General remarks on expression are of comparatively little value;
and memory is so deceptive that I earnestly beg it may not be trusted.
A definite description of the countenance under any emotion
or frame of mind, with a statement of the circumstances under
which it occurred, would possess much value.


To these queries I have received thirty-six answers from different observers,
several of them missionaries or protectors of the aborigines, to all of whom
I am deeply indebted for the great trouble which they have taken, and for
the valuable aid thus received. I will specify their names, &c., towards
the close of this chapter, so as not to interrupt my present remarks.
The answers relate to several of the most distinct and savage races of man.
In many instances, the circumstances have been recorded under which
each expression was observed, and the expression itself described.
In such cases, much confidence may be placed in the answers. When the answers
have been simply yes or no, I have always received them with caution.
It follows, from the information thus acquired, that the same state
of mind is expressed throughout the world with remarkable uniformity;
and this fact is in itself interesting as evidence of the close similarity
in bodily structure and mental disposition of all the races, of mankind.

Sixthly, and lastly, I have attended. as closely as I could,
to the expression of the several passions in some of the
commoner animals; and this I believe to be of paramount importance,
not of course for deciding how far in man certain expressions
are characteristic of certain states of mind, but as affording
the safest basis for generalisation on the causes, or origin,
of the various movements of Expression. In observing animals,
we are not so likely to be biassed by our imagination;