The Natural History of the Varieties of Man

"The Natural History of the Varieties of Man" by R. G. Latham is a look into how people tried to sort the human race in the 1800s using science. The book uses history, language, and the human body to understand the differences between groups of people. Latham starts by explaining the words scientists use to talk about physical differences, like what's "typical" in certain groups. He compares people from different parts of the world, like those in Mongolia, Africa, and Europe, pointing out differences in their skulls and faces. This careful look at bodies and language helps create a system for understanding human groups, setting the stage for conversations about different populations around the world and how they speak.