At the present time the data for a comparison of the bodily functions of the members of one race with those of another are so scanty that the science of ethnical physiology can scarcely be said to exist. Fortunately, there is a quite different state of affairs for the study of the mind—or Psychology—though even in this field there is yet a great deal of work to be done.
During the eighteenth century the term “Anthropology,” which was very vaguely employed, was often used to designate a comprehensive psychology dealing with the entire mental side of man, as well as the relations between soul and body. Later, as its scope became widened, the centre of gravity shifted over to physical man; but anthropologists have always maintained their right to deal also more or less with psychology.
Phrenology.
Psychology in early times concerned itself with the essence of the soul as an independent entity, its relations to the body, its destructibility or indestructibility, and the laws of its operations. The word “Psychology” has always had a vague and varying significance. Thus, when Hunt, in his presidential address before the Anthropological Society in 1866, says: “I am glad to know that there are many Fellows of this Society who are at present working on the psychological aspects of our science,” he referred to the interest then taken by the members in the phrenology of the period. Later on, however, he expresses his opinion with regard to “modern phrenology” as being “wholly unscientific.” The old phrenology is now practically dead.
Psychical Research.
During the last quarter of the last century a study of various obscure mental states received a fresh impetus in this country by the founding of the Society for Psychical Research. This society principally investigates (1) hypnotism, disorders of personality, automatic writing, and crystal-gazing, which are universally recognised by psychologists as furnishing fields for scientific study; and (2) thought-transference and its manifestations, which are not, however, at present generally accepted as facts.
Though but recently crept forth, vix aut ne vix quidem, from the chill shade of scientific disdain, Anthropology adopts the airs of her elder sisters among the sciences, and is as severe as they to the Cinderella of the family, Psychical Research. She must murmur of her fairies among the cinders of the hearth, while they go forth to the ball, and dance with provincial mayors at the festivities of the British Association.[[59]]
[59]. A. Lang, Making of Religion, p. 43.
The hypnotic and kindred practices of the lower races have until lately scarcely attracted the attention of anthropologists. Bastian in 1890 wrote a tract, Ueber psychische Beobachtungen bei Naturvölkern, and Tylor has also touched on the subject in Primitive Culture; but its main advocate is Andrew Lang, who declares: “Anthropology must remain incomplete while it neglects this field, whether among wild or civilised men,” and “In the course of time this will come to be acknowledged.”
Methods and Aims.