An Introduction to Physical Anthropology.

Abstract

This book is an excellent introduction to a complex and controversial field of scientific investigation. The author presents his material in a clear, concise manner, and without bias. It is intended for the general reader rather than for the specialist and covers a great deal of ground. In a brief introduction, the author defines the scope of physical anthropology. He then describes seriatim the zoologic classification of the primates and discusses the factual basis for the theory of man's origin and evolution from an anthropoid progenitor. Considerable space is devoted to an analysis of the divisions and ethnic groups of man, with emphasis on the difficulties encountered by anthropologists in developing sound criteria for classification. The last part of the book deals with the subtle relationships of culture, mind and body and the much disputed question of the relative importance of heredity and environment on man's development. At the close