History

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1. Strange objects and natural history

The natural science of mankind

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The young science of ethnography was modelled on the natural sciences. Specimens were studied and exchanged with other institutions to build up series. Peoples thought to be “in the early stages of civilisation” were studied in the same way as their natural environment.

Frontispiece of: Jean Nieuhof, Legatio batavia…or Ambassade de la Compagnie orientale des Provinces-Unies vers l’Empereur de la Chine… Amsterdam, 1668. ©Bibliothèque de Genève

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