On the importance of a due estimate of the different 
modes and degrees of Deformation of the skull ^ in 
the study of Crauiology ^). 
By Joseph Barn a id Davis, Med. doet etc. 
devotion of some years’ attention to craniological pu r 
suits lias convinced me, that the normal form of the skull 
is more or less interfered with, in various ways and among 
different races, much more generally than has hitherto 
been supposed. The investigations of M:r Pentland, of 
Professor S. G. Moeton and of others long since showed, 
that a great variety of intentional distortions were practised 
upon the heads of infants, while yet in a tender and pliant 
state, for the purpose of producing certain forms of the 
cranium, dictated and rendered desirable by the caprices 
of fashion, among American races — ancient as well as mo- 
dern. The writings of Hippocrates, of Strabo, Pliny 
and of other authorities frequently mention people of the 
old continent, ivho pursued the same arts for conferring 
distinction upon their offspring. And the subject has excited 
much interest of late years, in consequence of the discovery 
of some curious and extremely distorted skulls in Austria 
and other parts of Europe. The late most distinguished 
craniological anthropologist of this city. Professor Anders 
*) From the Proeoedinfis of Ihe, meeting of Scandinavian Naturalists at 
Stockholm, July 1863. 
