In this exercise, you will watch a simulation of Samuel Morton's technique for measuring skulls. Make sure you have a pen and paper so you may write down your observations.
Click on the icons to the right to first see and hear a brief introduction, and then watch a simulation of how Morton might have measured two different skulls.
Morton was aware of the types of skulls he was using before he measured them. In this simulation, one of the skulls is the skull of a Native American. The other skull is of a German. Based on what you have learned so far about Samuel Morton, as well as your own observations, make a hypothesis as to why Morton might have used different techniques in measuring two different skulls?
| Points to consider. . .- Watch carefully how the two skulls are measured. You may want to replay the two clips. Make a list of everything you see for each of the skulls.
- What were some key differences you noticed about how each skull is measured?
Only when you have finished this exercise...
Click here to compare your list to ours and to read an analysis.
Click here to see an actual summary of Morton's results.
Click here to read Stephen Jay Gould's analysis of Morton's techniques and findings. | |