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ANT 570ANT 570Principles of Physical Principles of Physical

AnthropologyAnthropology

http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/bindon/ant570/http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/bindon/ant570/

History of Physical History of Physical AnthropologyAnthropology

Studies of Human Variation and Studies of Human Variation and Human EvolutionHuman Evolution

A Cultural Construction of the A Cultural Construction of the History of Physical AnthropologyHistory of Physical Anthropology

Since Physical Anthropology as currently Since Physical Anthropology as currently known is less than 200 years old, depiction known is less than 200 years old, depiction of its early roots depends on how we of its early roots depends on how we characterize the modern day science. characterize the modern day science.

Two basic themes underlie most current Two basic themes underlie most current definitions of Physical Anthropology:definitions of Physical Anthropology:

Human VariabilityHuman VariabilityHuman OriginsHuman Origins

7 Periods of Development7 Periods of Development

Ancient RootsAncient RootsDifferences and OriginsDifferences and Origins

The RenaissanceThe RenaissanceEmpiricism and ScienceEmpiricism and Science

Seventeenth and Eighteenth CenturiesSeventeenth and Eighteenth CenturiesNaturalism and Man’s Place in NatureNaturalism and Man’s Place in Nature

Periods of DevelopmentPeriods of DevelopmentPrePre--Darwin Nineteenth CenturyDarwin Nineteenth CenturyRacial OriginsRacial Origins

PostPost--Darwin Nineteenth CenturyDarwin Nineteenth CenturyEvolution and Racial OriginsEvolution and Racial Origins

1900 1900 -- 19501950Description and DiscoveryDescription and Discovery

1950 1950 --The New Physical AnthropologyThe New Physical Anthropology

Homer (fl. 1200 Homer (fl. 1200 -- 850 B.C.)850 B.C.) IliadIliad and and Odyssey Odyssey acknowledge variabilityacknowledge variabilityAethiopians: the most remote of menAethiopians: the most remote of men

A race divided, whom with sloping raysA race divided, whom with sloping raysThe rising and descending sun surveysThe rising and descending sun surveys

CubitCubit--men: African pygmiesmen: African pygmiesCubit was the distance from finger tip to elbow, Cubit was the distance from finger tip to elbow,

about 17 about 17 -- 22”22”Said to be responsible for sending back the Said to be responsible for sending back the

migrating cranes each summermigrating cranes each summerTo warmer seas the cranes embodied fly,To warmer seas the cranes embodied fly,

With noise, and order through the midway sky;With noise, and order through the midway sky;To pigmy nations wounds and death they bringTo pigmy nations wounds and death they bring

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HomerHomerHumans are depicted as the result of Humans are depicted as the result of

degeneration from an earlier, bigger, degeneration from an earlier, bigger, stronger racestronger raceReferences to a former age when giants References to a former age when giants

populate the earthpopulate the earthThen fierce Then fierce Tydides Tydides stoops; and from the fieldsstoops; and from the fields

Heaved with vast force, a rocky fragment wields.Heaved with vast force, a rocky fragment wields.Not two strong men the enormous weight could Not two strong men the enormous weight could raise,raise,Such men as live in these degenerate daysSuch men as live in these degenerate days

The giant myths appear to be related to the The giant myths appear to be related to the appearance of Old world Megalithic sitesappearance of Old world Megalithic sites

Herodotus, Herodotus, DemocritusDemocritus Herodotus (fl. 5th Century B.C.)Herodotus (fl. 5th Century B.C.)HistoriaeHistoriae argues environmental cause of variability argues environmental cause of variability

between groups of menbetween groups of men Observed skulls of Egyptians and Persians fallen in Observed skulls of Egyptians and Persians fallen in

battlebattle––Egyptians, who shave their heads from birth, have strong Egyptians, who shave their heads from birth, have strong

skulls due to exposureskulls due to exposure––Persian skulls are brittle due to the constant wearing of felt Persian skulls are brittle due to the constant wearing of felt

hatshats Dark skin of Aethiopians due to their habitual exposureDark skin of Aethiopians due to their habitual exposure Listed three different groups of AethiopiansListed three different groups of Aethiopians

DemocritusDemocritus (fl. 5th Century B.C.)(fl. 5th Century B.C.)Origin of men from water and mudOrigin of men from water and mud

Hippocrates (c. 460 Hippocrates (c. 460 -- 377 B.C.)377 B.C.) Early medical practitioner and teacherEarly medical practitioner and teacher Corpus HippocraticumCorpus Hippocraticum, 70 treatises, 70 treatisesViewed the body as an organism and claimed that Viewed the body as an organism and claimed that

it could not be understood without an it could not be understood without an understanding of the relationship between the understanding of the relationship between the environment, behavior, and the bodyenvironment, behavior, and the body

Humoral system accounted for diseaseHumoral system accounted for disease Health was a function of the balance between blood, Health was a function of the balance between blood,

phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile in the bodyphlegm, yellow bile, and black bile in the body

