Unity of the human species
Multiple authors across the 19th century affirm that all human populations belong to a single, unified biological species despite their physical variations.
ConceptSuggested
Human species
Historical conceptions of humanity as a species when the passage does not warrant direct assignment to the modern taxon.
- Sources
- 8
- Passages
- 18
- In this corpus
- 1646–1897
Candidate findings
What the corpus suggests
Patterns synthesized only from the linked claims below. Each remains a research lead, not a substitute for reading the passages.
Transition from descriptive to genealogical classification
The basis for classifying human groups shifts from observable physical traits and environmental adaptation to a focus on genealogical descent.
supports · Alexander von Humboldt, 1845
Tacitus, in his speculations on the inhabitants of Britain ('Agricola', cap. ii.), distinguishes with much judgment between that which may be owing to the local climatic relations, and that which, in the immigrating races, may be owing to the unchangeable influence of a hereditary and transmitted type.Cosmos →
supports · Charles Darwin, 1859
If it could be proved that the Hottentot had descended from the Negro, I think he would be classed under the Negro group, however much he might differ in colour and other important characters from negroes.On the Origin of Species →
Limitations of racial classification
While human populations are often categorized into varieties or races, these systems are qualified by the lack of objective definitions and the rejection of inherent hierarchies.
supports · Alexander von Humboldt, 1845
The distribution of mankind is therefore only a distribution into 'varieties', which are commonly designated by the somewhat indefinite term 'races'. As in the vegetable kingdom, and in the natural history of birds and fishes, a classification into many small families is based on a surer foundationCosmos →
qualifies · Alexander von Humboldt, 1845
we at the same time repel the depressing assumption of superior and inferior races of men.Cosmos →
qualifies · Alexander von Humboldt, 1845
we fail to recognize any typical sharpness of definition, or any general or well-established principle in the division of these groups.Cosmos →
Evolution of human definition
The definition of the human species shifts from a focus on anatomical and moral characteristics in the 18th century to a focus on prehistoric development and instinctual behavior by the late 19th century.
supports · Carl Linnaeus, 1758
effe animal flens, ridens, melodum, loquens, docile , judicans , admirans , fapientiffimumSystema Naturae →
supports · William James, 1890
These are the most prominent of the tendencies which are worthy of being called instinctive in the human species. 35 It will be observed that no other mammal, not even the monkey, shows so large an array .The Principles of Psychology →
supports · William James, 1897
an audience of some five or six score people, if each person in it could speak for his own generation, would carry us away to the black unknown of the human species, to days without a document or monument to tell their tale.The Will to Believe and Other Essays →
Empirical uncertainty regarding human origins
There is a tension between the assertion of a unified species and the acknowledgment that the question of whether humanity descended from one or multiple primitive races remains empirically unresolvable.
contradicts · Alexander von Humboldt, 1845
But whether the human races have descended from several primitive races of men, or from one alone, is a question that can not be determined from experience.Cosmos →
supports · Alexander von Humboldt, 1845
While we maintain the unity of the human speciesCosmos →
Names and forms
Term history
Human speciespreferred labelSuggested
Meanings in context
Senses in this corpus
Biological and anatomical classification
The human species defined by physical, anatomical, or morphological traits that distinguish it from other animals or non-human entities.
5 passagesIntellectual and moral essence
The human species characterized by unique cognitive, linguistic, social, or moral capacities that transcend mere physical form.
5 passagesPopulation, race, and variation
The human species viewed through the lens of ethnic, geographic, or genealogical diversity and the classification of human groups.
7 passagesPrehistoric and historical development
The human species considered in the context of its deep temporal origins and the evolution of its historical record.
1 passageAnalyzed source evidence
Historical usages and claims
Distinct local senses and assertions recovered from the corpus. Quotations retain the source OCR and link to the full passage and scan.
Pseudodoxia EpidemicaThomas Browne, 1646
same entryThe human species as a biological category or form, distinct from plant-based imitations of human shape.
