The bad old days of anthropology revisited: Teaching human variation through the portal of the experimental history of science

This paper argues that the history of science - specifically the experimental history of science - may be profitably used in the education of biological anthropologists for teaching human variation. E. O. Manoiloff's research in racial serology conducted in the mid-1920s is used as an example. It is suggested that in addition to reading texts on the history of human variation studies, students could repeat Manioloff's experiments using both original and modern equipment. These learning activities will demonstrate to students the weaknesses of the typological approach and racial paradigm, contribute toward the development of a better understanding of the scientific process, and cultivate an appreciation of past and present research on human variation.