ABSTRACT
For a brief period in the early 20th century Egypt played a central role in lively debates within prehistory and anthropology far outside the confines of the specialized discipline of Egyptology. Professor Alexander Macalister, who had trained as a zoologist in Dublin and later moved to human anatomy. He also had an interest in Egyptology and biblical archaeology. The implications of his interpretation of the Torres Straits evidence had convinced him that there was a much greater chronological variation in the spread of culture outwards from the archaic civilization of Egypt. Elliot Smith was searching for a psychological explanation for the diffusion of culture at level of individual motivation. He appealed to use of certain materials in magic rituals certain materials were vital for securing good luck in life and continued existence after death. Following Elliot Smith's lead, he accepted the idea of "Givers of Life", and carefully documented the use of materials invested with magical properties throughout the world.