Thus is _Albertus_ to be received when he affirmeth, that _Mandrakes_ represent man-kind with the distinction of either Sex
Mandrakes are claimed to represent the human species with sexual distinction.
reports · authority citation · classificationHistoria Naturalis BrasiliaeWillem Piso & Georg Marcgrave, 1648
same entryClassification of human groups in Brazil based on the ethnic ancestry of parents.
Denique ob mifturam variarum natioilum , aliae quinque diftinctx hominum fpecies hie rcperiuntur
The author identifies five distinct types of humans in Brazil resulting from the mixing of different ethnic groups.
asserts · observation · classificationThe author defines specific categories of people based on the ethnic origin of their parents.
asserts · observation · classificationSystema NaturaeCarl Linnaeus, 1758
same entryLinnaeus classifies humans as the genus Homo within the order Primates, noting cultural and geographic variation.
I i. HOMO nofce Te ipfum. (*) Sapiens. i. H. diurnus; varians cultura, loco
Linnaeus classifies humans as the genus Homo within the order Primates.
asserts · observation · classificationLinnaeus characterizes the human species as diurnal and varying by culture and location.
asserts · observation · propertySystema NaturaeCarl Linnaeus, 1758
same entryLinnaeus characterizes the human species as the prince of animals, defined by reason and social complexity.
Naturalitcr: Te audacis naturce miraculum, Animalium Principem, cujus cauffa cuncta genuit natura, effe animal flens, ridens, melodum, loquens, docile , judicans , admirans , fapientiffimum
Linnaeus classifies humans as the prince of all animals.
asserts · observation · classificationHumans are defined by unique traits such as laughter, speech, and reason.
asserts · observation · propertySystema NaturaeCarl Linnaeus, 1758
same entryThe human being as a mortal creature subject to social custom, error, and divine contemplation.
at in agone oculos aperiens (av&QWTTOg) fomnium primo obfervas
Humans live according to social custom rather than reason.
asserts · reasoning · propertySystema NaturaeCarl Linnaeus, 1758
same entryA detailed anatomical and morphological description of the human body as a biological species.
e. CORPUS ere£tum, nudum, Pilis raris remotiffimis ad- fperfum, fubfexpedale
Linnaeus classifies the human body as having an upright, naked, and sparsely haired form.
asserts · observation · classificationThe human head is described as obovate with specific features including a blunt forehead and vertex.
asserts · observation · propertySystema NaturaeCarl Linnaeus, 1758
same entryAnatomical description of the human body distinguishing it from other animals by its upright posture.
Differt itaque a reliquis Corpore erecto nudo, at pilofo Capite, Superciliis, Ciliisque, tandem Pube, Axillis, Maribusque Mento.
Humans are distinguished from other beings by their upright, naked body and specific hair distribution.
asserts · observation · propertyThe human head contains the largest brain of all animals.
asserts · observation · propertySystema NaturaeCarl Linnaeus, 1758
same entryLinnaeus distinguishes the Troglodytes from the human species, asserting they are not of our kind.
Spcciem Troglodytse ab Homine fapiente diftinctiffimam, nec noftri generis il- lam nec fangvinis effe
Linnaeus asserts that the Troglodytes are a species distinct from the human species.
asserts · reasoning · classificationThe presence of a nictitating membrane in the Troglodytes is evidence that they are not a human variety.
asserts · observation · propertyRelation historique du voyage, Tome IIIAlexander von Humboldt, 1825
same entryThe collective biological and historical study of human populations and their physical variations.
Pour avancer dans ce genre de recherches, si importantes pour l'his- toire de l'espèce humaine
Osteological comparison of skulls is the essential method for studying the history of the human species.
asserts · reasoning · methodThe human species is composed of distinct varieties, including Malay, Mongol, and Caucasian types.
asserts · observation · classificationCosmosAlexander von Humboldt, 1845
same entryHistorical discussion of human physical types and their persistence across different geographical and climatic regions.
