ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the arguments which may be advanced in favour of classing the races of man as distinct species, and then the arguments on the other side. The partial or complete extinction of many races and sub-races of man is historically known. In the several American tribes, colour and hairiness differ considerably; as does colour to a certain degree, and the shape of the features greatly, in the Negroes of Africa. The shape of the skull varies much in some races; and so it is with every other character. All naturalists have learnt by dearly bought experience, how rash it is to attempt to define species by the aid of inconstant characters. Some naturalists have lately employed the term "sub-species" to designate forms which possess many of the characteristics of true species, but which hardly deserve so high a rank. In some cases the crossing of distinct races has led to the formation of a new race.
