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The known operation of natural causes. Philosophy delights in tracing the most diversified results through various combinations, to the simplest elements. And, if we can find, in the laws of nature, powers sufficient to impress on the ground of the same original constitution of man all the varieties of complexion and form have distinguished the race in different climes, and states of society, it is an homage which we owe to philosophy, as well as to religion, to refer all the different nations of the earth to the same original stock. It is a debt which we owe to humanity to recognize our brethren in every class of men into which society is divided, and under every shade of complexion which diversifies their various tribes from the equator to the poles.

I shall endeavour, in the following essay, to fulfil these obligations to science, and to charity. But, in the course of this disquisition, if some of the facts from which important conclusions are drawn, seem, at first view, to those who have not been accustomed to observe nature in her nicest operations, to be too minute to bear the consequences which are charged upon them, I trust that a closer attention to the very fine and almost insensible effects of many physical causes, which, in the end produce the greatest 


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results, will convince the judicious inquirer that greater stress may not have been laid upon them than they are able to bear; so far at least as to prevent hasty rejection of the principles, and to produce for them a fair, candid, and patient investigation.*

Of the chief causes of the varieties of the human species I shall treat under the heads 

Of Climate,-Of the State of Society,-and Of the Manner of Living.-

OF CLIMATE.

In tracing the various climates of the globe, advancing from the arctic circle to the equator, we find them marked with considerable regularity by the colour of inhabitants. In the European continent, we meet, the highest temperate latitudes, with a ruddy, and sanguine complexion, which is


*It will be of importance to bear in mind throughout this essay, that the causes affecting the physical or moral constitution of man, and ultimately producing great distinctions between nations, seldom attain their full operation till after a long series of time. By almost imperceptible touches they produce their effects, till entering deeply, at lengthy, into the habits and whole structure of our nature, they are transmitted from parents to their offspring. Even several generations may pass away before the ultimate results of the influence either of the climate, of the state of society, or the manner of living are perceived.

Transcription Notes:
endeavor is misspelled in the text as endeavour ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-06-05 10:26:33