All the major techniques of inquiry which anthropology students now take for granted were first set out in this book.
In 1800 Degerando wrote these
Considerations on the Various Methods to Follow in the Observation of Savage Peoples
as a memoir to serve as guidance to the members of the Societe des Observateurs de l'Homme in an impending expedition to Australia.
Degerando's originality lies in his recognizing and stating that the observations of previous explorers were casual and superficial. The advice to the members of the expedition listed topics about which observations should be made and how they should be made.
First published in 1969.