Note 9 — SEVENTH SERIES. FOUR SKULLS FROM DEBOD, IN NUBIA.

In my Crania Americana, p. 283, I have described an ingenious method of measuring the internal capacity of the cranium, devised by my friend Mr. John S. Phillips. The material used for filling the skull, as there directed, was white pepper seed, which was chosen on account of its spheroidal form, and general uniformity of size. Finding, however, that considerable variation occurred in successive measurements of the skull, I substituted leaden shot one tenth of an inch in diameter, in place of the seeds. The skull must be completely filled by shaking it while the shot is poured in at the foramen magnum, into which the finger must be frequently pressed for the same purpose, until the various sinuosities will receive no more. When this is accomplished, the shot on being transferred to the tube, will give the absolute capacity of the cranium, or size of the brain, in cubic inches.