295 
Alotes ow some Ancient British Skulls in 
the GHliltshice Atusenm, Devizes. 
By J. G. Garson, M.D., F.Z.S., Vice-Pres. Anthrop. Inst., London, Hon. 
Corresponding Mem, Soc. Anthrop., Paris. 
(5 HE skulls from various parts of Wiltshire which I have had 
i Bs the opportunity of examining through the kindness of Mr. 
Wm. hnniee ton are those of five adult males and one female. In 
general form they are long and narrow as compared to the mean 
average form of the skull in the human race, with two exceptions, 
namely, that from Overton, and one of those found at Oldbury Hill. 
The mean average proportion which the breadth of the human skull 
bears to its length is as 77 to 100. Investigation has proved that 
in some races the proportion is less than this, whilst in others it is 
greater. The general form of the skull is, therefore, an important 
feature in determining the physical cbaracters of a race, and com- 
paring races one with another. The relative proportion of breadth 
to length constitutes what is called the cephalic index. Skulls which 
range from 65 to 70 are of a long narrow form, and are consequently 
called hyperdolichocephalic. When the index is between 70 and 75 
the skulls are termed dolichocephalic. Skulls with a cephalic index 
varying from 75 to 80 are considered to occupy a mean position in 
the human race, in respect of form, and to these the name mesati- 
cephalic is applied. The next group contains skulls with indices 
from 80 to 85, and is known as the drachycephalic. Beyond this is 
the hyperbrachycephalic, the roundest skulls, with indices from 85 
to 90.! The average forms of the present existing race in Britain 
1They may bethustabulated:— = ssts—S 
GROUP. INDICES. 
Hyperdolichocephalie from 65 to 70 
Dolichocephalic s (400 een A) 
Mesaticephalic < 10. 3), 80 
Brachycephalic FS 80 ,, 8 
Hyperbrachycephalic _,, 85 , 90 
