Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1847-07-22
"Thc Natural History Of Man"

The American Erhnological Society had re-
Gently under consideration a manuscript work
on This subjec, by Mr. VIM F. AmRiNGE, In
which the prevailing theories are attempted TO
he set aside. From their report published IN
the Literary World of June 26, we Judge lha,
the work must possesses high degree OF sci
eufc interest We extract few paragraphs.
After criiicising Lawrence q Pritchard, Mr.. v.
A. states his own views:
Mr. Van Amringe, to arrive al proper ZOO
Jooical classification of man, proceeds 10 divide
ali mammalia into two sychical
and Insiinctive--in the first OF which he places
the human race, and in The last other animals
He then divides man into -four species under
the patriarchaI names Of Shem Japhei, lshma
el, and Canaan. Being thus brought into COL
Ision with Jusephus's distribution of the prim-
live races, be examines it al large. He then
nroceeds TO show that The distribution of ami
maIs and vegetables is not analogous 10 that oil
mankind, aud that consequently no aid can be
derived from that quarter IN determining the IN
teresling questions relating 10 Ethnography
An examination into The true definition OF a
species" and lis application 10 The several hu-
4DaR races, forms an essential part OF The irea-
tse La The chapter "on the anatomical and
navsjcal structures OF The different races oi
men, &c" the doctrine is advanced that the
structure and functions Of the skin constitute
more prominent specific differences than the
form and capacity of the Uranium. Ii is argued
that the structure of the skin varies in eacl
race, and effects important notifications Of tht
shosI onh f,In
damenlal, and gives rise 10 corresponding spe
cilic temperamen,s and mental capacities. Thl:
influence Of the skin upon specific character l.
perhaps The most marked and original feature
of the whole work, it is treated largely, NOR
important than that of the brain, and as affect
ing The quality of the brain.
In The chapter on The Psychical Attribute
Of Man." The most elaborate portion OF the work
the author has Instituted comparison betweeI
The races He classifes ii.ese attributes int
Alteration, Benevolence, Cohseienliousness
Intellectual Appetite, Prudence, Admiration
Fame, Speech and Reason or Causall,y."
The History of Woman, &C. as exhibi'ln
the sexual relations of the different races, an
the taste of each species for sexurl beauty
forms the subject of The concluding chapters
In opposition TO M. Guizoi, he asserts that tn
vial element of civilization introduced by In
Germans was the independence and equall'
OF Woman; that it was not especially German
hut general slhenelic virtue, the Germans nc
having been corrupted by proximity to Asia an
Africa.
Without assuming 10 express an opinion cor
cerning the views and arguments advanced an
urged by the auihor-w which, if correct, woul
effect radical changes in the opinions held o
the topics discussed the Committee subm
this hasty and imperfec, analysis of he mos
important portions of The treatise, with a fee
ing of satisfaction that subject so inimaIeI
connected with chronological researches is a
-,racliag increased attention and exciting ihGu
5y among our Counirymen.