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Show SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, BUREAU OP ETHNOLOGY, Washington, D. C.} July 8, 1880. This little volume is the third of a series designed to promote anthropologic researches among the North American Indians. The first was prepared by myself, and entitled " Introduction to the Study of Indian Languages;" the second by Col. Garrick Mallery, entitled " Introduction to the Study of Sign- Language among the North American Indians." The following are in course of preparation and will soon appear: Introduction to the Study of Medicine Practices among the North American Indians. Introduction to the Study of Mythology among the North American Indians. Introduction to the Study of Sociology among the North American Indians. The mortuary customs of savage or barbaric people have a deep significance from the fact that in them are revealed much of the philosophy of the people by whom they are practiced. Early beliefs concerning the nature of human existence in life and after death, and the relations of the living to the dead, are recorded in these customs. The mystery concerning the future; love for the departed who were loved while here; reverence for the wise and good who may after death be wiser and better; hatred and fear of those who were enemies here and may have added powers of enmity in the hereafter- all these and like considerations have led in every tribe to a body of customs of exceeding interest as revealing the opinions, the philosophy of the people themselves. In these customs, also, are recorded evidences of the social condition HI |