Notes and queries on anthropology

The First Edition of NOTES AND QUERIES ON ANTHROPOLOGY was published in 1874 by the British Association for the Advancement of Science "to promote accurate anthropological observation on the part of travellers, and to enable those who are not anthropologists themselves to supply the information which is wanted for the scientific study of anthropology at home.
In the Second Edition, published in 1892, various sections were entirely recast. A Third Edition appeared in 1899 with relatively slight alterations.

The Fourth Edition of 1912 was subjected to more drastic treatment. It was agreed that "its contents should be re arranged on some scientific scheme of classification, which would show clearly the main divisions of the science, and the relations of the subject to one another; that a general chapter on anthropological method should be included; that the vital connection of religion with most of the subjects of inquiry should be emphasized; that investigations into language, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and medical matters, which necessitate a high degree of technical know ledge in the investigator should be excluded or very slightly treated." In Physical Anthropology, the work of the Editors was very much lightened by the publication, through another Committee of the British Association, of a full series of anthro pometric standards, with precise directions for employing them.