THE HUMAN RACE. 29 



Character. 



We are at present dealing with the physi- 

 cal aspect of evolution, but our reasoning 

 applies with equal force to mental qualities 

 and disposition (character). 



Every race of man has its own individual- 

 ity, but the characters of most civilised 

 nations merge into each other so gradually, 

 that only outstanding characteristics can be 

 clearly denned or recognised. 



There is, however, no difficulty in recog- 

 nising the distinctive characters of the Celt, 

 the Gipsy, and the Jew, and the persistence 

 of their characters through extended periods 

 of history, and varying conditions of exist- 

 ence, strongly supports the contention that 

 mental and physical characteristics are 

 equally immutable, although among indi- 

 viduals of the same race, character, like 

 physique, varies in expression. 