Regarding the persistency of types of conformation in the hot and cold regions of the earth, and in the mountainous districts of the New Continent
Human physical types exhibit persistence across different climatic and geographical regions.
asserts · observation · propertyPhysical characteristics in human populations may be attributed to either hereditary influence or environmental factors.
reports · authority citation · mechanismCosmosAlexander von Humboldt, 1845
same entryThe biological unity of all human races as a single species capable of fertile reproduction.
The different races of mankind are forms of one sole species, by the union of two of whose members descendants are propagated.
All human races belong to a single biological species.
asserts · observation · classificationThe question of whether humanity originated from one or multiple primitive races cannot be resolved through empirical experience.
asserts · reasoning · identityCosmosAlexander von Humboldt, 1845
same entryHumanity is categorized into varieties or races, though these divisions lack sharp, well-established scientific definitions.
The distribution of mankind is therefore only a distribution into 'varieties', which are commonly designated by the somewhat indefinite term 'races'.
The classification of mankind into races is analogous to the classification of plants and animals into small families.
asserts · reasoning · classificationExisting racial classification systems lack clear, objective definitions or principles.
denies · observation · evaluationCosmosAlexander von Humboldt, 1845
same entryThe biological and moral unity of all mankind as a single species.
While we maintain the unity of the human species, we at the same time repel the depressing assumption of superior and inferior races of men.
The author asserts that all human beings belong to a single, unified species.
asserts · reasoning · identityThe author rejects the idea that some human races are inherently superior or inferior to others.
denies · reasoning · evaluationCosmosAlexander von Humboldt, 1845
same entryThe human species as an organic entity characterized by intellectual power and linguistic capacity.
other laws of a more mysterious nature rule the higher spheres of the organic world, in which is comprised the human species in all its varied conformation, its creative intellectual power, and the languages to which it has given existence.
The human species is categorized as part of the organic world, yet governed by distinct, mysterious laws.
asserts · observation · classificationThe human species is defined by its varied physical conformation, intellectual creativity, and language.
asserts · observation · propertyOn the Origin of SpeciesCharles Darwin, 1859
same entryHuman groups classified by genealogical descent rather than superficial physical characteristics.
If it could be proved that the Hottentot had descended from the Negro, I think he would be classed under the Negro group, however much he might differ in colour and other important characters from negroes.
Classification of human groups should be based on genealogical descent rather than physical traits.
asserts · reasoning · methodThe Principles of PsychologyWilliam James, 1890
same entryThe biological category of humans characterized by specific innate behavioral tendencies and instincts.
These are the most prominent of the tendencies which are worthy of being called instinctive in the human species.
The human species possesses a distinct and large array of instincts.
asserts · observation · propertyThe Will to Believe and Other EssaysWilliam James, 1897
same entryThe human species in its prehistoric, undocumented state prior to the development of science and historical records.
an audience of some five or six score people, if each person in it could speak for his own generation, would carry us away to the black unknown of the human species, to days without a document or monument to tell their tale.
The human species existed in an undocumented, prehistoric state long before the emergence of science.
asserts · reasoning · origin distributionThe Will to Believe and Other EssaysWilliam James, 1897
same entryThe biological survival of humanity as a criterion for defining the essence of moral goodness.
to promote the survival of the human species on this planet, — are so many tests, each of which has been maintained by somebody to constitute the essence of all good things or actions so far as they are good.
The survival of the human species is proposed as a test for determining the essence of moral goodness.
