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The Prehistoric World; or, Vanished races by Emory Adams Allen
page 93 of 805 (11%)
A French geologist, by the name of Boucher DePerthes, had noted
the occurrence of similar flint implements, and bones of these
extinct animals, in a gravel pit on the banks of the Somme, near
Abbeville, France. He was convinced that they proved the
existence of man at the time these ancient animals lived in
Europe. But no one paid any attention to his opinions on this
subject, and a collection of these implements, which he took to
Paris in 1839, was scarcely noticed by the scientific world.
They were certainly very rude, and presented but indistinct
traces of chipping, and perhaps it is not strange that he failed
to convince any one of their importance. He therefore determined
to make a thorough and systematic exploration of these beds at
Abbeville. In 1847 he published his great work on this subject,
giving over sixteen hundred cuts of the various articles he had
found, claiming that they were proof positive of the presence of
man when the gravels were depositing.


Picture of Flint Implements, so-called.------


Now there are several questions to be answered before the
conclusions of the French geologist can be accepted. In the
first place, are these so-called flint implements of human
workmanship? From our illustrations, we see that they are of an
oval shape, tending to a cutting edge all around, and generally
more or less pointed at one end. The testimony of all competent
persons who have examined them is, that however rude they may
be, they were undoubtedly fashioned by man. Dr. C. C. Abbott has
made some remarks on implements found in another locality,
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