THE approach to the study of the nature of music must start with its origins. But Scores of philosophers, economists and scientists have in the last two hundred years attempted to get to the truth, and yet have not been able to present as much as one acceptable theory, indeed, one uncontested fact. . . . Music . . . eludes whatever attempt may be made to find any simple solution.' To come nearer to the root of the matter I propose to employ methods developed by the various schools of dynamic psychology and functional anthropology. Both these sciences have contributed greatly to our present deeper and more intimate knowledge of the early history of mankind. In particular conative psychology, by its emphasis on goal-seeking activities, has thrown much new light on the functions of human behaviour.