232 
REVIEWS. 
THE UNITY OF THE HUMAN SPECIES * 
OWEVER M. de Quatrefages’ book may have been received in France, 
we may venture to predict for it a remarkable degree of success if 
it should be translated and published in the English language. 
Espousing, as he does, the popular doctrine of the origin of the human 
race, his evidence in its favour, which is based solely upon a consideration 
of the question from a scientific point of view, will be welcomed by all who 
are indisposed to deviate from the beaten path of tradition ; whilst the most 
enterprising and latitudinarian inquirers, who hold contrary views to those 
adopted by the author, will be pleased to find themselves treated with 
respect, and their tenets combated with good temper and moderation. 
The work will be read with additional interest in England, in consequence 
of the practical application which the author has made of some of the theories 
of Mr. Darwin, who will no doubt be astonished to see himself appear 
therein as the advocate of the “ unity of the human species,” and of the 
“ immutability of species ” in general. 
So far as our limited space will allow, we shall endeavour to present to 
our readers a sketch of the contents ; and they will then be in a position to 
judge of the correctness or otherwise of our statements. 
As already observed, in advocating the “ unity of the human species,” the 
author leaves entirely out of account all theological and moral considera- 
tions, and throws himself completely upon the resources of science, of botany 
and zoology, physiology, medical statistics, ethnology, and the distribution 
of animals over the globe. 
Often, he tells us, he had been tempted involuntarily to introduce evidence 
of a theological and moral character, but he always erased the words and 
fell back upon his scientific resources ; his reason being, that inasmuch as he 
treats of a subject which more than any other belongs to the domains of 
the natural sciences, he wishes “ to remain exclusively a naturalist, that he 
may preserve his right to address all men, and in order that he may lead the 
partisans of the most widely opposed doctrines upon neutral ground, on 
which no one, whatever may be his creed or instincts, has a right at this day 
to refuse to enter, and where all comers must indubitably be of one and the 
same mind.” 
Passing rapidly in review the different realms of nature, both inorganic 
and organic, the author leads his readers to the consideration of what he 
terms “ The Human Kingdom.” 
* “ Unite de l’Espece Humaine.” A. de Quatrefages. Hachette, Paris. 