reports · reasoning · function usePrimary-source evidence
Full passages, chronologically
What is therefore delivered in favour thereof, by Authors ancient or modern, must have its root in tradition, imposture, far derived similitude, or casual and rare contingency. So may we admit of the Epithet of _Pythagoras_, who calls it _Anthropomorphus_[SN: Orchis Anthropomorphus cujus Icon in Kircheri Magia parastatica.]; and that of _Columella_, who terms it _Semihomo_; more appliable unto the Man-_Orchis_, whose flower represents a Man. Thus is _Albertus_ to be received when he affirmeth, that _Mandrakes_ represent man-kind with the distinction of either Sex. [SN: De mandragora.] Under these restrictions may those Authors be admitted, which for this opinion are introduced by _Drusius_; nor shall we need to question the monstrous root of _Briony_ described in _Aldrovandus_ [SN: De monstris.]. [Sidenote: _Generations equivocal, are yet commonly regular and of a determinate form or species._]
Denique ob mifturam variarum natioilum , aliae quinque diftinctx hominum fpecies hie rcperiuntur : nimirura qui ab Europaeis parentibus, patre atque matre, hie natus eft, appellatur LMoTombo. Qui natus eft ex patre Europxo & matre Brafiliana nominatur Mameluco. Natus ex patre Europaeo & matre /Ethiopiflfa dicitur Mulato. Natus ex patre Brafilienfi & matre /Ethiopifla vocatur Curiboca, & Cabocles. Natus hie ex utrifque parentibus Nigritis appellatur Criolo. /Ethiopifla quaedam hicgemellos peperit, unum album, alterum nigrum. Vidi hie Africanam foeminam , non nigram , fed ruffa plane cute & pilis ac capillis ruffis. Ex qua regione eflet , non potui intelligere , nam linguam ejus non intelligebant reliqui Nigrita?. Multos hie vidi i?Ethiopesfenesbarba magna &totaliter cana, ut & capillis capitis canis. Lepidum fpe&aculum , atra barba quae incanuit , in nigra cute , videtur quafi farina eflet afperfa. Vidi hie etiam plane albiflimum juvenem oaodceim annorum , pilis crifpis albiftimis & fu- perciliis albis, cutealbiflima, nafo plane more /Ethiopum , qui natus nice patre & matre Nigritis. \^£nnotatio. Tapujamm fines & fedes a Jacobo Rabbi, qui plures annos inter illos vixit , ita defcriptas accepimus. Rio Grande ad cujus oftium jacet arx Colonia , ad fex horarum iter pene- trat in continentem verfus occafum: uti & fluvius Mupeo novem horarum itinere a Rio Grandi verfus meridiem. Syrag minor triu m horarum itinere a R. Grandi verfus Arclum , ferme quin- quaginta horarum itinere defcendit e continente.
29. Mofchus ecornis dentibus laniariis folitariis : fuperio- ribus exfertis. 30. Cervus Cornua folida, ramofa, decidua. 3 1 . Capra Cornua tubulofa erecla. 32. Ovis Cornua tubulofa reclinata. 33. Bos Cornua tubulofa porrecla. VII. BELLU/E. 34. Eqvus Dentes primores approximati. 3 5 . Hippopotamus Dentes primores difiantes. VIII. CETE. 36. Monodon Dens in maxilla fuperiore exfertus. 37. Balaena Dentes cornei in maxilla fuperiore. 38. Phyfeter Dentes in maxilla tantum inferiore. 39. Delphinus Dentes in utraque maxilla. B 2 I. PRI- I. PRIMATES. Dentes Primores fiiperiores IV, paralleli. Mammce Peclorales II i. HOMO nofce Te ipfum. (*) Sapiens. i. H. diurnus; varians cultura, loco. Ferus. tetrapus, mutus, hirfutus. Juvenis Urfinus lithuanus. 1661. Juvenis Lupinus hejfenfis. 1344. Juvenis Ovinus hibernus. Tulp. obf. IV: 9. Juvenis Hannoveranus . Pueri 2 Pyrenaici. 17 19. fohannes Leodicenfis. America- a. rufus, cholericus, re6tus. nus. Pilis nigris, re6lis, craffis ; Naribus patulis ; Facie ephe- litica, Mento fubimberbi. Pertinax, hilaris, liber. Pingit fe lineis daedaleis rubris. Regititr Confvetudine. (*) Nosse Se Ipsum gradus eft primus fapientise, dictumque Solonis , quon- dam fcriptum litteris aureis fupra Diancc Templum. Muf. ADOLPH. FRID. Prafat.
