DISTORTIONS OF THE HUMAN CRANIUM. 417 



It is in this respect, accordingly, that the artiiicial causes tending 

 to alter the natural conformation of the human head, invite our 

 special study. They appear at present purely as disturbing elements 

 in the employment of craniological tests of classification. It is far 

 from improbable, however, that when fully understood they may 

 greatly extend our means of classification ; so that when we have 

 traced to such causes certain changes in the physical form, in which 

 modern races are known to differ from their ethnical precursors, we 

 shall be able to turn the present element of disturbance to account, 

 as an additional confirmation of truths established by inductive 

 craniology. Certain it is, however, whatever, value may attach to 

 the systematising of such artificial forms, that they are of frequent 

 occurrence ; and may be traced apparently to the following causes : — 



I. Undesigned changes of form superinduced in infancy by ban- 

 daging or other custom of head-dress ; by the form of pillow or 

 cradle-board ; and by persistent adherence to any unvarying position 

 in suckling and nursing, 



II. Artificial deformation undesignedly resulting from the habitual 

 carrying of burdens on the head, or by means of straps or bandages 

 pressing on any part of the skull, when such is continued from very 

 early youth. 



III. Artificial configuration designedly resulting from the applica- 

 tion of mechanical pressure in infancy. 



IV. Deformation resulting from posthumous compression, or any 

 mechanical force brought into operation after death. 



To the first of those I have drawn attention in more than one 

 former paper,* and its influence I believe to be extensive and deserv- 

 ing of minute attention. Among the Red Indian Flatheads, where 

 malformation of the skull is purposely aimed at, the infant's head 

 is tightly bound in a fixed position, and maintained under continuous 

 pressure for months. But it is a mistake to suppose that in the 

 ordinary use of the cradle-board the pappoose is subject to any such 

 extreme restraint. The objects aimed at are facility of nursing and 

 transport, and perfect safety for the child. But those being secured 

 it is nurtured with a tenderness of maternal instinct, surpassing that 

 of many savage nations. The infant is invariably laid on its back, 

 but the head rests on a pillow of moss or frayed soft bark, and is not 



* Canadian Journal, Vol. II. p. 426, Vol. VI. Edinburgh PhilosopA, Journal, N. S , Vol. 

 VII. p. 25, Vol. XIV. 269. 



