Abstract
TWO lines of research into the Science of Man, of the highest moment as well in theoretical Anthropology as in practical Ethics and Politics, both to be always associated with the name of Quetelet, are now discussed at large in his Social Physics and Anthropometry. The two great generalisations which the veteran Belgian astronomer has brought to bear on physiological and mental science, and which it is proposed to describe popularly here, may be briefly defined. First, he has been for many years the prime mover in introducing the doctrine that human actions, even those usually considered most arbitrary, are in fact subordinate to general laws of human nature; this doctrine, maintained in previous publications, especially in the earlier edition of the first-named work some thirty-seven years ago, is now put forth in its completest form. Second;he has succeeded in bringing the idea of a biological type or specific form, whether in bodily structure or mental faculty, to a distinct calculable conception, which is likely to impress on future arguments a definiteness not previously approached.
Physique Sociale, ou Essai sur le Développement des Facultés de l'Homme.
Par Ad. Quetelet. (Brussels, 1869.)
Anthropométrie, ou Misure des différentes Facultés de l'Homme.
Par Ad. Quetelet. (Brussels, 1870.)
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TYLOR, E. Physique Sociale, ou Essai sur le Développement des Facultés de l'Homme Anthropométrie, ou Misure des différentes Facultés de l'Homme . Nature 5, 358–363 (1872). https://doi.org/10.1038/005358a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/005358a0
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