Euro- (3. albus, fanguineus, torofus. peeus. P/lis flavefcentibus prolixis. Oculis caeruleis. Zevis, acutiffimus, inventor. Tegitur Veftimentis arclis. Rcgitur Ritibus. Afiati- y. luridus, melancholicus, rigidus. cus. Pilis nigricantibus. Oculis fufcis. Sevcrus. faftuofus, avarus. Tegitur Indumentis laxis. Regitur Opinionibus. B 3 0. ni- Naturalitcr: Te audacis naturce miraculum, Animalium Principem, cujus cauffa cuncta genuit natura, effe animal flens, ridens, melodum, loquens, docile , judicans , admirans , fapientiffimum ; fed. fragile , nudum , fuapte natura inerme, ad omnem fortunce contumeliam projectum, alienoe opis indigens, anxise mentis follicitseque tutelse, precarii fpiritus, pertinacis fpei, querulte vitse, tardae fapientire. Temporis annihilati emortui con- temtorem, prsefentis vividi dilapidatorem. futuri dubii seftimatorem in vita volucri, pretiofiffnna, irrevocabili ; fic optima qureque dies miferis mor- talibus sevi prima fugit; alium ad quotidianum opus laboriofa Egeftas vocat; alium Luxus incarcerat, altilemque fuffocat; alium Ambitio num- quam quieta follicitat; alius Divitiis, quas optaverat, metuit, & voto la- borat fuo ; alium Solitudo, alium femper veftibulum obtidens turba. Hic fe habere dolet Liberos, hic fe perdidiffe ; Lacrymse nobis deerunt antequam cauffte dolendi. Sed quousque nos malos noftra mala rapuere: circumferre pericula, ruere in ignotos, iratos fme injuria, ferarum more occidere quem non oderimus, fecundos optare ventos, quorum felicitas eft ad bella perferre; parum videlicet ad mortes noftras terra late patet. Scnec. Ccetcra animantia congrcgari contra dijfimilia, at Homini plurima ex ho- minc mala. Plin.
Politice: Te recli loco tenere errorem publicum faclum, qui te vix enixum confvetudinis larva induit, nutrit, educat, alit, regit, fecundum quam honeftus, fortis, fapiens, moratus, pius exiftimaris ; Cum gubernatus Opi- nione vivas ad Confvetudinem, nec ad Rationem. Te, inter perituros conftitutum, cum nulli contigit impune nafci, beneficii loco petere, nt ulrimus cervicem pnebeas, dum interim, dulci fortuna ebrius, colligen- do in craftinum Lapillos fortunee certas, verbis in furorem ageris, aliter theoretice pios odio perfequeris, quantosque tumultus excitas, non ut fer- vias, fed cui ; nugis irrevocabile tempus confumis ; immortalia ^ternaque animo volutas, de feris nepotibus pronepotibusque difponis, novas fpes oblitus conditionis Tua; ponis, dum interea longa conantem mors op- primit, at in agone oculos aperiens (av&QWTTOg) fomnium primo obfervas; Sic vivimus ut immortalcs &* morimur tit mortales. Senec. Moralitcr: Te fub rudi larva Ineptum, Lafcivum, Imitatorem, Ambitiofum, Prodigum, Solicitum, Aftutum, Aufterum, Invidum, Avarum, transforma- ri in Attentum, Caftum, Confideratum, Modeftum, Sobriunv, Tranquil- lum, Sincerum, Mitem, Beneficum, fuis Contentum. Uni animantium Afer. 8. niger, phlegmaticus, laxus. Pllis atris, contortuplicatis. Cute holofericea. Nafo fi- mo. Labiis tumidis. Feminis finus pudoris ; Mammce lactantes prolixse. Vafer, fegnis, negligens. Ungit fe pingui. Regitur Arbitrio. Monflro-z. folo (a) arte (b, c). fus. a. Alpini parvi, agiles, timidi. Patagonici magni, fegnes.
