Elephant pipes and inscribed tablets in the Museum of the Academy of natural sciences, Daveport, Iowa / by Charles E. Putnam.

  • Charles Edwin Putnam
Date:
1885
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Elephant pipes and inscribed tablets in the Museum of the Academy of natural sciences, Daveport, Iowa / by Charles E. Putnam. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    69/100 (page 67)
    the tablets, the further objection, readily presented by all novices and quibblers, that the Mound-builders did not possess the means of re- cording data, or perpetuating ideas, is urged. Scores of sculptured stones, of unquestioned genuineness, have been rescued from mounds, or other ancient depositories. Rock-sculpture was extensively prac- ticed by prehistoric nations. In concluding, I may remark that it is always unfortunate when doubts and quibbles occur about scientific discoveries. All important discoveries in archaeology are liable to misconception, distrust, and malicious quibbles. This is one of the penalties incurred by all whose names are associated with important discoveries. The skepticism of man is as remarkable as his credulity. The discovery of the Rosetta Stone was questioned, but the Cardiff Giant was swallowed whole, even by scientists! Those who are interested in the success of the Acad- emy must not lose courage or faith, but maintain the integrity of the institution and the objects which enrich it. We must here conclude these selections. The letters and extracts given have been taken somewhat at random, but fairly represent the tone and spirit of the entire correspondence. To the larger number of those whose valuable communications have not been specially men- tioned, it should be stated, in explanation, that it is only because of our limited space, and that in its defense against the ruthless assaults of the Bureau of Ethnology the Davenport Academy has been greatly encouraged by their very general and hearty expressions of approba- tion and support. It only remains to present to our readers the few communications received which are unfavorable to the positions we have assumed or the methods we have adopted in making our defense. As we have no pet theories to maintain, and only desire to ascertain and establish the truth, it affords us pleasure to thus give both sides a fair hearing. From Dr. J. F. Snyder. [The communication of Dr. Snyder is unique, in that it is the only one we have received that controverts the contemporariness of man and the mastodon, and therefore, by implication, leaves our ancient artist without a model for his carving of the elephant. At the same time, it furnishes to Mr. Ilenshaw a “ model ” of an argument, without an accusation of “fraud.” Dr. Snyder has the courage of his convictions, and bravely confronts all the recent discoveries in archieology with the now generally abandoned theory, that the elephant had disappeared from the American continent before the advent of man. It must be conceded he has constructed an ingenious argument, and, notwithstanding its extreme length, we are gratified to place it before our readers,] Virginia, III., March 22, 1885, Charles E. Putnam, Esq., Davenport, Iowa,— Sir: If the chief object of your well-written pamphlet is to vindi- cate the veracity and honesty of purpose of Rev. Mr. Gass, I think you have succeeded well in your purpose. I can see no good reason