Jay Feld, age 12, of St. Louis, Missouri, for his question:

What exactly does ethnology mean?

The last part of this word means a science or field of study    as it does in geography. It was borrowed from a Greek word meaning words of wisdom. The first part of “ethnology” also comes down to us from the Greek language. Originally it meant a tribe or nation. Later, its meaning was modified to stress the characteristics of various peoples. This is its meaning in the word ethnology, while ethnography delves into the geographical origins of different peoples.

The major science of mankind is anthropology. Ethnology is one of its specialized branches. Its subject is the fascinating customs, cultures and heritages of all the different groups of humanity. In a small way, you become an ethnologist when you get to know somebody of another race, creed or color. Anyway, the situation provides an op¬portunity to observe a few interesting ethnological differences.