sieve of the severest scrutiny. This scrutiny reveals, as might be expected, various ir regularities. The skull, for instance, pre sents anomalies of shape and size, being in a large percentage of cases abnormally small; anomalies indicative of regression and of ar rested development; anomalies in the posi tion, shape, and closing of the sutures, "the doorways of the head " being invariably closed too early. Morphological irregularities are also found in the bones of the face, notably in those of the nose and lower jaw. The brain itself, say the investigators, shows unmistakable signs of a degraded form, in the number and distribution of the cerebral convolutions, in the entire atrophy of some parts, in the extraordinary develop ment of others. The shape and structure of the skull and brain, says Lombroso, con nect criminals very closely with primitive man, and even with his animal ancestors. Criminals must be regarded either as forms belated in the race of development, or as physical and therefore also moral degrada tions — unavoidable, regrettable products of our civilization. In cither case they form a distinct species, in need of scientific investi gation. The action of the brain is, however, not only modified by its form and development, but also, in a very large number of cases, by pathological occurrences. Traces of old wounds, " some head-blow not heeded in his youth," said Sir Kay of King Arthur's self — hemorrhages, affections of the invest ing membrane and of the blood-vessels are seldom wanting. In other words, the organ that controls and originates actions is in a morbid state. Further, the slight irregulari ties constantly verified in the branchings of the blood-vessels in the heart, liver, and other viscera cannot but conspire, by the abnormal functionings they occasion, toward the production of physiologically irregular organisms. Intimately connected with the physical conditions of the criminal are his psychic
peculiarities. These consist chiefly in great instability of character, coupled with over whelming development of some passion and the atrophy of some others. The criminal acts from impulse, although he often dis plays, as madmen do, a low cunning in find ing means to carry out his impulse. He is intensely vain, priding himself on the num ber of crimes he has committed. He is further devoid of all remorse, fond of boasting of his evil deeds and of describing them in detail. Thus Lombroso gives the reproduction of a photograph, in which three murderers who had assassinated one of their number caused themselves to be represented in the very act of committing their deadly deed, a photo graph taken for the benefit of their less for tunate associates. This inordinate vanity is often in itself the primary cause of terrible crimes, especially in young men who have just attained puberty, an age observed to be especially fruitful in crimes of violence. The critical character of this period, even in well-balanced minds, is abundantly known; little wonder, then, if it prove fatal to those whose constitutions urge them to extremes. It is noticed also that the criminal needs to lead a life full of noise. The necessity of orgies entailed by the irregularities of his feelings is often the moving cause of some act of violence, such as robbery and assassination, calculated to procure the means of indulgence. His af fections, too, are abnormal : he will assassi nate father and mother, and yet be capable of making sacrifices for some companion in time of illness. This trait, however, occurs more often among women than men. We used to believe there was a species of honor among thieves, but Lombroso asserts that it is rare to find any consistent attempt to shield each other; on the contrary, the almost physical need they feel of talking inces santly renders them specially inclined to mutual betrayal. The criminal is fond of tattooing himself, and so distinctive a mark of criminal tendencies is this held in Italv
