In 'The Ethnology of the British Colonies and Dependencies,' R.G. Latham delivers an intricate analysis, originally disseminated through a series of lectures, extensively elaborating on the cultural and ethnological diversity within the vast expanse of the British Empire. Latham articulates his scholarly observations with a focus on the distinct regions of Europe, Africa, Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Malayan Peninsula, and the Americas, evaluating the impact of British colonialism on these regions. His style, methodical and comprehensive, weaves historical context with anthropological insight, reflecting a period of heightened British imperial activity and its associated scholarly interests in the mid-19th century, thus offering a quintessential example of contemporary ethnology within the imperial milieu.The author, R.G. Latham, was a prominent figure in the ethnological studies of his time, with his erudition heavily influenced by his career as an ethnologist and philologist. Innately driven by a curiosity about human diversity and its classifications, Latham's work encapsulated the Victorian fascination with cataloging and understanding the wide-ranging constituents of their empire. This compendium, underpinning his extensive research and acute observations, may be viewed as a culmination of Latham's pursuit to comprehend and systematize the myriad cultures under British dominion through scientific inquiry and academic dialogue.'The Ethnology of the British Colonies and Dependencies' is indispensable for those seeking to grasp the scholarly perspectives of 19th-century British ethnology. The book is recommended for academicians, historians, and anyone interested in the complexities of colonial dynamics, as well as for readers with an inclination towards understanding the intellectual foundations that underpinned colonial administration. Latham's meticulous approach provides a window into the imperial mindset and the methodologies employed to examine and control a mosaic of cultures and peoples.

Robert Gordon Latham (18121888) was an eminent British ethnologist, philologist and physician known for his influential works in various scientific fields. His multifaceted academic interests led him to write extensively on topics related to human populations and language. One of his notable books, 'The Ethnology of the British Colonies and Dependencies' (1851), underscored his contribution to the field of ethnology by providing a comprehensive examination of the diverse cultures within the British Empire's expansive reach. Latham's literary style is marked by a rigorous, analytical approach to his subject matter, seeking to categorize and understand the complex nuances of ethnic and cultural identity. In addition to his contributions to ethnology, Latham was a keen linguist, famous for his work on the English language, which includes his book 'The English Language' (1841). Latham's scholarship was widely respected in his time, and his works continue to be of interest to historians and philologists today. His intellectual legacy is found in his thorough and methodical exploration of the ties between language, culture, and ethnicity, particularly within the colonial context of the 19th century. In addition to his written works, Latham's career at universities and in medicine contributed to his reputation as a learned and versatile scholar.