In the last third of the 18th century, the University of Göttingen was a leading centre of anthropological thought in Europe. One member of its teaching staff was Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742-1799). This study examines Lichtenberg's work against the backdrop of the early history of modern anthropology and its roots in 18th century natural history. Special reference is made to Lichtenberg's relations with Johann Friedrich Blumenbach. Lichtenberg's 'Anthropology in Fragments' facilitates a clearer understanding of the contradictions underlying the Enlightenment's programme, which were never clearer than in the late 18th century.