The Geological evidence of the Antiquity of Man was the last major work by the geologist Sir Charles Lyell. Going through three editions in 1863, with a revised fourth edition in 1873, the work dealt with three significant scientific issues of the Victorian period: the age of humanity, the existence of ice ages and Darwin’s theory of natural selection. Lyell revised several of his long-held positions in the work following the discoveries made by fellow scientists.
Much of the Antiquity of Man was regarded as derivative by Lyell’s contemporaries and several were annoyed at his reluctance to acknowledge the achievements of his own students. However, the work was important in the establishment of the field of prehistoric archaeology.