But the evidence on the other side is stronger. The human remains found with the bronze weapons are generally clearly distinguishable (in formation of skull, etc.) from those associated with the implements of stone. The funeral rites of the bronze-age men were as a rule different from those of the stone-age men; for while the former generally buried their dead, the latter seem generally to have burnt theirs (see Grimm, _Ueber das Verbrennen der Leichen_). Now we have strong reason for believing that the Aryan races (see Chapters IV., V.) practised this sort of interment; and we have further reason for thinking that the use of metals was known to them before their entry into Europe (see Pictet, _Les Origines Indo-Européennes_ and Grimm, _Geschichte der deut. Sprache_). Moreover, these Aryans unless their original home were in Europe (see p. 99, _note_), must have come in at some time, and when they did come, they must have produced an entire revolution in the life of its inhabitants. No time seems so appropriate for their appearance as that which closes the age of stone.
This theory does not preclude the possibility of, in many places, a side-by-side existence of stone users and bronze users, or even a gradual extension of the art of metallurgy; and these conditions would be especially likely to arise in such secluded spots as the lake-dwellings. Therefore, Dr. Keller’s arguments are not impeached by the theory that the Aryans were the introducers of bronze into Europe.
Bopp, _Comparative Grammar of the Sanskrit Zend, etc._ (trs.). Bréal, _Principes de Philologie Comparée_. Geiger, _Contributions to the History of the Development of the Race_ (trs.). Grimm, _Geschichte der deutschen Sprache_. Grimm, _Ueber den Ursprung der Sprache_. Kuhn, _Zeitschrift für vergleichende Sprachforschung_. Müller, Max, _Lectures on the Science of Language_. Müller, Max, _Sanskrit Literature_. Peile, _Introduction to Greek and Latin Etymology_. Pictet, _Les Origines Indo-Européennes_. Sayce, _Introduction to the Science of Language_. Wilson, _Introduction to the Rig Veda Sanhita_.
Agreeably to the plan enunciated in the first chapter (pp. 4-6) I have used up all the more generally admitted facts and theories to form what seemed to me a reasonable account of the growth of language; to form an account too which should subserve one great end of this volume, by stimulating the thoughts of the reader at the same time that it pointed out the nature of the evidence upon which conclusions are founded, thereby preparing the reader to pursue the enquiry upon his own account.