1883. ] Editors’ Table. 1139 
this important branch of research. We know of no reason why 
the anatomists and physiologists in every city in the world should 
not organize themselves into mutual autoptical societies. We 
will then have some basis for a true anthropology and a true 
metaphysics. 
rom a sentimental stand point, as well as from an intellectual 
one, it appears to us better to utilize this beautiful organ in this 
way, than to permit it to take the course prescribed by the unre- 
lenting forces of nature. Thus may science rob the grave of 
some of its most distinguished victims. Not that human sensibility 
does not shrink from applying the knife to the organ that once 
glowed with the fire of thought and feeling. But the alter- 
native is much more repulsive, and has been the theme of un- 
availing regret since man learned to admire and love his fellow- 
man, 
One of the members of the Anthropological Society expressed 
his dissatisfaction with the work of the Mutual Autoptical Soci- 
ety, on the presentation of the report on the brain of Louis Asse- 
line. He remarked that the statements of the report show clearly 
the immorality of such a society. He could not compliment it 
on the discovery of a simian characteristic in this brain. Such 
results, he said, were not happy. To this M. Topinard made the 
following just reply: “‘You are not happy in your results.’ 
‘Happy,’ in what sense? It is not to be supposed that we pur- 
sue a defined object, or that we have a course to sustain. We 
seek the truth and nothing more. It makes no difference whether 
we shall discover approximations or distinctions from the animals. 
The only indication of distinction from the animals is to see cor- 
rectly, and not to nurse preconceived ideas and illusions. The 
Anthropological Society does not belong to any sect, neither in 
One sense nor in another.” 
—— It is undoubtedly the opinion of the more advanced 
teachers of high and normal schools that some time should be 
given in the common schools to the study of biology, tfr of 
plants and animals. The study of plants is perhaps easier vad 
handle in schools and with large classes of children than that of 
animals, and should precede the study of the latter. Children of 
from eight to ten years can easily be taught to understand the 
Parts of a flowering plant, the roots, stem, leaves, corolla, petals, 
Pistil, stamens and anthers ; and flowers of different species can 
