On the phenomena of hybridity in the genus Homo — John Shaqi
On the phenomena of hybridity in the genus HomoBroca, Paul
Science
On the phenomena of hybridity in the genus Homo
Broca, Paul
Hominids -- Hybridization; Miscegenation
The monogenists, who have based the demonstration of the unity of the
human species upon the physiological character of the prolificacy of
the cross-breeds, have not taken into account these elements. They have
confined themselves to the assertions that all human races can produce
cross-breeds, and that all these breeds are prolific. Now, admitting
for a moment that these assertions are exact, the conclusion they have
drawn from them is still contestable, until they can demonstrate that
the study of these cross-breeds reveals no genital inequality between
the parent races.
But what becomes of their argumentation, if it be proved that all
intermixtures are not eugenistic, that is to say, that certain
mongrels are not between themselves indefinitely prolific; that other
cross-breeds become sterile in the first generation; and, finally,
that certain races are so little homogenesic, that the birth of
cross-breeds of the first degree is more or less exceptional? If one
of these propositions can be effectually established, the monogenists
would have little cause to congratulate themselves for having appealed
to physiology. They would, on the contrary, have furnished their
adversaries with deadly weapons, and their doctrine would be demolished
on the battle field they have themselves chosen.
The facts I intend to exhibit tend to prove that it was a great
error to consider all intermixtures of men as eugenesic. Obliged as
I am to refer to testimonies which, perhaps, do not always exhibit a
desirable precision, some doubts may hover over my conclusion; this
much, however, will result from this sketch, that the examination of
the laws of hybridity is far from being favourable to the doctrine of
monogenists.
We shall study the cross-breeds both in relation to their fecundity
and their physical and moral validity; for, from our point of view, it
is sufficient to prove that certain cross-breeds are inferior to the
parent races, as regards longevity, vigour, health, and intelligence,
to render it very probable that the two races are not of the same
species.
When a monogenist is called upon to demonstrate that all human
intermixtures are eugenesic, the first example which he ordinarily
cites is that of the Mulattoes in America, the issue of the union of
European colonists and African negresses. This example, which has for
a long time been considered as decisive, might not be without a reply;
for there exist races differing much more from us than the races of the
western coast of Africa; but the question here is, whether it be quite
true that all American Mulattoes are eugenesic.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account