The Evolution of Culture, and Other Essays

A scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This collection features a series of essays and lectures that explores the application of evolutionary theory to human culture, particularly focusing on the development of material arts and technology throughout history. The work aims to provide a systematic approach to understanding the gradual changes and improvements in human craftsmanship and ideation over time. At the start of the book, the editor, Henry Balfour, recounts the initial efforts of Colonel Lane Fox to apply evolutionary principles to the understanding of human artifacts. He describes how Lane Fox's passion for ethnology led to the establishment of a comprehensive collection that seeks to link different forms of cultural expressions through a classification system based on their evolutionary history. Balfour emphasizes that these early studies serve not only to document artifacts from various cultures but also aim to illustrate the continuous progression from primitive to complex forms of tools and crafts, showcasing how traditional technologies embody traces of ancient practices and ideas.