Abstract
THE completion of this volume deserves separate mention. Its 800 pages contain a critical review by M. Martel of practically all papers bearing on caves published in the last six years. Since these papers, in their turn, refer to a large amount of earlier work, we have here a complete exposition of what is at present known of 'speheology.” We pointed out, when noticing one of the separate parts, how the editor's comments render the abstracts readable and illuminating. The papers have been classified, for the most part geographically, and the volume becomes practically an unconventional text-book of the lore of caves. The range of subject permitted may here and thcre raise a smile; but it dies away in admiration of M. Martel's energy. Marcellin Boule, for instanc, is cited on p. 694 as describing a lava-flow in Auvergne intermediate in age between the epoch Qf the mammoth and that of the reindeer. On p. 727, again, we read how a cave near Severac-le-Chflteau -and memories of causse and cañon are recalled by the very name-was discovered in 1902 to contain a. chapel, with accessories brought there during the persecution of the Catholic priests in 1793. A moment's reflection shows us that both references may prove of value. Traces of man among French volcanic deposits need not be regarded as of Iliocene age. The occurrence of religious emblems in caves may be due as much to a desire for secrecy as to the association of the cave itself with any form of ceremony. It is thus hard to think of any worker in anthropology or natural history who would not gain information from M. Martel's aid. The alleged glacial deepening of Alpine valleys, and the formation of cluses, are discussed on p. 526. Even writers on radio-activity may learn something from the notes on subterranean waters on pp. 610-612. To most readers, the gradual growth of our knowledge regarding the incised drawings and paintings on the roofs and walls of caves (pp. 654-705) will prove of surpassing interest. M. Martel presses home his contention that the bold representations of animals, sometimes amazingly faithful, are records or trophies of the chase.
La Spéléologie au XXe Siècle.
By E. A. Martel. Tome vi. of Spelunca. (Paris: Société de Spéléologie, 1906.)
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COLE, G. La Spéléologie au XX e Siècle . Nature 75, 508 (1907). https://doi.org/10.1038/075508a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/075508a0
