measure the quantity of the brain J This can neither be
estimated by mëàns of the facial angle in different tribes* nor
even in different individuals of the same Species. The angle
may bëcomë mo|g. acUte pr obtuse by greater or,|lesser
breadthjind thickness* of elongation of the Upper maxillary
bone, so as to give in several individuals angle? of very different
extent, while the proportion of the cerebral mass to
the entire body or to any given parts, may remain' precisely
the same.
The only point of view in which the measurement of skulls
by the facial atiglfe Can be, of interest in my present inquiry, is
as a distinguishing mark of particular races of men; and its
value in this- particular must ydepehd upon its ^ptancy* or
variableneSSi I f it Wère always the same in skulls beiongifig
to one méé* and different in those of different tribes* 1% Would
form at least a leading character in the eraniological history
of races. But the reverse of this is the fact. It has been
observed by Blumebach, that the direction of the facial lines
is often the same in heads of very different descriptions* which
present no other analogy whatever* while it displays at the
sâme time remarkable variations in skulls which are otherwise
Very similar, and belong to the same nation. u I have*”
sàÿs this distinguished writer* u now before me the Cranium
of a Negro* from Congo, and One of a Bole from Lithuania,
in which the facial angles are nearly equal ; yet when I compare
the narrow, and laterally compressed skull of the
African with the square head of the Sarmatian* ! findx between
them a prodigious difference.” He adds, “ There are
two Negro skulls in my possession presenting very different
facial angles, but in all other respects so much alike, that
they evidently appear to belong to the same race of men.”
I t fe well known that all those peculiarities in the forms of
the skull which are most characteristic of particular laces,
are yet liable to variation and to a degree of Uncertainty.
Hence it appears how little confidence can be placed upon
Une mode of measurement, or upon so limited and confined a
character as the facial angle. This is indeed a feature to be
taken notice of* in the description of the Skulls of different
nations, but it does not deserve an exclusive attention, to the
neglect of other traits, many pf which are equally or more
important.
Another remark on the peculiarities in the shape of the
skull appears to have originated with Camper, which might
have led himpfa more important apd extepsiYe observations.
He. observed, in b is unpuhlished^pmmQntaries pn the bones,
that the breadth of the head differs in different nations; that
the heads of Asiatics, by which he, probably meant the Kal-
muks, have the greatest breadth; that those, of Europeans
have a middle degree of breadth,, and that the skulls of the
African Negroes are the narrowest df all.
Blumenbach has made this circumstance the foundation of
hi? ariimgemenf and description, of skulls«» I t does not appear
that, he was led to it by the suggestion, of Camper, but
as the result of his awn observation, in a lppg and constant
study of his collection of the skulls of different nations. , He
remarks-that the-'comparison of the breadth of the hpad,
particularly pf the vertex* points out the principal and m.p?t
strpngly marked difference? in the-.g0peral.>CQnfigpratLon of
thecrapiupi, He adds, that the whole cranium is susceptible
o f SP many varieties in its form, the partswbiph contribute,
m.pre qf less, to determine the .national character,
displaying su^h: different proportions end directions, that it
is impossible te subject all these diversities to the measurement
of any lines ior angles. In comparing and arranging
skulls according tp the varieties in their shape, it ,is preferable
tp survey them in that method which presents
view the greatest number ' of characteristic peculiarities.
“ The best way of obtaining this end is. to place a series of
skulls,- with the cheek-bones ip. the , same horizontal line,
resting on the lower j aws; and then viewing them from behind,
and fixing the eye on thp yprtex pf each, tp mark all
the varieties in the shape of parts whiob cpntribute mpst to
the national character, whether they cpp$ist ip the direction,
of the maxillary and malar bones, in the breadth or narrowness
of the oval figure presented by the vertex*- or m the
flattened or vaulted form of the frontal bone.” This way of
examining and comparing skulls- is termed by Blumenbach