b. Monorchides ut minus fertiles: Hottentotti. Juncece puellae abdomine attenuato: Europaese. c. Macrocephali capite conico : Chinenfes. Plagiocephali capite antice compreffo: Canadenfes. Habitat inter Tropicos fponte gratisque; per reliquam Telluris totam continentem coaffe. CORPUS ere£tum, nudum, Pilis raris remotiffimis ad- fperfum, fubfexpedale. CAPUT obovatum: Pileus pilofus: Sincipite obtufo, Vertice obtufiffimo, Occipite gibbofo. Facies nuda: Frons planiufcula, quadrata, Temporihis compreffa, angulis finu intra Pileum adfcendens. Su- percilia prominula pilis extrorfum imbricatis, inter- ftincta Glabella planiufcula. Palpebra fuperior mobilis, inferior quieta; utraque Ciliis exftantibus fubrecurvatis pectinata. Oculi rotundi : Pupilla orbiculata. Gence gibbse, molliufculae, coloratae. Malce compreffiufculae, uti Buccce laxiores. Nafus prominens, labio brevior, compreffus,apice altior gibbofiorque:iVrt:r/^ovalibus, intus Luclus, Luxuria, Ambitio, Avaritia, Vivendique cupido ; curat atque etjam poft fe de futuro. Plin. Theologice : Te ultimum finem creationis ; In Telluris globum, omnipotentis magiflerium, introduc"lum ; ratione fa- piente, fecundum fenfus concludente, mundi contemplatorem ; ut ex ope- re agnofceres Creatorem omnipotentem, omnifcium, immenfum & fempi- ternum DEum. (Ccetera revelata a Tlieologis cxplicanda.) Duo namque funt qua: in cognitionem DEi ducunt, Creatio &* Scriptura. Auguftinus. D E US itaque Natura cognofccndus, dein Doclrina recognofcendus. Tcrtullian. Hottio folus DEum contemplatur, Natura 6° Revelationis eundem Auclorcm: quem te DEus ejfe jufftt, &° humana qua parte locatus es in re, difce. Perf. LIl : 71.
Pedum Femora approximata, Lumbis mufculofis, Natibus gibbis, carnofis, Genubus antrorfum verfis, obtufiffimis, fubtus concavis. Crura longitudine femorum, poftice mufculofo-ventricofa, inferne anguftiora, antice macra. Calcanei Talis infiftentes, prominuli, gibbi : Malleolis lateralibus, utrinque oppofitis,hemifphaericis, duriufculis. PlantcB oblongae, fupra convexiufculae, fubtus planae, transverfe concavae. DigitiV: omnes incurvi, fubtus gibbi, approximati. Pollex craffior, brevior; 2, 3 fub- aequales, 4, 5 decrefcentes ; ultimo minimo. Ungues ut in Manibus omnes. B 4 Dif- Differt itaque a reliquis Corpore erecto nudo, at pilofo Capite, Superciliis, Ciliisque, tandem Pube, Axillis, Maribusque Mento. Feminis Nymphae & Clitoris; Mammae 2 pe&orales. Caput Cerebro omnium ma- ximo; Uvula; Facies abdomini parallela, nuda; Nafo prominente, compreffo, breviore; Mento prominente. Cauda nulla. Pedes Talis incedentes. Troglo-2.H. nocturnus (*). dytes. Homo fylveftris Orang Outang. Bont. jav. 84. t. 84. Kakurlacko. Kjcep. itin. c. 86. Dalin. orat. 5. Habitat in /Ethiopiae contcrminis (Plin.), in Javae, Amboinae, Ternateae fpeluncis. Corpus album, inceffu ereclum, nojlro dimidio minus. Pili albi, contortuplicati. Oculi orbiculati: iride pu- pillaque aurea. Palpebrae antice incumbentes cum Mem- brana niclitante. Vifus lateralis, noclurnus. Aetas XXV annorum. Die ccecutit, latet; No6tu videt, exit, furatur. Loquitur fibilo ; Cogitat, credit fui cauffa faclatn tellurem, fe aliquando iterum fore im- perantem, fi fides peregrinatoribus.
