456 



in St Gallen am 24, 25, und 26 Juli 1854. Svo.— From 

 the Society. 

 Comptes Rendus hebdomadaires des Seances de I'Academie des 

 Sciences, May 1856 — December 1856. — From the Academy. 



Monday, 16th February 1857. 



Dr CHRISTISON, Vice-President, in the Chair. 



The following Communications were read : — 



1. On the Crania of the Kaffirs and Hottentots, and the Phy- 

 sical and Moral Characteristics of these Races. By Dr 

 Black, F.G.S. 



After exhibiting Crania of these races recently received from 

 South Africa, along with two British crania of normal size and 

 form, and stating their respective measurements, facial angles, 

 and principal diameters, the author reviewed the observations 

 of Natural Historians and Anatomists on the skulls and phy- 

 sical characteristics of the races above mentioned. Camper's 

 facial angle was compared with that of Blumenbach, show- 

 ing the differences, and how far the adult Negro and the orang- 

 outang receded from the higher cranial types ; and also how, 

 according to Mr Owen, the facial angle depends upon whether 

 it is taken in the young or adult state. The little difference 

 which exists between the capacities of the skulls of most of the 

 human races was alluded to, and also Mr Owen's opinion of 

 the superiority of the basal examination of the skull over that 

 of the facial angle or vertical aspect. A peculiarity of several 

 Negro skulls was also mentioned, viz., the juncture of the tem- 

 poral and frontal bones, and consequently the separation of the 

 sphenoid from the parietal. It is observed, that the people of the 

 high countries of Africa are greatly superior to those of the low 

 plains ; the former receding further from the physiognomy and 

 colour of the Negro. Colour of skin greatly varies amongst the 

 South African natives, from black to a light brown, even amongst 

 the same nation. The superiority of strength of intellect possessed 

 by the Kaffir over the Hottentot is sufficiently marked ; and, on 

 the other hand, is counterbalanced by the greater pliability of dis- 



