64 
5. In b . cases the length of time during which the pres¬ 
sure, &c ,s continued. 
6. Although the concurrent testimony of almost all recent 
observers would tend to show that deformation of the skull 
has no effect upon the moral, intellectual, or perceptive facul¬ 
ties, this is a point still worthy attention. 
7. It should be ascertained whether in any given race the 
practice of deforming the head is general or whether it is 
confined to one or the other sex, or to any particular rank or 
station. And so far as may be possible the reasons assigned 
for the practice should be noted. 
8. In view of the very probable assumption that the defor¬ 
mity is intended to magnify, as it were, the natural charac¬ 
teristic form of the skull, observations should be made as to 
the general form of the head, the natural indigenous form, 
whether it is roimded or elongated ,, broad or narrow , high or 
low. 
To explain this more fully it may be remarked that, thoug-h 
all skulls are naturally symmetrical and have uniformly 
rounded curved contours, they differ very considerably in the 
proportions of their length or antero-posterior dimension and 
their breadth or transverse direction, and in a less degree as 
regards their vertical height {see Anatomical Observations). 
B. Deformations of the features of the face usually involve the 
nose, cheeks, lips, and ears. 
12. It is a custom among many savage tribes to flatten the 
nose, which is done either by continued pressure, or by such 
violence as to force in the bridge whilst the tissues are yet 
soft and cartilaginous. In some cases, however, attempts are 
made to improve the countenance by pinching the nose so as 
to give it greater prominence than it would otherwise have. 
A common practice also among some tribes is to perforate 
either the cartilaginous septum alone of the nose or the entire 
organ, inserting bars or rings of wood or metal and even of 