Hippocrates, 2Hippocrates, 2Airs, Waters, PlacesAirs, Waters, Places, treatise on , treatise on

influence of the environment on health influence of the environment on health and temperamentand temperamentProvides comparisons of the peoples of Provides comparisons of the peoples of

Asia Minor with Europe and EgyptAsia Minor with Europe and EgyptRecognized two fundamentalRecognized two fundamental somatotypessomatotypes

(body build or habitus types)(body build or habitus types)––PhthisicPhthisic: long, thin, and choleric (Easily angered; : long, thin, and choleric (Easily angered;

badbad--tempered; showing or expressing anger)tempered; showing or expressing anger)––Apoplectic: short, squat, and phlegmatic (Having or Apoplectic: short, squat, and phlegmatic (Having or

suggesting a calm, sluggish temperament; suggesting a calm, sluggish temperament; unemotional)unemotional)

These ideas resurfaced in the 18These ideas resurfaced in the 18thth and 19and 19thth

centuriescenturies

Aristotle (384 Aristotle (384 -- 322 B.C.)322 B.C.)First use of term “anthropologist” in First use of term “anthropologist” in EthicsEthics to to describe a man who was “not a gossip, not a describe a man who was “not a gossip, not a talker about himself”talker about himself”

Historia AnimaliumHistoria Animalium describes similarities describes similarities between man, apes, and monkeys, but does between man, apes, and monkeys, but does not attribute these to common ancestrynot attribute these to common ancestry

Environmental causes of variationEnvironmental causes of variationWooly hair of Aethiopians due to arid climateWooly hair of Aethiopians due to arid climateStraight hair of Scythians due to moist airStraight hair of Scythians due to moist air

St. Augustine (354St. Augustine (354--430)430)

De Civitate Dei Contra PaganosDe Civitate Dei Contra Paganosemphasizes both monogenesis and the emphasizes both monogenesis and the Scala NaturaeScala NaturaeAll men born everywhere, no matter how All men born everywhere, no matter how

strange they appear to us, are descended strange they appear to us, are descended from Adamfrom AdamMan is midway between angels and beastsMan is midway between angels and beasts

He reckoned that 6,000 years had He reckoned that 6,000 years had elapsed since the creation of Adamelapsed since the creation of Adam

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RenaissanceRenaissance

14th 14th -- 17th Centuries: Transition from 17th Centuries: Transition from medieval to modern philosophymedieval to modern philosophyFrom interpretations of natural phenomena based From interpretations of natural phenomena based

on the bible to science and empiricismon the bible to science and empiricism

Rise of commercial capitalismRise of commercial capitalismVoyages of exploration and discovery lead to the Voyages of exploration and discovery lead to the

discovery of vast cultural and physical differences discovery of vast cultural and physical differences between human populationsbetween human populations

Perceptions of categorical differences rather than Perceptions of categorical differences rather than continuous differences between groupscontinuous differences between groups

Leonardo da Vinci (1452Leonardo da Vinci (1452--1519)1519) In In Notebooks Notebooks he questions the environmental he questions the environmental

hypothesis in accounting for human variationhypothesis in accounting for human variationThe black races in Ethiopia are not the product of The black races in Ethiopia are not the product of

the sun; for if black gets black with a child in the sun; for if black gets black with a child in ScythiaScythia, , the offspring is black; but if black gets a white the offspring is black; but if black gets a white woman with child the offspring is woman with child the offspring is greygrey

Supports an early hereditarian argument based Supports an early hereditarian argument based on the power of the mother’s seedon the power of the mother’s seedAnd this [above] shows that the seed of the mother And this [above] shows that the seed of the mother

has power in the embryo equally with that of the has power in the embryo equally with that of the fatherfather

Leonardo da Vinci (1452Leonardo da Vinci (1452--1519)1519) Interested in human growth and developmentInterested in human growth and developmentStudied changing proportions of both sexes at Studied changing proportions of both sexes at

different stages from infancy to maturitydifferent stages from infancy to maturity

He noted the similarity between living and fossil He noted the similarity between living and fossil shellfish and argued that the fossils were of shellfish and argued that the fossils were of organic origin, not supernaturalorganic origin, not supernatural

Magnus Magnus Hundt Hundt (1449 (1449 -- 1519)1519)

Antropolgium Antropolgium de de hominis dignitatehominis dignitate…, …, published in 1501 was one of the first published in 1501 was one of the first books of the Renaissance to be books of the Renaissance to be published with anatomical woodcut published with anatomical woodcut illustrationsillustrations

First anatomical text to use the term First anatomical text to use the term anthropology in the context of human anthropology in the context of human anatomyanatomy

Andreas Vesalius (1514Andreas Vesalius (1514--1564)1564)First modern human anatomy text: First modern human anatomy text:

De De humani corporis fabrica libri humani corporis fabrica libri septemseptemThis is the first widespread This is the first widespread

anatomical work based on the anatomical work based on the empirical methodempirical methodVesalius produced the first detailed Vesalius produced the first detailed

and naturalistic drawings based on and naturalistic drawings based on human dissectionhuman dissection

Andreas Vesalius (1514Andreas Vesalius (1514--1564)1564)Notes an environmentallyNotes an environmentally--mediated mediated

relationship between race and the relationship between race and the shape of the skullshape of the skullIt seems that certain nations have something It seems that certain nations have something

peculiar in the shape of their head. The Genoese, peculiar in the shape of their head. The Genoese, and more particularly the Greeks and Turks, and more particularly the Greeks and Turks, almost exhibit a round shape. To this also (which almost exhibit a round shape. To this also (which not a few of them think elegant and consider well not a few of them think elegant and consider well adapted to turbans which they use various ways) adapted to turbans which they use various ways) the midwives sometimes contribute at the urgent the midwives sometimes contribute at the urgent request of the mother. The Germans, indeed, request of the mother. The Germans, indeed, have a very flattened have a very flattened occiput occiput and a broad head, and a broad head, because the boys always lie on their backs in their because the boys always lie on their backs in their cradles.cradles.

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Edward Tyson, 1650 Edward Tyson, 1650 -- 17081708

British Father of British Father of “Primatology”“Primatology”

Renowned Comparative Renowned Comparative AnatomistAnatomist

Systematic, detailed Systematic, detailed anatomical studyanatomical study

Debunked myths about Debunked myths about “Wild Men” and “Wild Men” and “Pygmies”“Pygmies”

Tyson’s WorkTyson’s Work

OrangOrang--OutangOutang,, sivesive HomoHomo sylvestrissylvestris: or the : or the anatomy of a pygmy compared to that of a anatomy of a pygmy compared to that of a monkey, an ape, and a man. (1699)monkey, an ape, and a man. (1699)To which is added a philological essay concerning To which is added a philological essay concerning

the pygmies, the cynocephali, the satyrs, andthe pygmies, the cynocephali, the satyrs, andsphingessphinges of the ancients.of the ancients.

Work based on a dissection of the first Work based on a dissection of the first recorded anthropoid ape imported into recorded anthropoid ape imported into EnglandEngland

18th Century18th Century----EnlightenmentEnlightenment

Monogenism: All humans had a single origin Monogenism: All humans had a single origin from Adam and Eve.from Adam and Eve.The origin of the the different races is seen as The origin of the the different races is seen as

being environmentally determined through a being environmentally determined through a process of degeneration from Europeansprocess of degeneration from Europeans

Polygenism: Different races are descendants Polygenism: Different races are descendants of different Adams, separate creations, of different Adams, separate creations, separate speciesseparate speciesRejectsRejects Buffon’sBuffon’scriterion ofcriterion of interfertilityinterfertility for speciesfor species

Many Many polygenistspolygenists, especially in America, maintained that , especially in America, maintained that the races did not successfully interbreedthe races did not successfully interbreed

18th Century18th Century----EnlightenmentEnlightenment

Differential WorthDifferential WorthRaces ranked on various criteria, usually Races ranked on various criteria, usually

assertions about behavior or personality, judged to assertions about behavior or personality, judged to assess intelligence or moral standardsassess intelligence or moral standards

The rankings are used either to bolster the The rankings are used either to bolster the Scala Scala Naturae Naturae or protoor proto--evolutionary relationshipsevolutionary relationships

Such rankings are highly subjective and loaded Such rankings are highly subjective and loaded with potential for ethnocentric abuse, with the with potential for ethnocentric abuse, with the highest rank always being reserved for the race of highest rank always being reserved for the race of the anthropologist doing the rankingthe anthropologist doing the ranking

Carolus Linnaeus, 1707 Carolus Linnaeus, 1707 -- 17781778

Swedish BotanistSwedish Botanist Father of TaxonomyFather of Taxonomy Viewed the task of Viewed the task of

classification as one classification as one of attempting to of attempting to understand the understand the pattern of the pattern of the Scala Scala NaturaeNaturae

LinnaeusLinnaeus

SystemaSystema NaturaeNaturae (1735 (1735 -- 1766)1766)Original and ten revised editionsOriginal and ten revised editions

By 1758 edition, man is considered to be a By 1758 edition, man is considered to be a separate species (separate species (sapienssapiens) within the genus ) within the genus HomoHomo, of the order , of the order PrimatesPrimates..

