Falconer's writings on human antiquity appear in Vol. 2 of his Palaeontogical memoirs. Together with William Pengelly, Falconer was one of the first two scientists to visit Brixham Cave after its discovery in 1858, and he was instrumental in obtaining the necessary funding and scientific personnel for its excavation. Also included in Volume 2 is the text of Falconer’s November 1, 1858 letter to Joseph Prestwich, written during Falconer’s visit to Boucher de Perthes at Abbeville, mentioning the continuing Brixham excavations and urging Prestwich to visit the Abbeville site. The letter, which is credited with motivating Prestwich to visit Abbeville in late April 1859, forms part of Falconer’s draft of a history of research on human antiquity titled “Primitive man and his cotemporaries” [sic] originally composed in 1863, but left unpublished until its inclusion in vol. 2.  

Falconer played an essential, key role in the earliest acceptance of human antiquity by the British scientific community. Had his life not been cut short at the age of 57 he would have undoubtedly made further contributions. As it was, his scientific works filled two very thick volumes.

Digital facsimile from Google Books at this link.