Craniology, Craniotomy and Ethnology

Samuel George Morton, in his study of the skulls of many races, was firmly convinced that the study of the brain capacity of skulls proved that the there were several races of men, not one. His books Crania Americana: or A comparative view of the skulls of various aboriginal nations of North and South America; to which is prefixed an essay on the varieties of the human species (New Haven, 1840) and Crania Aegyptiaca, or Observations on Egyptian ethnography, derived from anatomy, history, and the monuments (Philadelphia 1844) clearly set out and explain the reasonings. Gliddon measured cranial capacity by filling the skulls he collected with lead shot, then dumping out the shot and weighing it. (Obviously there could be a LOT of room for adjustment).

George R. Gliddon was also very involved with the idea of ethnology and the races of man. He collaborated with Josiah Nott on Types of mankind, or, Ethnological researches, based upon the ancient monuments, paintings, sculptures, and crania of races, and upon their natural, geographical, philosophical, and Biblical history by Josiah Nott (Philadelphia, 1854) was " illustrated by selections from the unedited papers of Samuel George Morton, M.D., (late president of the Academy of Natural Sciences at Philadelphia,) and by additional contributions from Prof. L. Agassiz, LL.D, ; W. Usher, M.D., and Prof. H.S. Patterson, M.D.

Some examples of ancient Egyptian skulls viewed by Gliddon and Nott. Although the skulls from Thebes were considered "Negroid heads" Nott and Gliddon edited this to be "Old Egyptian type" and thus Caucasoid.

In the book, the mummy of Got-Thoth-Aunk was described as the perfect example of an ancient Egyptian as described in the books of Exodus and Ezekiel.

Unfortunately this book which was considered to be the best on the topic at the time it was published, was so hugely derogatory in regards to the black component of humanity, that it is castigated as being racist today.