Having bronglit these four distinct classes of distor- 
tions of the cranium before tlie notice of this learned 
society^ and described a few of the varieties comprehended 
under each of thenp I think you will agree with me, that 
they are particularly deserving of the serious attention of 
the craniologist, and that they should be taken into the 
account in the study of the skulls of every race of man. 
I):r Gosse, after his elaborate investigation of artificial 
distortions of the head, drew the conclusion, that those 
distinctive characters of human races, which are based on 
the permanency of the forms of the skull, would probably 
become of less value, from the fact and the frequency of 
these deformations. My own impression is that such con- 
sequence is not likely to result from the study of cranial 
I 
deformations — unless this study is conducted in a very 
superhcial manner. On the contrary, I think it may be 
unhesitatingly aftirmed, that a more extended and thorough 
knowledge of the kinds and sjjccies of deformation will 
put us much more on our guard against confounding them 
with the natural and normal forms of the head and will, 
when employed with judgment, enable us to appreciate 
and to distinguish these natural forms, which are so 
various and distinct among different races of man, with 
much more correctness and more confidence. 
