Anthropologyas a Science and as a Branch of University Education in the United States

A scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book presents a comprehensive overview of anthropology as both a discipline and a field of study crucial to higher education in the United States. It emphasizes the significance of anthropology in understanding human nature and civilization, arguing for its establishment as a fundamental department within universities. In ''Anthropology,'' Brinton explores the study of humans through various subdivisions: Somatology, Ethnology, Ethnography, and Archæology. Each division addresses different aspects of human existence, from physical characteristics and societal structures to geographic distributions and historical artifacts. Brinton argues for practical instruction in anthropology, advocating for laboratories, fieldwork, and a greater focus on scientific research to equip students. He outlines a curriculum and proposes the need for specialized departments, highlighting the increasing recognition of anthropology's value in understanding civilizations and human behavior.