physiognomy and craniology. 73

those animals are presumed to be unacquainted, as theyevidently are with the vice of dissimulation.

We are of opinion, that the favourers of this sciencewould do well to divide it into two distinct branches: first,such characteristic traits which proclaim fixed and certaindispositions, generated like those defined in the precedingparagraph, as founded upon mere principles of habit, andfixed in the physiognomy of the face: and , secondly, thosewhere the expressions are transient, and are the indice tocertain local dispositions of the mind; so as fr6m one ex-pression to draw a probable conclusion of its successor, andof those thoughts which, at that instant, occupy the mindof the individual.

The science of man, in respect to his exterior appear-ance, is certainly influenced by a great variety of causes,much too numerous for us to investigate in our very circum-scribed limits; nevertheless, to instance some few particu-lars of national characteristics, the climate, soil, atmosphere,provisions, habits, with several local et cetceras, should becertainly distinctly considered. Agreeable to this idea,Professor Kant, of Konigsberg , in his essay on this subject,has divided the vast mass of humanity into four distinctclasses; which may be thus briefly enumerated; 1st, Whites;2d, Negroes; 3d, Huns , Moguls, or Calmucs; and 4th,Hindoos, or the natives of Indostan.

Circumstances purely external, the opposers of thisscience say, and probably with justice, and which may beaccidental, cannot be the original causes of what is assimi-lated or inherited. It is readily conceded those eventsthey enumerate are not the original cause, but as they occur,they assist that cause in the performance of certain effects,to which they also communicate a peculiarity of character.“ As well,” they continue, “ could chance produce a bodyperfectly organized.” The Professor proceeds by observing,that “ man was undoubtedly intended to be the inhabitantof all soils. Hence the fact that many internal propensitiesmust be latent in him, which shall remain inactive, or beput in motion according to his situation on the earth, so thatin progressive generations, he shall appear as if born forthe particular soil in which he seems planted.”

It is this gentleman’s opinion, “ that the air and sun are thetwo chief causes which influence the operations of genera-tive propagation, which give a lasting developement. of germ,and the chief propensities to the individual.” The objectorspay, “ or in other words, the above powers may be the