AMERICAN VARIETY. 319 



them to accommodate themselves to the neighbouring parts, 

 and to become, as it were, formed and fashioned by their 

 action. The conformation of the head affords the most 

 unequivocal proof of this circumstance. The internal sur- 

 face of the cranium exhibits a mould of tlie lobes and con- 

 volutions of the brain, to which it was adapted ; and the 

 external surface displays the most manifest impressions 

 from the actions of muscles, as well as traces of the form of 

 the features, the general configuration of which may be 

 easily conjectured from a view of the bony skull. In like 

 manner, the shape of the bones may be affected by the 

 pressure of tumours, by collections of pus in their cavities, 

 by constant weights, as that of the trunk bearing on the 

 lower limbs, before their substance is hard enough. Hence 

 we cannot doubt that the cranium may experience a partial 

 change of figure, if a given external pressure can be kept up 

 for some time ; and the comparative softness of its texture at 

 birth renders that a very favourable period for such attempts. 



The objection will occur, that the functions of the brain 

 would be suspended by an effectual pressure; — that the 

 infant's life would be endangered. They who have seen a 

 child's head after it has passed through a small pelvis in a 

 difficult labour, under which circumstances it is often found 

 squeezed into an oblong shape, will not entertain much 

 apprehension for the effects of such manoeuvres as are said 

 to be practised on the Carib and other American newly- 

 born infants. It is not necessary, however, to suppose the 

 force so considerable, as to effect tlie figure of the bone at 

 the time : I should rather apprehend that the ultimate effect 

 is produced by the continued action of a gentle pressure; 

 as the thigh and leg of a rickety child slowly yield to the 

 weight of the body. The change of form is produced 

 organically, not mechanically. 



Should it be objected, that such unnatural violence would 

 prevent or impede the developement of the brain, and could 

 not be borne without fatal results ; I reply, that if the fact 

 can be established, the supposition on v/hich this objection 

 rests must be ungrounded. And that it is so, I am further 



