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
This is, perhaps, no reason for accepting without reserve the
opinions of Dr. Nott. Before giving a definite judgment, we must
wait for further numerous, authentic, and scientific observations.
Nevertheless, it must be remarked, that the indefinite fecundity of
Mulattoes had been admitted as an axiom, which it was thought there was
no necessity of disproving. It was sufficient to say there are many
Mulattoes, without investigating whether they maintain themselves,
or by continuous intermixture with the parent stocks. The first who
wished to inquire more closely has, by his observations, been led to
results opposed to general opinion. To these observations, presenting
apparently the guarantee of authenticity, positive observation should
be opposed; and it is requisite that the latter should be specially
collected in countries where the _Germanic_ race has intermarried
with the Negro race of Western Africa. The investigations which might
be made in the French, Spanish, or Portuguese colonies would have no
direct application.
The authors, moreover, we have cited, are far from being the only ones
who have denied the fecundity of the Mulattoes in the West Indies.
Van Amringe and Hamilton Smith assert, that without a reunion with
the parent stocks the Mulattoes would soon become extinct. Day says
that Mulattoes are rarely prolific between themselves; and Waitz,
somewhat shaken by these testimonies, adds in a note, “The sterility
of Mulattoes, when it is complete, may be compared with that fact
recognised by Wirgman in plants, that the hybrids of intermediate types
between the two parent stocks are sterile, whilst those resembling
one or the other species are prolific.”[32] From these facts and
testimonies there seems to result--1. That the Mulattoes of the
Germanic and Ethiopian races possess little prolificacy: 2. That they
are inferior in this respect to the Mulattoes born by the intercourse
of Negro women and men belonging to the more or less dark complexioned
Caucasian races.
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