Man is divided into four geographic varietiesMan is divided into four geographic varietiesVariety is a group with many deviations from the Variety is a group with many deviations from the

species type in both heritable and nonspecies type in both heritable and non--heritable heritable characteristicscharacteristics

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Varieties of LinnaeusVarieties of Linnaeus Linnaeus ranked the four geographic varieties Linnaeus ranked the four geographic varieties

of man along the Scala Naturae with of man along the Scala Naturae with Europeans at the peak and Africans farthest Europeans at the peak and Africans farthest from the angelsfrom the angelsHomo sapiensHomo sapiens europaeuseuropaeus: White, sanguine, : White, sanguine,

active, acute, a discoverer, muscularactive, acute, a discoverer, muscularHomo sapiensHomo sapiens asiaticusasiaticus: Sallow, melancholy, stiff: Sallow, melancholy, stiffHomo sapiens Homo sapiens americanusamericanus: Red, choleric, erect: Red, choleric, erectHomo sapiens Homo sapiens aferafer: Black, phlegmatic, crafty, lazy, : Black, phlegmatic, crafty, lazy,

choleric, relaxedcholeric, relaxed NonNon--geographic variantsgeographic variantsHomo sapiens Homo sapiens ferusferus: Wild man, all fours, hairy: Wild man, all fours, hairyHomo sapiens monstrousHomo sapiens monstrous: Giants, mutants: Giants, mutantsHomo sapiens troglodytesHomo sapiens troglodytes: ape rumors?: ape rumors?

George LouisGeorge Louis LeclercLeclerc,, Comte Comte de Buffon, 1707 de Buffon, 1707 -- 17881788

French naturalist and author

From 1739 he was keeper of the Jardin duRoi in Paris

His monumental compendium on natural history, Histoire Naturelle(44 vols., 1749–1804)

BuffonBuffon

Saw classification as sterile workSaw classification as sterile work Described range of variation, subscribing to Described range of variation, subscribing to

the the Scala NaturaeScala Naturae, as the pattern of life, as the pattern of life Debunked macroevolution which he saw as Debunked macroevolution which he saw as inherent in Linnaeus’ hierarchical systeminherent in Linnaeus’ hierarchical system

Varieties of the Human SpeciesVarieties of the Human Species (1749) (1749) described physical and cultural variation of described physical and cultural variation of many different human groupsmany different human groups

BuffonBuffon

While denying the existence of While denying the existence of macroevolution, supporting fixity of species, macroevolution, supporting fixity of species, he espoused microevolutionhe espoused microevolutionThe differences between populations of a species The differences between populations of a species

(including humans) were the result of their (including humans) were the result of their accommodation to local environmental conditionsaccommodation to local environmental conditions

He explained dark skins of Africans as a result of He explained dark skins of Africans as a result of exposure to the intensity of the sun in the tropical exposure to the intensity of the sun in the tropical climatesclimates

He felt that Africans showed little geniusHe felt that Africans showed little geniusArgued that slavery was morally wrongArgued that slavery was morally wrong

Johann Friedrich Blumenbach, Johann Friedrich Blumenbach, 1752 1752 -- 18401840

German Anatomy German Anatomy ProfessorProfessor

Father of Physical Father of Physical AnthropologyAnthropology

Father of CraniologyFather of Craniology Founder of Founder of

Anthropology in Anthropology in GermanyGermany

BlumenbachBlumenbach

While inheriting the mantle of human While inheriting the mantle of human classifier from Linnaeus, he also diverged:classifier from Linnaeus, he also diverged:Classified man as separate from non human Classified man as separate from non human

primates (Orderprimates (Order BimanusBimanus vs.vs. QuadrumanaQuadrumana))On second attempt (1781), he divided man into On second attempt (1781), he divided man into

five races versus the four of Linnaeusfive races versus the four of LinnaeusSplit Linnaeus’ Asians into Mongolians for most of Asia Split Linnaeus’ Asians into Mongolians for most of Asia

and Malayans for Southeast Asiaand Malayans for Southeast Asia

Refuted the existence of “wild men” and Refuted the existence of “wild men” and “troglodytes” of earlier classifications“troglodytes” of earlier classifications

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Blumenbach’sBlumenbach’sskull collectionskull collection

Blumenbach PositionBlumenbach Position Blumenbach related skull Blumenbach related skull

shape to racial classificationshape to racial classification He did so by placing a skull He did so by placing a skull

between his feet and looking between his feet and looking down at itdown at it

This became known as the This became known as the "Blumenbach position" "Blumenbach position"

He used this technique to He used this technique to classify his skulls into five classify his skulls into five categoriescategories

One is still in relatively One is still in relatively general use: "Caucasian."general use: "Caucasian."

