to those of man. This comparison, then, by no means favours the notion, that man is partly carnivorous,-supposing we admit the hog to be so; for all the characteristics connecting the latter with the Herbivora, are similar to those of man; while those which unite it with the Carnivora, bear no resemblance to those of the human subject. Remembering, therefore, that the hog-when left to its own instincts, in a perfectly pure state of nature, and when food is abundant-always prefers fruits, roots, and other vegetables, and requires no animal food for its perfect development, we must inevitably conclude, that man is still more widely removed from animals of a carnivorous character. But we have yet found no true type of the human alimentary organs; nor shall we, in any race of animals, find the characters identical in all respects. THE QUADRUMANA. 87. The nearest approximation is met with in the Quadrumana, particularly in the orang-outang; which, both in outward conformation and general organization, bears the greatest resemblance to man. "The masticatory organs of the orang are so closely similar", observes Professor Lawrence, *"that they might easily be mistaken for human";-the only difference being, that the cuspids or canine teeth are relatively longer and more pointed, with intervals for the reception of those of the * LECTURES ON PHYSIOLOGY, &c. P. 189. opposite jaw; and the elevations on the grinding surfaces of the molars more prominent and pointed; by which characters the orang approaches nearer to the Carnivora than man. The disposition of the enamel in the molar teeth, is the same as in the human subject. The articulation of the lower jaw, the form of the stomach, the comparative length of the intestines, the relative capacity of the cæcum, and the cellular arrangement of the colon, in the orang-outang, likewise correspond very closely with those of the human body; and in what part soever a difference is detected, it denotes man to be less formed for animal diet than the orang. The zygoma (for instance) is larger, and the temporal muscles are far more powerful, than in man; the muciparous, labial and buccal glands, (which soften the contents of the cheek-pouches,) are more constant and larger in man, than in the Simiæ; but the parotid, submaxillary, and sublingual glands are less: the valvular folds of the stomach, duodenum, &c., are wanting in the orang. other species of the Simiæ, the teeth are of a more carnivorous character. Comparative Anatomy, therefore, warrants us in concluding, that the alimentary organs of the orang, are the true type with which to compare those of man, in order to ascertain his true dietetic character. Now, as the orang-outang and most species of monkeys, when in a pure state of nature, and when left free to choose their own food, and to follow their undepraved instincts, are wholly frugivorous,-subsisting exclusively on fruits, nuts, and other esculent farinaceous vegetables, we are perfectly justified by all the laws of correct In reasoning in concluding, that the natural food of man is not of that mixed nature which many physiologists would have us to believe. 88. Dr. Abel's orang "appears naturally to have preferred fruit; though he yielded (on ship-board) to the temptation of meat, and seems to have quickly become as carnivorous as his companions. His food in Java was chiefly fruit, especially mangostans, of which he was excessively fond; he also sucked eggs with voracity, and often employed himself in seeking them. On ship-board, he was very fond of bread, and would not refuse flesh; but always preferred fruits when he could obtain them. Afterwards, however, his food was vegetable ;-both from his own choice, and because it agreed much the best with him."* Sir William Jardine says "The food of this family may be called almost entirely vegetable ;—the eggs and occasionally the young of birds, being the only approach which can be traced to a carnivorous propensity." They plunder the maize-fields, and rob the orchards of their choicest fruits; and, in a state of confinement, vegetable diet continues their favorite and most nourishing support; but they will eat almost anything that the luxury of man has introduced, and some even become remarkable for their peculiarities. One of the keepers of the Tower of London informed Mr. Newton, "that experience has taught those who have the care of the Menagerie, that feeding monkeys on flesh renders them gross, and shortens their lives; from which practice they have therefore desisted." * JARDINE'S NATURALIST'S LIBRARY. Mammalia, Vol. I. P. 76. 89. Of the hoolocks (another species of orang, and native of the Garrow Hills in British India) it is said"their food, in the wild state, consists (for the most part) of fruits common only to the jungle in this district of country; and they are particularly fond of the seeds and fruits of that sacred tree of India, called the peopul-tree." Of one of these it is also stated that, "like many of the religious castes of this country, he seemed to entertain an antipathy to an indiscriminate use of animal food; and would not eat of either the flesh of the cow or hog; would sometimes taste a little piece of beef, but never eat of it." He would take fried fish, which he seemed to relish better than almost any other description of animal food, with the exception of chicken; and even this he would eat but very sparingly of ;-preferring his common diet, bread and milk, with sugar, fruit, &c.* Of some species of South American Simiæ it is incidentally mentioned by Humboldt, that they live on fruits; and indeed all travellers and naturalists agree in representing the Quadrumana as naturally frugivorous. All evidence derivable from Comparative Anatomy, therefore, is as demonstrative as we can expect such evidence to be, that the natural dietetic character of man is also frugivorous. OPINIONS OF LINNÆUS, CUVIER, AND OTHERS. 90. This part of the subject might now be safely left to the unbiassed judgment of all who would seriously reflect * SIR W. JARDINE'S NATURAL HISTORY OF MONKEYS. P. 98-100. upon the evidence produced; but―lest the facts I have advanced should appear to some not sufficiently supported, and (consequently) the inferences I have deduced from them fall to the ground-I shall here add the testimony of men, whose scientific acquirements and mental qualifications are universally acknowledged. Not that truth of an abstract and demonstrative nature, is rendered any more a truth by the weight of any human authority, or by the sanction of a great name; but because some may be inclined to pay more attention to a much neglected inquiry, when they know that men of great talents have not despised it, and have arrived at a conclusion at variance with the opinion of the generality of mankind. "Such are the scientific attainments, and the general knowledge and integrity of some men", observes Sylvester Graham, "that their opinion on subjects to which they have given great attention, is worthy of high consideration; and when such men are compelled, by the force of irresistible evidence, to come to conclusions and acknowledge principles which do not accord with their preferences, nor correspond with their practices, the testimony merits a still higher respect." * 91. Linnæus, one of the most celebrated Naturalists that ever existed, speaking of fruit, says―" This species of food is that which is most suitable to man: which is evinced by the series of quadrupeds; analogy; wild men ; apes; the structure of the mouth, of the stomach, and the hands."+ LECTURES ON THE SCIENCE OF HUMAN LIFE. Vol. II. P. 71. |