The Term Mesolithic

Abstract

I AM grateful to my friend Mr. Harold Peake for dealing with this question of the term ‘Mesolithic’ so fully. Unfortunately, I am unable to doubt that this term has now received wide acceptance among archæologists. But this cannot alter the fact, that from the point of view of a correct nomenclature it must be wrong to designate as mesolithic specimens which are agreed on all sides to be referable to the latter part of the Stone Age. It is as if I were to be asked to acquiesce in calling mid-Victorian, circumstances, or objects, relating to the end of that epoch. I cannot believe that it is beyond the wit of archæologists to find some term, descriptive of the period and artefacts in question, which will not violate common-sense. Mr. Peake will perhaps allow me to express doubts as to whether I am the only archæologist who objects to the term mesolithic. But, even if his dire prophecy is true, I am cheerfully prepared to remain in a minority of one in this matter.