AP PENDIX.
Phrenological Remarks on the relation between the n a tu ra l Talents a n d Dispositions
o f Nations, a n d the Developments o f their B ra in s. By G e o r g e C om b e , Esq.*
No object can be presented to the philosophic mind more replete with
interest than an inquiry into the causes of the differences of national character.
If the .causes be natural, do they originate in the organisation of the body, in the
development of the brain, in the influence of climate, or on what other physical
agents do they depend ? If the differences result solely from moral and political
circumstances, it is important to trace their nature and modes of operation.
This subject has been investigated by philosophers in general, without any
knowledge of, or reference to, the functions of the different parts of the brain.
Phrenologists have avoided this error, and have pointed out and pursued a more
perfect method of investigation; but they have not published any separate work
devoted exclusively to this inquiry. In presenting the following remarks, I aim
only at enabling the reader to observe the relative magnitudes of the whole brain,
and the relative proportions of the different parts of the brain, indicated by the
national skulls delineated by Dr. Morton, and to draw his own conclusions relative
to the influence of these on the natural talents and dispositions of the tribes.
* Dr. Morton has requested me to furnish the present contribution to his work entitled Crania
Americana. As I have been greatly pleased with the correctness, as well as the beauty of the
lithographic drawings, many of Which I have compared with the original skulls; and as I have every
reason to expect that the text will equal, in intrinsic value, the workmanship of the plates, I supply
the present brief remarks with all the satisfaction that can be,felt in presenting to the public so
imperfect a sketch. It is proper to mention, that before I arrived in America Dr. Morton had entered
into definite arrangements for the publication of his work, by which limits were prescribed both to the
number of plates and extent of the letter press, in consequence of which it was not in his power to
alter, or in mine to procure a greater space than is occupied by the following observations. I refer the
reader to my own System o f Phrenology for more detailed information, towards the end of which
there is a section on National Skulls.
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