THE HOMINID STOMP

Regarding Solomon Katz's theory that beer brewing was responsible for the change from a hunting-gathering society to an agricultural one [Light Elements, January], I have developed a vastly more important theory that goes to the core of the most crucial event in the evolutionary history of humankind - the acquisition of vertical posture. Because vertical posture entails a colossal disadvantage - it exposes to attack and injury the most delicate parts of the body - it must have been overshadowed by an even more colossal advantage. Generations of scholars have pondered this problem, but no convincing explanation has ever been advanced. My theory is that early hominids, having accidentally discovered that water in which fruits were rotting away had desirable, mood-enhancing qualities, rapidly assumed vertical posture to stomp on grapes and other fruits and make wine. Unquestionably the better stompers had a huge advantage, especially when it came to wooing the most desirable mates (one can still see this early trait in modern bars). My theory also explains why the evolution of the pelvis preceded that of the brain - it does not take much brains to stomp.

Cesare Emiliani Dept. of Geological Sciences

University of Miami Coral Gables, Fla.