COMMON THINGS MAN. 



prominent, like the European ; the eyes being large, regular, andj 

 disclosed by widely opened lids. 



68. The question of the descent of all these varieties from a 

 common origin, is closely connected with the analysis of languages. 

 Nothing affords a more convincing proof of identity of origin 

 than the discovery of similar forms of expression and terms, 

 having like roots in the tongues spoken by distant people. " But 

 here," observes Humboldt, "as in all fields of ideal speculation, 

 there are many illusions to be guarded against, as well as a rich 

 prize to be attained. Positive ethnographical studies, supported 

 by profound historical knowledge, teach us that a great degree of 

 caution is required in these investigations concerning nations, and 

 the language spoken by them at particular epochs. Subjection to- 

 a foreign yoke, long association, the influence of a foreign religion,, 

 a mixture of races, even when comprising only a small number of 

 the more powerful and more civilised emigrating race, have pro- 

 duced in both continents similar recurring phenomena, viz., in 

 one and the same race two or more entirely different families of 

 languages, and in nations differing widely in origin, idioms be- 

 longing to the same linguistic stock. Great Asiatic conquerors 

 have been most powerfully instrumental in the production of 

 striking phenomena of this nature. 



" But language is an integral part of the natural history of the 

 human mind ; and, notwithstanding the freedom with which the 

 mind pursues perseveringly, in happy independence,, its self- 

 chosen direction under the most different physical conditions, 

 notwithstanding the strong tendency of this freedom to withdraw 

 the spiritual and intellectual part of man' is being from the power 

 of terrestrial influences, yet is the disenthralment never completely 

 achieved. There ever remains a trace of the impression which the 

 natural disposition has received from climate, from the clear azure 

 of the heavens, or from the less serene aspect of a vapour-loaded 

 atmosphere, Such influences have their place among those thou- 

 sand subtle and evanescent links in the electric chain of thought, 

 from whence, as from the perfume of a tender flower, language 

 derives its richness and its grace." 



By maintaining the unity of the human species, we at the 

 same time repel the cheerless assumption of superior and inferior 

 races of men. There are families of nations more readily susceptible 

 of culture, more highly civilised, more ennobled by mental culti- 

 vation than others, but not in themselves more noble. All are 

 alike designed for freedom; for that freedom which in ruder 

 conditions of society belongs to individuals only, but where states 

 are formed, and political institutions enjoyed, belongs of right to 

 the whole community, "If," says "Wilhelm von Humboldt,, 

 86 



