The chief distinction in the intellectual powers of the two sexes is shewn by man’s attaining to a higher eminence, in what he takes up, than can woman – whether requiring deep thought, reason, or imagination, or merely the use of the senses and hands(a) true (b) false

False.

Explanation:

This phrase was described by Darwin in "The Descent of Man." Darwin, in his work, considered the superiority of man over woman as an adaptation. Even if we agree that it has at some tribal time contributed to the sexual division of labor, the struggle for gender equality today is proof that evolutionary explanations are not always sufficient, and that they should consider the cultural aspect more what sociobiology has done.

Men did not achieve superiority because of an evolutionary process, but through a cultural process that oppressed and weakened women for centuries. For this reason, the excerpt shown in the question is false. The main distinction in the intellectual powers of both sexes is shown through the capabilities of each individual, whether male or female.