28 Encephalic Anatomy of the Races 
the members of this race must be considered as of vital importance in 
an investigation of this kind. In probably no other race is “in-breed- 
ing” so widely prevalent as among the Eskimos, and this it is which 
makes the conditions for the study of racial characteristics so nearly 
the ideal as can be. 
Of the ethnic traits and the anthropological status of the Eskimo it 
is admissible to deal only in a general way, within the compass of this 
article. The Mongolian relation (or rather, the probable Mongolian 
origin) of this hyperborean race is generally conceded by the anthro- 
pologists. As to their mental capabilities, the information given us by 
the majority of travellers seems to indicate that the Eskimos are sharp- 
witted, exhibit remarkable aptitudes, and in general possess a consider- 
able intellectual power. A remarkable aptitude in carving and drawing 
is a characteristic remarked by most travellers, particularly by Klutschak 
—himself an artist—and by Irving Rosse. Notwithstanding the crude- 
ness of delineation and imperfection in detail, their ivory sculptures 
of birds, quadrupeds, marine animals and even the human form, display 
considerable individuality in conception and intelligent perception. 
Travellers needed merely to place the necessary materials in their hands, 
in order to profit by their ability to make drawings and maps which 
were practically as reliable as corresponding efforts of the civilized man 
unaided by instruments. The drawings, like those of the Chinese, have 
but one defect, being faulty in perspective. 
As a mechanic, the Eskimo is, considering his poor opportunities and 
materials, very clever and painstaking. With an unbounded curiosity 
supplemented by intelligent observation he soon learns to imitate the 
white man in various kinds of handicraft. 
Their ideas of property and commerce are distinctive from those ex- 
hibited by the lower races. Their sense of morality with reference to 
truthfulness, honesty and virtue are peculiar but natural and in accord 
with their traditions and environment. ‘Their diversions and instincts, 
their social and domestic relations are interesting and distinctive of 
the race. When brought into civilized surroundings, and when fortu- 
nate enough to escape the scourges of tuberculosis and the other dis- 
eases to which they are so susceptible, they display an aptitude for learn- 
ing and a capacity for intellectual development that is of no mean order. 
ForMER Descriptions oF Eskimo Bratns.—Only four Eskimo brains 
have hitherto been described; three by Chudzinski, and one by Hrd- 
licka (see Bibliography). Chudzinski’s specimens were those of Eski- 
mos who died of small-pox in the Hépital de Saint-Louis, Paris. The 
brains had been placed in very weak alcohol for two weeks before 
