A Natural ‘Eolith’ Factory beneath the Thanet Sand

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Experiment has shown that the mechanical movement of one flint grinding against another under pressure will produce edge-chipping similar in every respect to that which is seen upon the Eoliths. Direct evidences that such processes have actually been in operation in Nature have been brought forward by M. I'Abbé H. Breuil 1 and Mr. F. N. Haward, 2 as also by the present writer 3 ; but more comprehensive knowledge of the work of Nature is urgently needed. One must never forget that static energy in equilibrium is ineffective: there must be some disturbance of equilibrium for any chipping force to be set in action. That is to say, there must be at least vibration, but the greater the differential movements, and as a consequence the more the stones grind over each other, the more favourable the conditions become for the production of edge-chipping. Certain types of superficial drift fulfil these conditions, through the, prolonged operations of soil-creep, better than they can be fulfilled in more deeply seated situations. But the Eoliths that are found in them, which some investigators believe to be results of these mechanical movements, can always be claimed by others as human implements. The conditions at the base of the Tertiary System do not always fulfil what is needed. The section at Harefield can be taken as a good illustration: here is evidence of immense pressure, without any appreciable amount of differential movement. In consequence we find that the fractures are promiscuous, and strike through the heart of

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: