33(5 DIFFERENCES OF 



no proof that the figure of the part is ever cliatiged by such 

 attempts ; while, on the contrary, it can be shewn most 

 clearly, that the well-known flatness of the nose is the natu- 

 ral formation of the organ in the Negro, and the notion of 

 its being produced by pressure is justly ridiculed by that in- 

 telligent observer. Dr. Winterbottom ^. The children of 

 African parents in Europe, America, and other situations 

 where there are opportunities of knowing that no means 

 are used to flatten the nose, resemble in all respects those 

 born in Africa. Why, indeed, should artificial causes be 

 adduced to account for the flatness of this part in so many 

 dark-coloured races, rather than for its convexity and pro- 

 minence in others ? Do not the various parts of the coun- 

 tenance harmonize equally in both cases ? Would it improve 

 a Negro or a Chinese face to introduce into it an aquiline 

 nose ? in short, these fiat noses have all the characters of 

 natural construction about them, equally with those of a 

 different figure ; and exhibit none of the marks of violence 

 and artificial change, which are seen in the foreheads of 

 some Caribs. Moreover the diversities extend so generally 

 through the whole bony fabric of the head, and are observ- 

 able in so many parts where external pressure could have no 

 influence — not to mention that they consist, in many in- 

 stances, of formations just the reverse of what pressure 

 could effect — that we cannot have the smallest hesitation 

 in rejecting entirely the notion of external influence, and 

 ascribing them to native variety. This conclusion is con- 

 firmed by the fact, that all the peculiarities of the Negro 

 cranium exist in the foetus; that the prominent jaws, flat 

 nose, and all other characters, are found as strongly marked 

 in the youngest embryo as in the adult. 



" I examined," says Soemmerring, " a Negro embryo 

 and a child only a few months old, and found the jaws as 

 prominent, the lower part of the nose as broad and flat, as in 



in Macassar they flatten the noses of the children, and repeat the operation 

 several times every day, softening the nose at the same time with oil or warm 

 water." Forsteu, Observationr, en a Voyage round the Worlds p. 593-K 

 Sec also p. 556. * jtccount of (he Native Jfricans ; i. p. 201. 



