84 Scientific Reviews. 



the first and second of the ring finger of the left hand,* were mere 

 varieties ; but if the origin of these peculiarities had not been 

 knoAvn, they must have been considered as indicative of an en- 

 tirely different species. We see, moreover, from these instances, 

 that the organization is susceptible of changes, which most probably 

 last as long as the exciting cause; and it is not, as we think, compati- 

 ble with the principles of philosophy to assume that the indefinite 

 shades of variety in the colour and complexion of the human race, 

 may not also have sprung up under the influence of physical agents, 

 whose operations are yet unknown. 



A principal feature in the work of Mr. Edwards is a new law 

 which he has laid down respecting the mixture of races. If, when 

 two tribes intermarry, the offspring were to perpetuate characters 

 different from those of their parents, it is evident that we should 

 in vain seek amongst them for the record of their origin. But Mr. 

 Edwards attempts to remove this objection to the elucidation of 

 history from physiology, by assuming that, though between very dis- 

 tinct varieties, the offspring partakes of the characters of both pa- 

 rents, (as in the mulatto from the negro and the white), between 

 *M6-varieties, (as the Gauls and the Cymri, the Pelasgi and Hel- 

 lenians, the Sclavi and Germans), the characters of the child are 

 principally determined by the father or the mother alone, and thus 

 the paternal or maternal peculiarities are preserved in the race. And 

 he combines with this opinion, the fact that the characters of a 

 mixed product breed out in a few generations by intermarriage with 

 the primitive stock. Thus, he concludes, that if a tribe of a very 

 well marked variety invade or colonize a district, and intermarry 

 with the natives, the types will be multiplied, but not confused ; 

 if the new people be equal in number to the natives, a mixed type 

 Avill be added, but the old ones will remain. If, on the other hand, 

 the numerical proportion of the invaders be inferior, as is generally 

 the case, their characters, by admixture with the natives, will dis- 

 appear in a certain number of generations, or leave but faint traces. 

 " A few individuals," says Mr. Edwards, " may come and change 

 the manners, laws, and language of a people, but they cannot alter 

 the physical characters of the race." If the varieties be more near- 

 ly related to each other, there will not, according to Mr. Edwards' 

 views, be a single generation with mixed characters ; for the pecu- 

 liarities of the father or mother alone will be transmitted to the 

 offspring. But do these speculations accord with the facts ? M. 

 Decandolle justly designates it " une observation, qui peut-etre a 

 besoin de nouvelles observations, soit quant a sa Constance, soit quant 

 au degre de generalisation qu'elle comporte, mais qui a surement 

 de la verite, et par consequent de Timportance." 



Every one has observed, within the limits of single families, a 

 marked preservation of the hereditary peculiarities which belong to 

 the father or mother alone ; thus, the colour of the hair, the con- 



• Vide Edin. Med. and Surg. Joum. IV. 252. 



