84 TRICIIOLOGIA MAMMALIUM; 



the covering of the head of the Albinos is pile. Its general form, and its ductility and 

 elasticity are sufficient to entitle it to a place in that category. 2d. That specimens No. 

 1 and 2 by their oval shape, flowing direction, acute inclination, and being formed of three 

 distinct parts, (one of which is a central canal for the conveyance of coloring matter,) 

 entitle the individual upon whom they grow, respectively, to be ranked with the oval- 

 haired species of men. But that the filaments gradually tapering from the inferior to the 

 superior extremity, the unevenness of surface of the shaft, and the disposition of the coloring 

 matter in the spires and threads, show that they are a distinct variety of that species. 

 3d. That specimens No. 3 and 4, by their eccentrically elliptical shape, crisped, frizzled, 

 and spirally curled direction, and probably, by the inclination, entitle the individuals, upon 

 whose heads they grow, respectively, to be ranked with the eccentrically elliptical-haired 

 species. But that their gradual tapering, their unevenness of surface, and the disposition of 

 the coloring matter in a central canal, show that they are a distinct variety of that species. 



The cause of the production of Albinos is unknown ; but it is generally, (and we think 

 erroneously,) attributed to imperfect generation, for the pile of the black Albino is, scienti- 

 fically speaking, more perfect than the pile of the common negro, in having a distinct 

 apparatus, viz : a central canal for the conveyance of the coloring matter. 



L'Heretier analysed the pile of the Albino, and found therein two kinds of fat, one liquid 

 and destitute of color, and the other solid and white like stearine. (Traite. de Chem. 

 Path.) It was, probably, the latter which we saw under the microscope. 



Mr. Jefferson is of opinion that the cause which produces the Albino is more incident to 

 the female than the male sex ; but he was not acquainted with a sufficient number of cases 

 to enable him to establish such a general rule, nor is he confirmed by succeeding observers. 



Martin, (in Hist, of Man, p. 166,) says, that " the constitution of the Albino is feeble." 

 In examining the four specimens for ductility, elasticity and tenacity, we found that the fila- 

 ments were possessed of a fair proportion of those properties which are considered as tests 

 of vital strength. 



This author also states, that their intellectual powers are often, if not always, of a com- 

 parative inferiority. We have no means of judging of the correctness of this remark. It 

 is said that " Albinos breeding with Albinos produce their. kind, but that where bred with 

 the ordinary race the peculiarity disappears in the descendants ; breaking out, however, 

 now and then, as if the tendency lurked in the blood." (Martin, Hist, of Man, p. 166.) 



OF THE CHANGE OF SHADE OF COLOR AT PUBERTY. Hair of the head of the oval- 

 haired species is generally lighter colored in youth, than in after years; this change, 

 probably, takes place at the period of puberty. Blonde hair becomes chestnut, chestnut 

 turns nearly black, and red hair becomes several degrees darker shaded. The cause of 

 this change is not known. 



OF MONOCHROMATIC AND POLYCHROMATIC PILE. The hair of the head of man, before 

 it becomes what is generally, but improperly, termed "grey" (i.e. loses its original color,) 

 are con-colored; but there are occasionally exceptions. We have, in our collection, a lock 

 from the head of Dr. J. K. Potter, aged 28, of Vermont, which contains four different colored 



