112 MEMOIRS OF 



one genus, and one species ; the differences we 

 observe in him being but varieties, which are 

 termed races. Nothing can be more calculated 

 to excite profound attention than M. Cuvier's 

 definition of Man, and it would be so much in- 

 jured by selecting passages from it, that extracts 

 can only be made from that portion entitled 

 *' Varieties of the Human Race.'* — " Three of 

 these are eminently to be distinguished from 

 each other ; the White or Caucasian, the Yellow 

 or Mongolian, the Negro or Ethiopian. The 

 Caucasian, to which we (Europeans) belong, is 

 remarkable for the beautiful oval form of the 

 head, and from it have proceeded those people 

 who have attained the greatest civilisation, and 

 have held dominion over the rest. It varies in 

 complexion, and the colour of the hair. The 

 Mongolian is recognised by its prominent cheek 

 bones, flat face, narrow obhque eyes, straight 

 black hair, scanty beard, and olive tint. From 

 it have arisen the great empires of China and 

 Japan, and by it some great conquests have been 

 achieved, but its civilisation has always re- 

 mained stationary. The Negro race is confined 

 to the south of the Atlas chain ; its complexion 

 is black, hair woolly, skull compressed, nose 

 flattened, muzzle projecting, lips thick, and 



