[177] Cf. Mallery in Rep. Bur. Ethn. i. pp. 283, 284, 347; Sayce, Introd. to the Science of Language, i. pp. 92-94, 105-107; ii. pp. 306-308. It is to be remarked that in maintaining the priority of pantomimic language Mr. Mallery always emphasises the “instinctive” character of this means of communication. Cp. Rep. Bur. i. pp. 340, 347. Professor Sayce seems to conceive gesture-language as consisting only of dramatically imitating “moves” or sounds, (l.c. i. p. 107). Professor Tylor, on the other hand, who takes up a critical position with regard to the theory of gesture-language as an intermediate stage of evolution, speaks of gesture-language as made up by delineations and indications (Early Hist. of Mankind, pp. 15, 16). In a theoretical discussion it is evidently necessary to maintain a strict distinction between these different kinds of pantomimic thought-conveyance, which are no doubt accompanied by different degrees of intention. Cp. Romanes, Mental Evol. in Man, pp. 86, 103.
[178] Cf. Kussmaul in Ziemssen’s Cyclopædia, p. 14, esp. p. 587 (Disturbances of Speech.)
[179] Cf. Romanes, l.c. pp. 113, 148, 149, on the influence exercised by the constructions of spoken language on the gesture-language of deaf-mutes.
[180] Cf. Tylor, l.c. pp. 74-79, on the improbability of the stories about tribes who cannot make themselves understood by each other without the help of gestures. Dr. Tylor’s criticism of Captain Burton’s statement that the Aropahos “can hardly converse with one another in the dark” has been amply confirmed by the subsequent researches of Mallery. Cf. Rep. Bur. Ethn. i. pp. 314, 315. Naturally, therefore, one feels inclined to adopt a sceptical attitude with regard to Miss Kingsley’s assertion that the language of the Bubis “depends so much on gesture that they cannot talk in it to each other in the dark” (Travels in West Africa, p. 439). Cf., however, with regard to the element of gesture in West African languages, Kingsley, West African Studies, p. 237.
[181] Wood, Nat. Hist. of Man, i. p. 266 (Bushmen); Cranz, Historie von Grönland, i. p. 279. As to the Australians the statements are somewhat contradictory. Mr. Curr (The Australian Race, i. p. 93) says that “some tribes express a few things by signs made with their hands; but, on the whole, the Australian is very little given to gesticulation.” This statement, however, has been expressly encountered by Mr. Stirling, who describes a very extensive system of signs. Rep. Horn Exped. iv. Anthropology, pp. 111-125. Cf. also Spencer and Gillen, Native Tribes, p. 500.
[182] Stirling, l.c. p. 112.
[183] Roth, W. E., N.W.C. Queensland Aborigines, pp. 71 sq.
[184] Fraser, Aborigines of New South Wales, p. 25.
[185] Roth, W. E., N.W.C. Queensland, p. 71. Cf. a remark in the same direction by Mallery, Rep. Bur. Ethn. i. p. 312.
[186] See Tylor, Primitive Culture, i. p. 187; Mallery, l.c. pp. 295, 307; Sayce, Introd. Science of Lang. i. p. 93. Compare also the classic instance of Sicily, meeting-ground of so many peoples.