CLASSIFICA TION i 6 1 



of a sacrum in the vertebral column as a primitive 

 character it seems impossible to accept his view, and 

 to do otherwise than regard this simplification of the 

 vertebral column as due to the dwindling hind legs, 

 and to the consequent absence of any need for strong 

 support from the vertebral column. Again, whales 

 have not only not an external ear (in the adult con- 

 dition), but also no ear muscles, which are so highly 

 developed in terrestrial mammals with mobile ears. 

 In criticisino- Professor Albrecht's statements and 



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suggestions Professor Max Weber * points out that 

 some time since Professor Howes showed in the 

 fcetal porpoise rudiments of external ears and of a 

 muscle, which can hardly be regarded as a beginning 

 of these structures, so essential to an ear which plays 

 an important part in the life of terrestrial mammals. 

 For they are only found in the embryo ; if com- 

 mencing structures they should be more apparent in 

 the adult. Vestiges, remains of former structures, 

 indicate their earlier existence by appearing for a 

 brief time during development, and then fading away 

 as maturity is reached. 



Some other features in the organisation of the 

 Cetacea may, perhaps, be interpreted as really 

 primitive. 



Amoncr the whalebone whales the two halves of 



o 



the lower jaw are only united by what is termed 

 syndesmosis, a weaker union by ligaments than the 

 strong, bony union (" ankylosis "), which is prevalent 

 in mammals generally. It may be urged, however, 



* " Uber die Cetoide Natur der Promammalia," Ibid., ii. 



