Samuel George Morton

Date of Birth: January 26, 1799

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: May 15, 1851

Biography

Samuel George Morton was an American physician and natural scientist renowned for his work in the field of craniology during the 19th century. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Morton pursued an education in medicine and natural sciences, earning his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1820. He later studied in Europe, furthering his knowledge and interest in natural history and anatomy. Morton is best known for his work on the collection and analysis of human skulls, which he used to develop his theories on racial differences. His most significant publications include “Crania Americana” (1839) and “Crania Aegyptiaca” (1844), where he compared cranial capacities among different racial groups. Morton’s work was highly controversial and has been critiqued for its methodological biases and its role in justifying racial hierarchies. Despite the controversy, Morton’s impact on the fields of anthropology and physical anthropology was significant. He was a founding member of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and contributed extensively to the organization. He passed away on May 15, 1851, but his legacy, both positive and negative, continues to influence scientific discourse.

5 Interesting Facts about Samuel George Morton

1. Samuel George Morton was considered one of the leading scientists in the early 19th century in the United States.

2. He amassed one of the largest collections of human skulls, which he used for his research on cranial capacity.

3. Morton’s work was one of the primary foundations for the scientific racism theories prevalent in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

4. He was a member of several scientific societies, including the American Philosophical Society and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.

5. Morton’s work has been heavily critiqued in modern times for its methodological flaws and ethical implications.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Samuel George Morton

1. “In the present age, the study of the human skull has become a favorite pursuit, and the accumulation of facts is daily adding to our knowledge of the operations of nature.”

2. “The Negro is a being entirely different from the Caucasian, and this difference is not merely physical but extends to the moral and intellectual faculties.”

3. “The American race is marked by a peculiar head form, quite distinct from the other races.”

4. “Man is susceptible to the same laws that govern the rest of the animal creation.”

5. “Each race, while differing in cranial capacity, exhibits a distinct and characteristic form.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Morton’s net worth is not well-documented, as wealth accumulation was not his primary focus. His influence and recognition in the scientific community, however, were significant during his lifetime.

Children

Samuel George Morton had several children, but detailed records of his family life are limited. His scientific endeavors and publications were his most prominent legacy.