The Passing of the Frisians

The science of Anthropology has now arrived at a turning-point in its history. It is no longer a science of mere statistics and system- atized data, but has become what it always professed to be, a branch of general biology. Therefore the present moment is espe- dally fitted for looking back upon past achievement. Whoever casts a glance at the work of anthropological research in Holland, will probably feel some disappointment at themeagre results obtained, as compared with the immense amount of labour spent on the subject. Yet it is encouraging to remember that all pioneer-work requires great and prolonged exertion in preparing the ground, whereas perhaps only later generations will harvest the grain. What can be the reason that anthropological research in Hol- land isstillso backward? Let us try to indicate some ofthe causes, and at the same time attempt to find means to insure greater success in future. Perhaps we shall be able to obtain good results with the old material.