39 
neglect of ablution, or on any favourite cosmetic oi mguent, 
or on peculiarities of diet ? or to be natural and nstitu- 
tional? 4. Does it belong equally to both sexes and to all 
complexions (where these latter vary)? 5. Does it ary at 
different ages ? 
J.B. 
No. XVI.—PHYSICAL POWERS. 
Strength, speed, endurance. 
It is difficult to institute comparative tests of strength 
for Europeans or civilized men and savages or barbarians. 
“ Knack” and custom or constant practice have so great an 
influence, that it is necessary to select as a test some action 
not habitually used by either party. The persons tested 
should be in the prime of life, and otherwise similarly 
circumstanced. 
In countries where the women do most or much of the 
hard labour, their strength should be tested as well as that of 
the males : with a view to comparison, all trials should be 
timed, and the weights and distances carefully measured, 
and the previous condition or training of the individuals 
recorded. 
M. Broca commends the traction-dynamometer of Mathieu. 
The force registered should be that put forth continuously 
during at least two seconds. The maximum got by a sudden 
jerk may, however, also be noted. 
“ Putting” or raising a heavy stone is a pretty good test. 
Trials of speed should not be confined to short races. 
The American Indians in general, e.g., are said to have more 
enduring speed than Europeans, though easily beaten by 
them in sudden bursts : with some other savages the case is 
reversed. 
1. What is the weight of the burden which a native will 
carry ? 2. How far will he carry it in one day ? 3. For how 
many days in succession without suffering thereby ? 4. What 
distance can a man walk in one day ? 5. What distance can 
