They indicate some practical knowledge of the cleavage of silicious rocks, but they show no power of producing even such finish as the celts frequently exhibit.

In one case only has a flint instrument been discovered perfectly regular in form, and presenting a sharp angular exactness.
The instrument, which is figured [PLATE XVI., Fig.

2], is a sort of long parallelogram, round at the back, and with a deep impression down its face.

Its use is uncertain; but, according to a reasonable conjecture, it may have been designed for impressing characters upon the moist clay of tablets and cylinders--a purpose for which it is said to be excellently fitted.
[Illustration: PLATE 16] The metallurgy of the Chaldaeans, though indicative of a higher state of civilization and a greater knowledge of the useful arts than their stone weapons, is still of a somewhat rude character, and indicates a nation but just emerging out of an almost barbaric simplicity.

Metal seems to be scarce, and not many kinds are found.