278 RACE HEAD-FORMS AND THEIR 



bints } but tbe distaste of editors — not to speak of readers, — for columns 

 and tables of measurements bas as often deterred me.* 



Among a group of fellow-labourers in tbe investigation of Scottisb 

 arcbseology, wbose memory I now recall witb many pleasant associa- 

 tions and vain regrets, was tbe late Dr. Walter Adam, a gentleman of 

 liberal tastes and accurate scbolarsbip.-j- I was indebted to bim for 

 cooperation in various investigations, botb literary and antiquarian ; 

 and wben engaged, in tbe years 1849 and 1850, in collecting and mi- 

 nutely studying ancient Scottisb crania, witb a view to determine various 

 points, since discussed in tbe " Prebistoric Annals of Scotland," and 

 subsequent publications : Dr. Adam put into my hands a series of 

 measurements of Frencb crania taken under tbe following circumstances. 

 After enjoing tbe advantages of pursuing bis studies under tbe care of 

 tbe distinguisbed anatomist. Dr. Barclay, and completing tbe requisite 

 course for bis degree in Medicine in tbe University of Edinburgh, be 

 spent some time at tbe medical schools of Paris. Dr. Spurzbeim, tbe 

 favorite pupil, and later associate of Dr. Gall, tbe founder of tbe system 

 of Phrenology, was at that period lecturing in tbe Frencb capital, and 

 winning tbe attention of many enthusiastic students by tbe novelties 

 of the new science he promulgated. From 1807 to 1813 Gall and 

 Spurzbeim lectured conjointly on their favourite subject to Parisian 

 audiences, and thereby trained many followers by whom their opinions 

 were spread throughout Europe. Dr. Adam was fascinated for a time 

 by the attractions of tbe lecturer, as well as tbe seductive promises of 

 the science; and bringing its principles to bear in the direction of bis 

 own national predilections, he proceeded, under tbe guidance of Dr. 

 Spurzbeim, to select from a series of skulls in the University Museum, 

 recovered from the Parisian Catacombs, a group illustrative of the 

 Celtic bead. 



* An abstract of the series of measurements referred to, prepared as a supple 

 ment to the " Inquiry into the physical characteristics of the ancient and modern 

 Celt," {Canadian Journal, Vol. IX.), to which, as will be seen, it had a fitting 

 bearing, was omitted, owing to the length of that paper. The present paper 

 originated in a renewed attempt at their publication ; but I have been compelled 

 to limit myself to very brief selections, after preparing the whole tables for the 

 press. 



f Dr. Walter Adam, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, 

 and a member of various learned Societies, was a son of Alexander Adam, LL.D., 

 Rector of the High School of Edinburgh, author of the " Roman Antiquities," 

 and other works. He died in 1857. 



