Andrew Lang to Howitt 1 December
Transcription - Page 6
Kin, contain persons
of many totems and
descent.
Behind this is my guess
at the origin of totem
names, which is only
supported, but strongly,
by folk lore and modern
savage cases of
giving names to
groups. My typed
remarks are a mere
draft of part of my
book: since altered.
Believe me
sincerely yours
A Lang
Document Details
Date
1903 - 1902
Letter From
Lang, Andrew
Letter To
Howitt, Mr Alfred William
Author
—
Country
Scotland
Colony/State
—
Holding Institution
Museums Victoria
Collection Name
Alfred W. Howitt Collection
Registration Number
XM 225
Medium
Letter
Region
—
Locality
—
Summary
Content relates to a discussion of the theory of totemic development and social organisation of Aboriginal groups of Australia. Note that the year the letter was written is probably 1902: on A.W. Howitt's transcription of the letter (XM 432), he makes a note that he acknowledged the letter on '2/3/03'.
Physical Description
Letter, handwritten in ink. Two sheets, eight pages. Dated 1 Dec only. On letterhead: Alleyne House, St Andrews, Scotland. Condition: good.