In visual examination of a series of crania or other bones of more than
passing importance, general impressions are not sufficiently accurate
or reliable; consequently, the writer habitually makes detailed notes
of the principal features of each specimen in accordance with a
definite though simple scheme. Such notes can be tabulated and analyzed
almost as readily as measurements.
In choosing the points for observation, the only rule that can be
formulated is to include everything of consequence, and to cover the
whole specimen, which is not so easily accomplished as at first might
seem. Some of the points touched upon in such a procedure will, of
course, be of much less weight than others, but they serve to complete
the picture and will doubtless be of some interest and value in future
comparisons; while purely individual characteristics that might be
included by some authors may be passed entirely.
The results of the detailed examination of the Munsee crania are as
follow: