542 POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



of the material, and supposed it was for illustration in university 

 class work. Later, he gave me the Bertillon measurements of the 

 men, with an epitome of their history. A number of these men I 

 have known for years. So far from this selection supporting the 

 modern theory of a criminal type, it confutes it in a conspicuous 

 manner. The abnormalities are slight, and there is as great a 

 diversity among the men as could be asked. It must be remem- 

 bered that these cases were selected by a shrewd and competent 

 official, solely upon their criminal record, and not in the interests 

 of any theory whatever. 



Of course, the men do not look well, but neither would any ordi- 

 nary company of citizens if their heads were shaved and they were 

 put in prison dress. I am always shocked by the changed appear- 

 ance of the men after the prison transformation. Young em- 

 bezzlers of elegant figure, who have moved in good society with- 

 out a question, easily look the rascal behind prison walls. 



The first group are murderers. No. 1 murdered his daughter 

 because she insisted upon going to a party against his wishes. He 

 has the head of a philosopher. It was his first crime. It may be 

 noted that tattooing is supposed to be common among criminals. 

 This man is tattooed, but committed no crime until fifty years of 

 age, and was a deputy sheriff for some years. No. 2 did not kill 

 his victim, but the assault was murderous, and the escape from 

 death was accidental. It is difficult to discuss the negro in crime 

 without entering into racial and social questions beyond the pres- 

 ent limits. No. 3 has a very good head, an excellent ear, and, 

 barring the expression, a pleasing face. He has a life sentence for 

 murder. He is the worst man in the prison. • I have for years 

 believed him to be insane. His family is criminal. His father 

 murdered his mother in a brutal manner before the child's eyes, 

 when No. 3 was only eight years old. He himself has committed 

 several desperate assaults, growing out of his persistent mania of 

 persecution. No. 3 is not morally responsible, and there are usu- 

 ally two or three such prisoners out of a thousand subjects. 



The second group are very diverse in structure and tempera- 

 ment, but have committed the same kind of crime. No. 1 is a 

 confidence man and a forger. He is a crafty and an habitual crimi- 

 nal, has served terms in various prisons, is keen of intellect, well 

 educated, has traveled in many countries, and is a citizen of the 

 world. 



No. 2 is a confirmed forger, and has served several terms in 

 prison for the same offense. He is a skillful bookkeeper, has an 

 attractive manner, and as soon as he is out in the world secures 

 employmont and plan? his next crime. 



