other people to become the mere instruments of their selfish gratification. I shall examine only the reasons which natural history offers in support of the one or other opinion, that the human race consists of one species or of several. These reasons may be drawn from the external qualities of the body, such as size, configuration and complexion; its internal structure; the laws of propagation; and the manifestations of the mind.

In the elucidation of this important object, it is not sufficient to examine the external qualities alone. Such a proceeding is like that of LINNEUS, who classed the animals according to their external appearances, and not according to their nature; or like that of a librarian who should class books according to their shape, size or binding, without regard to their contents.

Man is found in all climates; and hence some philosophers have inferred that there are several species of man. These philosophers reasoned by analogy, stating, that each climate has its own species of men in the same way as plants and animals are adapted to hot, temperate and frigid regions. Plants which grow in the torrid zone, perish in a cold climate, and those which flourish upon mountains decay on being removed to a

plain. The rein-deer, say they, is confined to the frozen region, and the white bear cannot live in a southern climate; while the elephant, rhinoceros, and many other animals, do not prosper in the frigid zone. Hence Nature has destined and fitted different beings for different climates, and she has guarded them against the natural vicissitudes of the seasons. To this end, in cold countries, animals are protected with more fat, and thicker hair. The same rule explains why plants and animals lose their qualities when removed from their native climate; and why, in several countries, the stock requires to be continually renewed. In northern countries, for instance, flax degenerates, and a quantity of seed is annually imported from southern regions. In the same way, to preserve, in some degree of perfection, the breed of Arabian and Barbary horses, frequent supplies from their original climates are requisite.

Lord KAMES, (Sketches of the History of Man, vol. i.) one of the principal champions of the opinion that there are different species of man, insists much on observations of this kind, and thinks them conclusive. He supports his assertions, by observing, that men, in changing climate, usually fall sick, and often run the risk of losing their lives. This argument, however, is not decisive.

The plants and animals adapted to different climates, are evidently of different species. This is not the case with the varieties of men. Moreover, as plants and animals can by no means alter or regulate the effect of external influences upon themselves, it is conceivable that peculiar species, fitted for every climate, should be created. Man, on the contrary, is able to remove obstacles, to overcome difficulties, and to modify, in a high degree, the effect of external circumstances upon his nature. On the other hand, the argument of analogy is not even general; for several animals, such as pigs, dogs, and others, follow man, and, sheltered by him, live in all climates.

It is certain that great changes of climate produce diseases. We must observe, however, that it is not a great difference of climate alone that produces this effect, but that all sudden changes of season, weather, situation, and mode of living, also expose us to the loss of health. In America, says the Reverend Dr. SMITH, ("On the Varieties of Men," p. 119.) "we are liable to disorders by removing incautiously from a northern to a southern State; but it would be absurd to conclude, that the top of every hill, and the bank of every river, is therefore inhabited by a different species, because in the one we enjoy less health

than in the other. The constitution becomes attempered in a degree even to an unhealthy region, and then it feels augmented symptoms of disorder on returning to the most salubrious air and water; but does this prove that Nature never intended such men to drink clear water, or to breathe in a pure atmosphere?" It may be added, that there are diseases of professions as well as of climates. Shall we maintain, therefore, that there is a species of man for every profession? Captain Cook, Captain KRUSENSTERN, and other navigators, have proved, that, with sufficient care, man can bear great changes of air, temperature, season and weather. They have preserved the health of their crews in long voyages, and in the most dissimilar climates. The human constitution is known, from positive observation, to become in time assimilated to every climate; and the offspring of foreigners, at length endure, like the aborigines, the external influence without injury. Thus, the argument that sudden changes of climate have a tendency to produce diseases, or even death, does not prove that there are several species of man.

The Reverend Dr. SMITH has clearly shewn, from another argument, quoted from Lord KAMES, that the latter was too credulous; that he was deceived by erroneous reports of superficial ob

servers; and that he did not sufficiently understand the pliancy of the human constitution, which enables it to adapt itself to every climate, and to all external circumstances. The last remark that Lord KAMES makes, is a striking example against his own assertion. He says, that "the Portuguese colony on the coast of Congo, has in course of time degenerated so much, that they scarcely retain the appearance of men." Another assertion of his, is a complete specimen of his credulity. He is of opinion that the Giagas, a nation in Africa, could not have descended from the same original with the rest of mankind, because, unlike to others, they are void of natural affection; kill all their own children as soon as they are born, and supply their places with youths stolen from neighbouring tribes. Common sense, however, would answer, that if such a species were created, it could not continue longer than the primitive stock endured. The stolen youth would resemble their parents, not those who adopted them, and would soon be the sole constituents of the nation. Yet Lord KAMES thought that the Giagas formed a peculiar species, who continued from generation to generation to kill their children!

All organized beings are modified by external