proportions will vary with the degree in which the intellectual
perfections are enjoyed—that the size of the brain case, in reference
to the size of the bones of the face, will serve as a measure of the
capacity of the mind.
It has been presumed also, that as the cranium contains the
higher or more important organ, and the bones of the face relate
to the inferior senses, the perfection and beauty of form will be
greatest when the excess is on the part of the former.
It appears that this notion has been first entertained on looking
to the Negro’s head; and on observing the retreating fine of the
forehead, a conclusion has been hastily drawn, that the area of the
bones of the face bear a larger proportion to the size of the head
than in the European. A comparison betwixt the skulls of man and
of brutes has served to support this theory. But in the very groundwork
there is an error; and it will be found insufficient to explain
the nature of that perfection which we call beautiful, and which is
equally observable in each part, in the individual features as well
as in the proportions of the head generally.
METHODS H ITH ER TO EMPLOYED IN MEASURING THE PROPORTIONS
OF THE SKULL.
In the sketches of Albert Durer we may find the rudiments of
that method of measuring the head which was employed by Camper
and others*.
In these outlines of his, we see the course of his cogitations on
the subject of the antique and the negro countenance. Nor can
we fail to observe how easy the transition was from these to the
illustrations of the facial line by Camper.
But whilst this ingenious author and painter made such sketches,
as seem to anticipate the system of the Dutch professor, I am bound
to show that he had more just conceptions of his subject, and has
gone far to destroy the originality of my own theory, and that which
I had thought I was the first to express. He says,
“ Questa certo b cosa certissima, che coloro, che intenderanno
la Brutezza, e deformita facilmente intendera, che cosa egli deve
schivare nell’ opera incominciata per bellezza, e quanto alcuno
* See the subjoined plate of outlines of the head.