1034 OF THE HUMAN FAMILY, AND THEIR MUTUAL RELATIONS 



the triangular space bounded by these lines may be compared to one of the 

 faces of a pyramid. The orbits are large and deep; and the peculiar conforma- 



Fig. 285. 



Fig. 286. 



Front and basal views of the Pyramidal Skull of an Esquimaux. 



tion of the bones which surround it, gives to the aperture of the lids an ap- 

 pearance of obliquity the inner angle seeming to be directed downwards. The 

 whole face, instead of presenting an oval form, as in most Europeans and Afri- 

 cans, is of a lozenge-shape. The greater relative development of the zygomatic 

 bones, and of the bones of the face altogether, when compared with the capacity 

 of the cranium, indicates in the pyramidal skull a more ample extension of the 

 organs subservient to sensation ; the same effect being thus produced by lateral 

 expansion, as by the forward extension of the facial bones in the prognathous 

 skulls. 



1041. The most civilized races those which live by agriculture and the 

 arts of cultivated life all the most intellectually improved nations of Europe 

 and Asia have a shape of the head which differs from both the preceding 

 forms, and which may be termed oval or elliptical (Fig. 286). This at once ap- 

 proves itself as a more symmetrical form ; no part having an excessive promi- 

 nence ; whilst, on the other hand, there 

 is nowhere an appearance of undue 

 flattening or compression. The head 

 is altogether of a rounder shape than in 

 other varieties, and the forehead is 

 more expanded; while the maxillary 

 bones and the zygomatic arches are so 

 formed as to give the face an oval 

 shape, nearly on a plane with the fore- 

 head and cheek-bones, and not project- 

 ing towards the lower part. Owing to 

 the more perpendicular direction of the 

 alveolar processes, the front teeth are 

 fixed in planes which are nearly or 

 quite parallel to each other. The 

 principal features in this form of cra- 

 nium are thus of a negative character; 

 Oval Skull of an European. the chief positive distinction is the large 



development of the cranial cavity, and 

 especially the fulness and elevation of the forehead, in proportion to the size of 



