Cranial Science
In Prichard’s introductory section, he provides an anthropological and scientific background of the research up to that date (1848). His most notable scientific discussion revolves around the study and implementation of phrenology in the study of comparative anatomy between mankind and apes as well as between other races. Prichard emphasizes that the study of phrenology is by no means universal and that an individual must be careful by placing one’s whole argument on phrenology. He then goes to explain the three leading theories of phrenology – Professor Camper’s view of lateral comparisonof the skull, Professor Blumenbach’s study on the vertical composition of the skull, and finally Professor Owen’s study of the base of the skull.
Professor Camper’s study of the lateral view of the skull between apes, Europeans, and Negros was disproven by the work of Professor Owen. Yet Prichard serves to include this study either to provide a solid intellectual background on the subject or perhaps to emphasis that well-held beliefs can be disproven. Camper’s work involves creating an angle of measurement between two lines drawn from the meatus auditor (ear) to the base of the nose and another line from the center of the face to the upper jaw. The angle these two lines create thus signifies a racial characteristic in that Europeans typically have angles close to eighty degrees while Negros typically have angles lower around seventy degrees, thus implying some form of inferiority with the African race. Prichard serves to critique this study in that Camper did not measure the skulls of fully developed apes and thus the study is skewed in favor of Europeans.
Professor Blumenbach provides a study that depicts a categorization of man based on the breadth of the vertex of the cranium. He puts forward a comparative anatomy study that compares the craniums of different races. Prichard devalues Blumenbach’s work in that he states that while the skulls show some levels of variety, this is no foundation to base any level of superiority or inferiority of races on.
Finally, Prichard discusses Professor Owen’s study on the base of the skull, primarily the foramen magnum. He asserts that apes typically posses a foramen magnum more posterior in the cranium compared to humans. Prichard accepts this theory in that it helps distinguish human craniums from that of apes, yet he makes no comment on how this study differentiates races within humans.