Race and Aesthetics in the anthropology of Petrus Camper (1722-1789)

by Miriam Claude Meijer

Petrus Camper was a highly influential Dutch scientist of the eighteenth century. Being an accomplished mathematician, anatomist and artist, he raised international interest with his anatomical studies of skulls, human and non-human alike. This book is about Camper's role in the early years of racial theory and racism. It is a comprehensive discussion of Camper's participation in the international world of learning and his contributions on the important topics of his the humanities of black people, humanity's relationship with the great apes, the classification of species, and the methodology of anatomy. Dr. Meijer proves that Petrus Camper's research sought to ward off racism and notions of white supremacy.

264 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1999