Memoir of Samuel George Morton. 165 
to what results it might lead. In an appendix (p. 179, beyond) 
I have placed a Jetter from Baron Humboldt, which gives it the 
highest commendation. 
pon its publication it was welcomed, in the American Jour- 
nal of Science and Arts, as ‘the most important, extensive, and 
valuable contribution to the Natural History of Man which has 
yet appeared on the American Continent. 
“The subject,” it was added, “is one of great interest, and 
Dr. Morton has treated it in a manner at once scientific and pleas- 
ing, while the beauty and accuracy of his lithographic plates are 
hot surpassed by any of the modern illustrations of science.” 
Such was the language of that most respectable Journal ; and 
which allows me to say, pulchrum est laudari @ laudato viro. 
The Medico-Chirurgical Review, the Western Journal, the 
British and Foreign Medical Review, the Journal of the Royal 
Geographical Society, the Eclectic Journal, and that time-hon- 
ored, able; and impartial work, the Edinburg Medical and Sur- 
geal Journal, all contain the most flattering encomiums upon 
- Morton’s labors. : 
have no right to draw forth for the public from many private 
letters to him that I have had the pleasure to examine, the favor- 
able sentiments and expressions of distinguished Naturalists and 
Archeologists, addressed to our deceased President upon the ap- 
pearance of the Crania Americana. Could I with propriety do 
, 1 might show you how great was the consideration it ac- 
quired for him in the highest literary and scientific quarters. — 
e work is on your table, and you are acquainted with its 
Purposes and its contents as to our American Ethnology and 
Atcheolog ‘ ; : 
_ You know that he considered “the Human species as consist- 
lng of twenty-two Fammiies.” ee 3 
é did not assume that these Fammies are “identical with 
Races, but merely groups of nations possessing, to a greater oF 
: extent, similarity of physical and moral character and lan- 
ge. 
bian, Lybian, Niloti ie families. "i 
: : tic, and Indostanic familie : 
The Mongolians make five families ; which are Mongol-Tar 
‘ar, Turkish, Chinese, Indo-Chinese, and Polar families. 
