This biographical sketch of Alfred Cort Haddon details his life and the actions that encouraged a scientific approach in anthropology.

Detailed ethnographical study of the Torres Straits Islanders (tour also included New Guinea and Borneo); Chaps. 2 & 3; Brief history of the discovery of the Torres Straits islands - geographical features; physical appearance of Islanders, investigation carried out on natives in experimental psychology; form of government; comments on Miriam language; description of rainmaking ceremony; amusements cats cradles, top spinning; method of cooking; Malu ceremonies - initiation masks associated with ceremonies; clan organization linked to totems; Chap 5; Murray Island oracles - Zogos - the Waiad ceremony; Chap.6; Discussion of the character and social life of Murray Islanders; burial customs mummification, decorated skulls; Chaps. 8 & 9; Mabuiag - intelligence of natives, work standards in fishing, as sailors and in agriculture compared with Murray Islanders and Muralug natives; measurements of skulls including collection from Moa; results of contact with Europeans (including missionaries); economic conditions; genealogical surveys carried out on Murray and Mabuiag; comments on Mabuiag language - no link with Yaraikanna tribe of Cape York; tribal organization, significance and advantages of totemic system; initiation customs concerned with women, on Island of Tut; Pulu Island cave of skulls and ceremonial artifacts; Chap.10; Detailed description of dugong and turtle fishing use of harpoon, and sucker fish; Chap.11; Marriage customs from Mabuiag, Warrior and Murray Islands; legends of paintings on Kirivi; war dance on Muralug; Chap.13; Brief study of Gudang and Yaraikanna tribes - physical appearance - tooth avulsion; use of bullroarer in initiation ceremonies; obtaining of the Ari or personal totem.