6 
Their characteristics are so exceptionally and intensely diver- 
gent from the rest of ns, that there have not been wanting 
persons even to advocate the theory of their origin by a dis- 
tinct and independent creation. , 
2. It will be readily allowed that a speculation so shore and 
summary as this at once cuts the knot of many scientific di - 
cnlties. Whether, however, it be really philosophical, may be 
much doubted, for true philosophy never takes refuge from 
difficulties by hastily theorizing ; its highest office _ being to 
labour patiently by observation, inquiry, and experiment ; to 
argue through analysis, analogy, and induction ; and only to 
decide upon results when every available method of investiga- 
tion shall have been exhausted. That those who deny the 
possibility of the derivation of the Negro race from our own 
primeval stock have neglected these fundamental conditions 
of scientific study, will appear, I think, in the sequel. At all 
events, it will be one object of this paper to prove that they 
have done so. I say one object of it only, because, much as 1 
may indirectly wish to bring out that fact, I hope I write with 
a higher and a nobler purpose than to be personally antago- 
nistic, or rudely self- asserting. I would ever desire to. cherish 
upon the forefront of all papers read within this Institute the 
spirit of free, full, and searching inquiry after truth; not 
however, for the purpose of confounding an adversary or of 
triumphing in successful argument, but simply out of homage 
to truth itself. For it appears to me that honour rendered 
to truth is at once the best and purest offering which 
Science can bring into the temple of Nature, or lay down 
before the footstool of God. 
3. The chief divergences of the Negro race from the rest 
of the human family are structural , rather than physiological. 
It would be a great mistake indeed to press this latter element 
of variation. For with the exception of freedom from the fatal 
influences of certain malaria, to which all other races succumb, 
the Negroes are one with the rest of mankind. In longevity, 
in the period of dentition, the duration of pregnancy, and 
many other particulars, we discover no difference between this 
race and others. Some writers maintain the existence of 
specific psychological differences among them, but these seem 
accidental rather than specific, resulting from long oppression 
and degradation. The Negro child is acknowledged by all as 
not inferior in intellectual capacity to the white child, when 
properlv educated, being both as docile and as quick of appre- 
hension. But it is alleged that when the age of puberty 
arrives, he becomes incapable of making any further progress ; 
becoming indolent, apathetic, and obstinate. These pecu- 