How Blumenbach coined How Blumenbach coined the term “Caucasian”the term “Caucasian”

Caucasian variety. I have taken the Caucasian variety. I have taken the name of this variety from Mount name of this variety from Mount Caucasus… because thisCaucasus… because thisneighbourhoodneighbourhood … produces the most … produces the most beautiful race of men, I mean the beautiful race of men, I mean the Georgian; and ... in that region, if Georgian; and ... in that region, if anywhere, it seems we ought with the anywhere, it seems we ought with the greatest probability to place the original greatest probability to place the original forms of mankindforms of mankind

BlumenbachBlumenbach

In In On the Natural Variety of MankindOn the Natural Variety of Mankind (1775; (1775; 1781; 1795)1781; 1795)Advocates MonogenismAdvocates MonogenismPoints out that the varieties blend into one another Points out that the varieties blend into one another

in imperceptible waysin imperceptible waysFelt that differences in skull shape and skin color Felt that differences in skull shape and skin color

(among other traits) had been caused by the (among other traits) had been caused by the environmentenvironment

Debunked Linnaeus’ rankings of the races while Debunked Linnaeus’ rankings of the races while explaining racial origins as degeneration from the explaining racial origins as degeneration from the Caucasian typeCaucasian type Took special exception to arguments about mental Took special exception to arguments about mental

limitations of Africanslimitations of Africans

19th Century19th Century

PrePre--Darwinian (1859) arguments about Darwinian (1859) arguments about the origin of races of manthe origin of races of man

PostPost--Darwinian developments in the Darwinian developments in the origin and evolution of the races of manorigin and evolution of the races of man

Separate schools of anthropology Separate schools of anthropology develop in the England, U.S., Germany, develop in the England, U.S., Germany, and Franceand France

James Cowles Prichard,James Cowles Prichard,1786 1786 -- 18481848

Researches into the Physical History of Researches into the Physical History of Man Man (1836)(1836)

British physician who made a study of British physician who made a study of anthropology by meeting sailors of many anthropology by meeting sailors of many different races as they came to port in his different races as they came to port in his hometown of Bristol.hometown of Bristol.

Strongest British spokesman for Strongest British spokesman for monogenism, comonogenism, co--founder of the founder of the Ethnological Society of LondonEthnological Society of London

Samuel George Morton,Samuel George Morton,1799 1799 -- 18511851

Physician from PhiladelphiaPhysician from PhiladelphiaPolygenist, convinced of inferiority of Polygenist, convinced of inferiority of

African populationsAfrican populationsMeasured cranial capacity (volume of Measured cranial capacity (volume of

braincase) to assess differential worthbraincase) to assess differential worthVery careful technician, published Very careful technician, published

extensive list of measurements of extensive list of measurements of cranial capacitiescranial capacities

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Morton’s Racial RankingsMorton’s Racial RankingsRacialRacial Morton’sMorton’s Gould’sGould’sCategoryCategory AveragesAverages AveragesAverages

(inches(inches33)) (inches(inches33))CaucasianCaucasian 8787 8787MongolianMongolian 8383 8787MalayMalay 8181 8585AmericanAmerican 8282 8686EthiopianEthiopian 7878 8383 No significant differences by Gould’s reNo significant differences by Gould’s re--calculationscalculations

RudolphRudolph VirchowVirchow, 1821 , 1821 -- 1902 1902

German physician, Father of PathologyGerman physician, Father of Pathology Responsible for scientific development of the Responsible for scientific development of the

field of anthropology in Germany in the latter field of anthropology in Germany in the latter part of the 19th Centurypart of the 19th Century

He was a grudging evolutionist, having He was a grudging evolutionist, having diagnosed the original Neanderthal fossils diagnosed the original Neanderthal fossils (1856) as being a modern human that had (1856) as being a modern human that had experienced pathological skeletal changesexperienced pathological skeletal changes

Pierre Paul Broca,Pierre Paul Broca,1824 1824 -- 18801880

Founder of French Founder of French AnthropologyAnthropology

First Society of First Society of Anthropology (1859)Anthropology (1859)

First School of First School of Anthropology (1876)Anthropology (1876)

Instigated the study Instigated the study of Craniometryof Craniometry

BrocaBroca

Attempted to quantify differential worthAttempted to quantify differential worthRatio of radius to humerus: a high ratio is Ratio of radius to humerus: a high ratio is

apeape--like, hence lower worth.like, hence lower worth.Found Caucasians scored higher than Found Caucasians scored higher than

Hottentots, Eskimos, and Australians and Hottentots, Eskimos, and Australians and discarded the ratio in favor of measures with discarded the ratio in favor of measures with whites furthest from the apeswhites furthest from the apes

Larger brain indicates more intelligentLarger brain indicates more intelligentMen > Women; Eminent Men > Mediocre Men; Men > Women; Eminent Men > Mediocre Men;

Superior (Caucasian) > Inferior (Other races)Superior (Caucasian) > Inferior (Other races)

Robert R. Robert R. MarettMarett (1866 (1866 -- 1943)1943)

Primarily of interest because his Primarily of interest because his tutelage of Hooton in 1912 tutelage of Hooton in 1912 -- 19131913

Working on the Working on the palaeolithic palaeolithic cave site of cave site of La La CotteCotte, St. , St. BrelardBrelard, Jersey in the , Jersey in the Channel Islands from 1910 Channel Islands from 1910 -- 19141914Recovered some hominid teeth and some Recovered some hominid teeth and some

archaeological remainsarchaeological remains

Franz Boas, 1858 Franz Boas, 1858 -- 19421942

German PhysicistGerman Physicist Founder of Founder of

Columbia Columbia Department of Department of AnthropologyAnthropology

Responsible for Responsible for growth studies being growth studies being incorporated into incorporated into anthropologyanthropology

