Page:Essays ethnological and linguistic.djvu/137

Rh distinguishable from one another by different tints of color dependent on the localities where they resided. Thus to use Dr. Prichard's words "the identity of speech among these wandering tribes was the proof of a common origin, which otherwise would not be believed." Phys. Hist. vol. v. p. 457. Physiologists have sought in vain for any inherent differences in the conformation of different families of man, in the skull or skeleton, so as to convince us of any such inherent differences existing, and the conclusion seems inevitable, as the result of their enquiries, that, whatever differences have been actually pointed out, have been only the natural effect of accidental causes. Some have been led away by the different hues and tints impressed on the inhabitants of different parts of the world, and upon this ground have described and considered them as so many "varieties of man." But those who have entered most carefully into these enquiries, inform us that the character of the skin is essentially the same in all the variously colored families of mankind, and to all observers professional or otherwise, it is a matter of the most palpable nature, that this outward texture of our frame is most easily influenced by climate, or exposure, or other circumstances, so as to assume a lighter or darker color accordingly. Such being the case, it ceases to be a subject of speculation, to enquire into the different colors of different nations, inasmuch as all those who live in the same country and under the same habits of life and exposure to the climate may be expected to gain thereby a general resemblance of color, which might be confirmed or extended through a course of various generations. All observation shows the tendency, and almost every narrative of travellers will afford us instances. Even in the case of individuals exposed only for a few years to certain influences of climate and modes of living, we know I may say of our own knowledge and observation of the most remarkable changes occurring in this particular. Voyagers to barbarous countries have frequently told us of wanderers from civilized life who have associated with savages, becoming soon undistinguishable from those savages in outer appearance, and such accounts are given in narratives, where no supposition could be entertained of any intention to deceive. When Cortes first arrived on the coast of Yucatan, he heard of two Spaniards who had been wrecked there eight years previously. One of these he succeeded in rescuing from the Indians, the other refused to return to civilized life. The former named Geronimo de Aguilar, says the trusty old trooper Bernal Diaz when given up "was not in his appearance to be distinguished from a native, and he had