The Speech of Monkeys

"The Speech of Monkeys" by R. L. Garner is a scientific exploration written in the late 19th century. The work investigates the communication methods of monkeys, hypothesizing that they possess a form of speech that has yet to be systematically studied. The author shares his observations and experiments where he attempts to understand and interpret the vocalizations and gestures of various monkey species. At the start of the book, Garner recounts his early fascination with the ability of animals to communicate. He describes an incident from his childhood at a zoo where he observed monkeys interacting and suggesting a form of language among them. Inspired by this, he conducts various experiments using a phonograph to record and analyze their sounds, leading him to the conclusion that monkeys possess specific sounds correlated with certain meanings, such as alarm or requests for food. Through careful investigation and documentation, Garner introduces readers to the complexities of Simian communication, setting the tone for his broader research into the origins and nature of speech. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Richard Lynch Garner was an American researcher who studied the language of primates, especially chimpanzees, and pioneered the use of playback devices in this kind of research. His theories and findings have been superseded by more recent research, but his work has been an inspiration to such notable scientists as Robert Yerkes and John Peabody Harrington.