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BoasBoas

Boas was a strong opponent of hereditarian Boas was a strong opponent of hereditarian arguments about the difference between arguments about the difference between racesracesUndertook migrant studies that documented Undertook migrant studies that documented

anatomical plasticity in traits that had long been anatomical plasticity in traits that had long been viewed as quintessential components of race: viewed as quintessential components of race: skull measurementsskull measurements

First anthropology PhD in the US was a First anthropology PhD in the US was a growth study done by one of his studentsgrowth study done by one of his students

Ales Hrdlicka, 1869 Ales Hrdlicka, 1869 -- 19431943

Trained at Broca’s Trained at Broca’s institute in Paris in institute in Paris in 18961896

Brought Broca’s Brought Broca’s ideas to the U.S.ideas to the U.S.

Directed Directed anthropology at the anthropology at the Smithsonian 1903 Smithsonian 1903 --19431943

HrdlickaHrdlicka Trained physical anthropologists in careful Trained physical anthropologists in careful

scientific tradition at the Smithsonian, but did scientific tradition at the Smithsonian, but did not have a cadre of students because he was not have a cadre of students because he was not situated at a universitynot situated at a university

Launched the Launched the American Journal of Physical American Journal of Physical AnthropologyAnthropology in 1918in 1918

Founding member of the American Founding member of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists in Association of Physical Anthropologists in 19301930

Sir Arthur Keith, 1866 Sir Arthur Keith, 1866 -- 19551955

Scottish physicianScottish physicianKeith was awarded a copy of Keith was awarded a copy of The Origin of The Origin of

SpeciesSpecies for his distinctive work in anatomy for his distinctive work in anatomy during his first year of medical studiesduring his first year of medical studies

First medical post was with a a mining First medical post was with a a mining company in Siamcompany in SiamDissected monkeys in a malaria study, but Dissected monkeys in a malaria study, but

became fascinated by the comparative became fascinated by the comparative anatomical aspects of his studiesanatomical aspects of his studies

Sir Arthur KeithSir Arthur Keith His dissection of primates (those from Siam His dissection of primates (those from Siam

and others he arranged to receive from the and others he arranged to receive from the London Zoo) and of human fetuses formed London Zoo) and of human fetuses formed the basis of his doctoral dissertation on the the basis of his doctoral dissertation on the evolution of man’s erect postureevolution of man’s erect posture

Met Dubois in 1895 and examined the Met Dubois in 1895 and examined the remains of “Java” man that were briefly made remains of “Java” man that were briefly made availableavailableHe was convinced that it was a primitive humanHe was convinced that it was a primitive human

Sir Arthur KeithSir Arthur Keith

Became conservator at the Royal Became conservator at the Royal College of Surgeons in London, 1912College of Surgeons in London, 1912

Ancient types of Men published in 1911, Ancient types of Men published in 1911, addressed the significance of the known addressed the significance of the known hominid fossils to datehominid fossils to date

Became strongly embroiled in Piltdown, Became strongly embroiled in Piltdown, its most influential spokesman not its most influential spokesman not involved in the “discoveries” at Piltdowninvolved in the “discoveries” at Piltdown

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Sir Arthur KeithSir Arthur Keith

Keith’s laboratory in the early part of this Keith’s laboratory in the early part of this century was a hotbed of training and century was a hotbed of training and influence for anthropologists, especially in the influence for anthropologists, especially in the areas of African Paleoanthropology and areas of African Paleoanthropology and American Physical Anthropology:American Physical Anthropology:Raymond DartRaymond DartEdward Albert HootonEdward Albert HootonLouis S.B. LeakeyLouis S.B. Leakey

Earnest Albert HootonEarnest Albert Hooton(1887 (1887 -- 1954)1954)

Trained in classics:Trained in classics:BA at Lawrence College BA at Lawrence College

in 1907in 1907PhD at Wisconsin in PhD at Wisconsin in

19111911

Studied anthropology Studied anthropology as a Rhodes Scholar at as a Rhodes Scholar at OxfordOxfordDiploma in 1912Diploma in 1912B.B.LittLitt. In 1913. In 1913

E.A. HootonE.A. Hooton While at Oxford, Hooton became involved in While at Oxford, Hooton became involved in

the Channel Island project of the Channel Island project of MarettMarettIntroduced to Keith byIntroduced to Keith by MarettMarett and a lifelong and a lifelong

friendship ensuedfriendship ensuedPublished Published The Ancient Inhabitants of the Canary The Ancient Inhabitants of the Canary

IslandsIslands based on work with Keith in 1915based on work with Keith in 1915

Hired at Harvard in 1913 to resuscitate the Hired at Harvard in 1913 to resuscitate the program in Physical Anthropologyprogram in Physical Anthropology