2. SI- *) Gcnus Troglodytce ab Homine diilinchim, adhibita quamvis omni attentio- ne, obtinere non porui, nifi affumerem notam lubricam, in aliis generi- bus non conftantem. Nec Dentes laniarii, minime a reliquis remoti; nec Nymph.se Caffrse, quibus carent Simise, hunc ad fnnias reducere admittebant. Inquirant autoptse in vivo, qua ratione, modo notoe aliquce exiftant, ab hominis Genere feparari queat, nam ititer ftmias verfatttcm opor- tet effe fitniam. Apollodor. Spcciem Troglodytse ab Homine fapiente diftinctiffimam, nec noftri generis il- lam nec fangvinis effe, ftatura quamvis fimillimam, dubium non eft, ne ita- que varietatem credas, quam vel fola Membrana nictitans abfolute negat. Afri Pilos contortuplicatos, quamvis albos, in hoc miratus fum, collatis im- primis Varietatum cauffis in Plantis , in Pullo Gallinaceo, nec tamen quidquam de Mauris albis ex nigris ftatui. Prceadamitas nec dixi hos Troglodytas Plinii, quamvis nos ultimum fimus Creationis opus. Homo caudatus hirfutus. Maupcrt. epifl. 7. Kiop. it. 79. Bont. jav. 85, an Aldr. digit. 249 ? incola orbis antarclici, nobis ignotus, ideoque utrum ad Ho- minis aut Simise genus pertineat, non determino. Mirum quod ignem ex- citet, carnesque affet, quamvis & crudas voret teftimonio Peregrinantium. 2. SIMIA. Dentes Primores IV, approximati. Lcmiarii folitarii, longiores hinc remoti. Molares obtufi. Caitda nttlla: Simiae vctcrum.
NOTES. l57 individus de races malaye, mongole (tatare) et caucasienne que renferment les grandes collections de MM. Cuvier, Sômraering et Blumenbach. Pour avancer dans ce genre de recherches, si importantes pour l'his- toire de l'espèce humaine, l'attention doit être portée, ce me semble, sur trois points principaux; savoir : i''sur les comparaisons ostéologiques , qui ne peuvent se faire avec succès d'après des dessins, des descriptions, ou le simple témoignage des voyageurs. Il faut comparer les crânes des anciens hahitans ( de cette race que l'on croit éteinte), avec les crânes des différentes variétés de l'espèce humaine, et ne p.is oublier, dans cette comparaison, que, parmi les indigènes actuels du Nouveau-Continent, quelques tribus offrent aussi des variétés de conformation très-remarquables. Il suffit de citer , dans le nord , les Esquimaux- Tchougazes, dont les enfans naissent tout blancs; plus au sud, les Chepewyans , les Panis (Apaches) et les Sioux, trois peuples que, d'après leurs traditions et leur aspect, Mackenzie, Pike et Lewis considèrent comme venus d'Asie et comme fortement mongolisés [Mackenzie^ voy. Tora. I, p. 2/5, tom. III, p. 342; Pike, p. 274; Lewis et Clark, p. i46).
[footnote] *Tacitus, in his speculations on the inhabitants of Britain ('Agricola', cap. ii.), distinguishes with much judgment between that which may be owing to the local climatic relations, and that which, in the immigrating races, may be owing to the unchangeable influence of a hereditary and transmitted type. "Britanniam qui mortales initio coluerunt, indigenae an advecti, ut inter barbaros, parum coompertum. Habitus corporis varii, alque ex eo argumenta; namque rutilae Caledoniam habitantium comae, magni artus Germanicam originem adseverant. Silu ram colorati vultus et torti plerumque crines, et posita contra Hispania, Iberos veteres trajecisse, easque cedes occupasse fidem faciunt: proximi Gallis, et similes sunt: seu durante originis vi; seu procurrentibus in diversa terris, positio coeli corporibus habitum dedit." Regarding the persistency of types of conformation in the hot and cold regions of the earth, and in the mountainous districts of the New Continent, see my 'Relation Historique', t. i., p. 498, 503, and t. ii., p. 572, 574.