104 ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF MAN. 



many distinct ones ? What particulars of external form 

 and inward structure characterize tlie several races ? What 

 relation is observed between tlie differences of structure 

 and those of moral feeling, mental powers, capability of ci- 

 vilization, and actual progress in arts, sciences, literature, 

 government ? How is man aff^ected by the external influ- 

 ences of climate, food, way of life? Are these, or any others, 

 operating on beings originally alike, sufficient to account 

 for all the diversities hitherto observed; or must we suppose 

 that several kinds of men were created originally, each for 

 its own situation ? If we adopt the supposition of a single 

 species, what country did it ffrst inhabit ? and what was the 

 appearance of the original man ? Did he go erect, or on all 

 fours ? Was he a Patagonian, or an Eskimau, a Negro, or a 

 Georgian ? 



Such are the inquiries that claim our attention in a zoolo- 

 gical survey of the human species. To suppose that it is 

 in my power to furnish satisfactory replies, would be a de- 

 gree of presumption which it is hardly necessary for me to 

 disclaim. I mentioned them only as examples ; and I take 

 the liberty of adding my firm conviction, that these and si- 

 milar matters will never be cleared up except by those who 

 are thoroughly acquainted with the anatomy and physiology 

 of our frame : with comparative anatomy ; with the prin- 

 ciples of general physiology, and the analogies derivable 

 from the whole extent of living nature. I shall be con- 

 tented with having called your attention to a subject which 

 falls within the province of our own pursuits ; and with ex- 

 hibiting specimens of the mode of proceeding, and the ob- 

 jects to be kept in view. The natural history of man is, in- 

 deed, yet in its infancy; so that a complete view of the sub- 

 ject could not be attempted. The description and arrange- 

 ment of the various productions of the globe have occupied 

 numerous observers in all ages of the world ; and have en- 

 gaged their attention so exclusively, that they have had no 

 time to think of themselves. Every reptile, bird, insect, 

 plant, even every mineral, has had its historian, and been de- 



