Note 58 — THE ORIGIN AND FUNCTION OF MUSIC.

It is far more probable that the ascents and descents made by this gibbon consisted of in­def­i­nite­ly-slurred tones. To suppose that each was a series of definite semi-tones strains belief to breaking point; considering that among human beings the great majority, even of those who have good ears, are unable to go up or down the chromatic scale without being taught to do so. The achievement is one requiring considerable practice; and that such an achievement should be spontaneous on the part of a monkey is incredible.