Biometrika

Abstract

THIS instalment of Biometrika presents a strong 1claim on the interest of students of physical anthropology centred in the account which Prof. Pearson gives of the “Coefficient of Racial Likeness.“ This is a single numerical expression designed to measure the degree of resemblance (or divergence) of two groups of mankind. While this coefficient is the chief feature of research described in these memoirs, there is a second which should not be overlooked. The latter is an expression measuring the degree of resemblance of two groups in respect of a single character. It differs consequently from the coefficient of racial likeness, which sums up evidence furnished by a number of contributory characters. Miss Hooke is responsible for the first paper, entitled “A Third Study, of the English Skull.“The previous studies were made by Dr. Macdonell (Biometrika, vol. 3, p. 191, and vol. 5, p. 86) upon human skulls found in London, the first series coming from Whitechapel, and the second from Moorfields. Both were regarded justifiably as representative of Londoners of the seventeenth century. Miss Hooke disposes of a collection of skulls from Farringdon Street, and refers them to the seventeenth century likewise. Tables of measurements supplement the descriptions, while typecontours extend the basis of comparison with other groups. The coefficients of racial likeness have been determined, and when the results of comparing the Farringdon Street groups with those from Whitechapel and from Moorfields in succession are surveyed, the conclusion is reached that “the three are very similar, but not sufficiently so to warrant the assumption that they are drawn from a single homogeneous population“ (p. 102). Resemblance is discovered between the Farringdon Street skulls and certain Scottish skulls, but marked divergence from the skulls at Rothwell, Northants, measured and described by Prof. Parsons.

Biometrika.

Vol. 18, Parts 1 and 2. (London: Galton Eugenics Laboratory, University College, 1926.)