The Express.
London, England, 1867-09-09 00:00:00

THE ANTHROPOLOGISTS.

The first meeting of the Anthropological Conference was
bold yesterday afternoon in the Union-ball, High-street.
The meeting was open to the members of the British
Association on the presentation of their cards, and tickets
admitting to the whole of the meetings of the conference
were sold at half-a-crown each, and a considerable number
of these were disposed of. There was a large attendance
at the meeting— the hall, which accommodates 300 persons,
being nearly filled.
Dr. J• 11131 Beam presided and made a long statement
respecting the position of the enthopologists towards the
British Association. He intreated those who felt any
annoyance at the conduct of the Association to relinquish
such feelings, for what had been done had met with his
own most ..ntire approbation. Nothing was further from
the intention of his friends than to represent themselves
as martyrs .0 the views of the Association or to the pre-
judices of the people of Dundee; but they did think it
unfortunate that, there had not yet been formed
a separate section or department in which all students
of the science of man might assemble and discuss
subjects in which they were interested. The
geologist unto:clod the laws of the past by a study of the
laws of the present ; and the botanist, zoologist, and
anthropologist did the same. The science of geology
bad for its object the discovery of the laws regulating
the past history of the earth ; the botanist the past
history of plants ; the zoologist the past history of
animals ; and the anthropologist the peat history of man.
Anthropology, then, had for its aim both the present
state and past history of mankind. In days not long
, passed it was thought that the geologist had no right
to attempt to discover the past history of the earth, and
even down to this very time there were, he believed, per-
sons who thought it not right scientifically to attempt to
discover the put history of plants, animals, or mankind.
Botanists and zoologists, however, seemed to be allowed to
go on very quietly with their investigations, and why not
allow anthiopologists to do the same? Their alma and '
their method were, or ought to be, identical. He was
much obliged to the Rev. G. Gilfillan for his defence of
anthropology, but unfortunately those who defended
it had generally some theory of their own to support. If
anthropologists hal any preconceived hypothesis they
would deserve all the bard things that had been said of
them. Anthropology was a purely inductive science ;
and its followers had no pet theories to support or sense.
tional papers to read. They simply met to work ;
and for everything they said they invited the most
rigid investigation and criticism. As to Darwinism
it -had hitherto found no more earnest or determined foes
than amongst the anthropologists. We commence our
lectures to-day, said Dr. Hunt, and I trust that
the good feeling of the people of Dundee, and the
good sense of those who take part in the proceedings,
will make our meeting at Dundee memorable for the
recognition it gives to the science of anthropology. I trust
the people of Dundee will cease their attacks on our
science. Attack our facts or opinions as much as you feel
inclined, but for your own sakes, and for the credit of
your country, do not longer attack the science. We
seek to discover from actual facts the laws regulating
man's nature and development, because such dis-
coveries will lead to our material interests, and because
we believe the discovery of these laws will form the basis
of correct principles of human happiness ; and as these
laws become fully established by scientific inquiry,
misery and ignorance will have to give place to civilisation
and enlightenment. (Loud applause.)
Mr. PLANT proposed a vote of thanks to Dr. Hunt for
his explanation, which having been supported by Dr.