
into local tribes, each of which possesses, or used to possess, and