An essay on the causes of the variety of complexion and figure in the human species : To which are added, Strictures on Lord Kaim's discourse on the original diversity of mankind / by Samuel Stanhope Smith.

Samuel Stanhope Smith

Date:: 1789

Credit: An essay on the causes of the variety of complexion and figure in the human species : To which are added, Strictures on Lord Kaim's discourse on the original diversity of mankind / by Samuel Stanhope Smith. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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$which, in the continual revolutions of opi- nion, might be in.hazard of being afterwards difcarded. I fhall, as much as poffible, avoid ufing terms of art; or attempting to explain the manner of operation of the caufes, where diverfity of opinion among phyficians has left the fubjeét in doubt. And, in the beginning, permit me to make ’ one general remark, which muft often have occurred to every-judicious inquirer into the powers both of moral and of phyfical caufes— that every permanent and characteriftical va- - riety in human nature, is effected by flow and almoft imperceptible gradations. Great and fudden changes are too violent for the deli- eate conftitution of man, and always tend to deftroy the fyftem. But changes that become incorporated, and that form the character of a climate or nation, are progreflively carried on through feveral generations, till the caufes that produce them have attained their utmoft operation. In this way, the minuteft caufes, aéting conftantly, and long continued, will neceffarily create great and con{picuous dif- _ ferences among mankind. I. Of the firft clafs of caufes, I hall treat under the head of climate. A 4 In$