HootonHooton

Among the first anthropologists trying to Among the first anthropologists trying to establish physical types of the races by establish physical types of the races by measuring thousands of individualsmeasuring thousands of individualsWhereas previous workers had focused on Whereas previous workers had focused on

minutiae of the skull, Hooten and colleagues minutiae of the skull, Hooten and colleagues added the body: constitutionadded the body: constitution

Hooten was especially interested in associations Hooten was especially interested in associations between constitution and criminalitybetween constitution and criminality

Advocated eugenic sterilization to prevent criminal Advocated eugenic sterilization to prevent criminal behavior as late as 1937behavior as late as 1937 At the same time he denied racial classification as a valid At the same time he denied racial classification as a valid

criterion for eugenic actioncriterion for eugenic action

HootonHooton“There is no anthropological ground whatsoever for “There is no anthropological ground whatsoever for

selecting any soselecting any so--called racial group, or any ethnic or called racial group, or any ethnic or national group, or any linguistic or religious group for national group, or any linguistic or religious group for preferment or for condemnation. Our real purpose preferment or for condemnation. Our real purpose should be to segregate and to eliminate the unfit, should be to segregate and to eliminate the unfit, worthless, degenerate and antisocial portion of each worthless, degenerate and antisocial portion of each racial and ethnic strain in our population . . By the racial and ethnic strain in our population . . By the sterilization of its insane, diseased, and sterilization of its insane, diseased, and criminalistic criminalistic elements. The candidates for such biological elements. The candidates for such biological extinction would not be selected on the basis of Aryan extinction would not be selected on the basis of Aryan or Semitic descent, blond hair or black skin, but solely or Semitic descent, blond hair or black skin, but solely on the score of their individual physical, mental and on the score of their individual physical, mental and moral bankruptcy.”moral bankruptcy.”

E.A. HootonE.A. Hooton

Graduated his first doctoral student in 1926Graduated his first doctoral student in 1926 Produced many students that went on to Produced many students that went on to

foster academic physical anthropology:foster academic physical anthropology:Shapiro, Washburn, Howells, Brues, Coon,Shapiro, Washburn, Howells, Brues, Coon,

BirdsellBirdsell, Garn, Hunt, Lasker, etc., Garn, Hunt, Lasker, etc.

Hooton’s work was accessible to the lay Hooton’s work was accessible to the lay public in books like public in books like Up from the ApeUp from the Ape and and Apes, Man and MoronsApes, Man and Morons

10

American Physical Anthropology American Physical Anthropology in the Academy after World War in the Academy after World War

IIII In addition to Harvard, Departments of In addition to Harvard, Departments of

Anthropology like Arizona, Berkeley, Anthropology like Arizona, Berkeley, Chicago, Columbia, UCLA, Michigan, Chicago, Columbia, UCLA, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin were the Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin were the locus of activity in physical anthropologylocus of activity in physical anthropology

All of these programs were headed by All of these programs were headed by Hooton’s students or students of his Hooton’s students or students of his studentsstudents

William W. HowellsWilliam W. Howells PhD under Hooton in 1934PhD under Hooton in 1934The Peopling of Melanesia As Indicated by Cranial The Peopling of Melanesia As Indicated by Cranial

Evidence from the Bismarck ArchipelagoEvidence from the Bismarck Archipelago

Established the strong presence of physical Established the strong presence of physical anthropology in the department at the anthropology in the department at the University of WisconsinUniversity of Wisconsin

Returned to Harvard faculty to replace Returned to Harvard faculty to replace Hooton on his death in 1954Hooton on his death in 1954

Renowned as a generalist and specialistRenowned as a generalist and specialistWritings accessible to the public like HootonWritings accessible to the public like HootonMankind So Far Mankind So Far (1944), (1944), The Heathens The Heathens (1948), and (1948), and

Back of History Back of History (1954)(1954)

Sherwood L. WashburnSherwood L. Washburn Trained heavily in Trained heavily in

anatomy with LeGros anatomy with LeGros Clark, among othersClark, among others

PhD under Hooton in PhD under Hooton in 19401940A A Preliminary Metrical Preliminary Metrical

Study of the Skeleton of Study of the Skeleton of Langurs and MacaquesLangurs and Macaques

Taught at Columbia Taught at Columbia University Medical University Medical SchoolSchool

Sherry WashburnSherry Washburn With Theodosius Dobzhansky, important With Theodosius Dobzhansky, important

evolutionary geneticist, Washburn organized the evolutionary geneticist, Washburn organized the influential international symposium on the "Origin influential international symposium on the "Origin and Evolution of Man" held at Cold Spring and Evolution of Man" held at Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, New York, in the summer of Harbor, Long Island, New York, in the summer of 1950, which served to redefine the field of 1950, which served to redefine the field of physical anthropologyphysical anthropology

Taught at University of Chicago and later at U.C., Taught at University of Chicago and later at U.C., BerkeleyBerkeley

