and explanation of the more important

phases of the ancient life and arts of the Indians

of Mexico and Central America, and especially of their history.

_____

The substance of it is drawn from many

sources, for the anthropologist must mould together and

harmonize the gross results of several sciences.

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Archffiology, ethnology, somatology, and linguistics all make

their special contributions and we are only on the

American field we find the accumulated writings that

result from four hundred years of European contact with

the Indians and in addition a mass of native documents and

monumental inscriptions expressed in several hieroglyphic systems.

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The general method of this book will be to take up in

order the recognized "horizons" of pre-Columbian

history, beginning with the earliest of which we have

the records and discuss the principal developments in

arts, beliefs, and social structures. The introductory

chapter is designed to put before the reader such facts

as may be necessary for a ready understanding of the

discussions and explanations that will follow.

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The Mexican Hall of the American Museum of

Natural History furnishes illustrations of most of the

facts given herewith. This Hall contains both originals

and casts brought together by various expeditions of

the Museum and of other scientific institutions.