In addition to reshaping physical anthropology, In addition to reshaping physical anthropology, he was instrumental in establishing primate he was instrumental in establishing primate studies as an integral part of academic studies as an integral part of academic anthropologyanthropology

Paul T. BakerPaul T. Baker Undergraduate at New Mexico, Undergraduate at New Mexico,

accepted at Harvard as one of accepted at Harvard as one of Hooton’s last studentsHooton’s last students

Completed his PhD under Completed his PhD under Howells after Hooton’s death Howells after Hooton’s death (1956)(1956)

Research Professorship at Penn Research Professorship at Penn State in 1957State in 1957Became anchor of strong physical Became anchor of strong physical

program at Penn Stateprogram at Penn State

Paul BakerPaul Baker As influential as Paul is his wife Thelma, who As influential as Paul is his wife Thelma, who acted as the good cop to Paul’s bad and also acted as the good cop to Paul’s bad and also helped to polish students much like Reiter helped to polish students much like Reiter had for Paul at New Mexicohad for Paul at New Mexico

Paul went on to direct two of the most Paul went on to direct two of the most influential studies in the field of Human influential studies in the field of Human Biology, each lasting more than a decade and Biology, each lasting more than a decade and involving dozens of studentsinvolving dozens of studentsHigh altitude adaptation: High altitude adaptation: Man in the Andes Man in the Andes (1976)(1976)Modernization, Migration and Health: Modernization, Migration and Health: The The

Changing SamoansChanging Samoans (1986)(1986)

Elected to the National Academy of SciencesElected to the National Academy of SciencesServed as chair of Anthropology Section 1983 Served as chair of Anthropology Section 1983 --

19861986

11

My Academic GenealogyMy Academic Genealogy

Earnest A.Hooton

William W.Howells

Stanley M.Garn

Edward E.Hunt, Jr.

Paul T.Baker

Jim Bindon

Sir ArthurKeith

JanetSawyer

B.A., U.C., Berkeley

M.A., Ph.D., Penn State

SherwoodWashburn

Robert R.Marett

The “New” Physical The “New” Physical AnthropologyAnthropology

Physical Anthropology up to 1950 was very Physical Anthropology up to 1950 was very descriptive: Careful measurements and descriptive: Careful measurements and anatomical detailsanatomical details

Resembled in most aspects a science of the Resembled in most aspects a science of the early 19th centuryearly 19th century----prepre--DarwinDarwin

In the 1930s and 40s, a host of biologists, In the 1930s and 40s, a host of biologists, paleontologists and others contributed to the paleontologists and others contributed to the synthetic theory of evolution synthetic theory of evolution

The “New” Physical The “New” Physical AnthropologyAnthropology

At the instigation of Washburn and At the instigation of Washburn and Dobzhansky, anthropologists got together Dobzhansky, anthropologists got together with biologists in 1950 at the symposium on with biologists in 1950 at the symposium on “Origin and Evolution of Man” held at Cold “Origin and Evolution of Man” held at Cold Spring Harbor, New York.Spring Harbor, New York.

Many articles and books emanated from this Many articles and books emanated from this symposium, including the piece by Washburn symposium, including the piece by Washburn assigned for class.assigned for class.

Biological Anthropology TodayBiological Anthropology Today

The field of biological anthropology today is The field of biological anthropology today is embraces a broad diversity of topics, perhaps embraces a broad diversity of topics, perhaps best illustrated by the range of papers best illustrated by the range of papers presented at the annual meetings of the presented at the annual meetings of the American Association of Physical American Association of Physical AnthropologyAnthropology

Many of the “new” physical anthropology Many of the “new” physical anthropology directions are finally being followeddirections are finally being followed

SourcesSources

Brace, C.L. and M.F.A. Montagu. 1965. Brace, C.L. and M.F.A. Montagu. 1965. Man’s EvolutionMan’s Evolution. New York: Macmillan.. New York: Macmillan.

PennimanPenniman, T.K. 1965. , T.K. 1965. A Hundred A Hundred Years of AnthropologyYears of Anthropology. 3rd Revised . 3rd Revised Edition. London: Gerald Duckworth & Edition. London: Gerald Duckworth & Co.Co.

Schiller, F. 1979. Paul Broca. Berkeley: Schiller, F. 1979. Paul Broca. Berkeley: U.C. Press. U.C. Press.

SourcesSources

SlotkinSlotkin, J.S. 1965. , J.S. 1965. Readings in Early Readings in Early AnthropologyAnthropology. Chicago: Aldine.. Chicago: Aldine.

Spencer, F. (editor). 1982. Spencer, F. (editor). 1982. A History of A History of American Physical Anthropology, 1930American Physical Anthropology, 1930--19801980. New York: Academic Press. . New York: Academic Press.

Spencer, F. 1986. Spencer, F. 1986. Ecce HomoEcce Homo. . Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press.Press.