Description of the Bones of a new Fossil Animal 69 



limit; that is to say, that they approach so much the nearer to 

 results of observation, as the gas is examined in a greater state of 

 dilatation." 



" The laws apply to a perfect gaseous state, to which the gases 

 approach more or less, according to their chemical nature; accord- 

 ing to the temperature at which we consider them, which can be 

 more or less distant from each of those points where there is a 

 change of condition ; finally and above all, according as they are 

 more or less compressed." 



Art. X. — Description of the Bones of a New Fossil Animal of 

 the Order Edentata; by R. Harlan, M. D., F. L. S., &c 

 with three plates.* 



Order Edentata. 

 Genus Orycterotherium. 



O. Missouriense, nob. 



There is now exhibiting at the Masonic Hall, in Philadelphia, 

 one of the most extensive and remarkable collections of fossil 

 bones of extinct species of mammals which have hitherto been 

 brought to light in this country, a gratification for which our 

 scientific community will acknowledge themselves indebted to 

 the perseverance of the enterprising proprietor, Mr. Albert Koch 

 of St. Louis, Missouri. This collection consists mainly, of the 

 largest skeleton of an aged mastodon hitherto disinterred in 

 America, nearly complete. The proprietor not possessing the 

 advantage of anatomical knowledge, has committed some errors 

 in the articulation of the bones, which, no doubt, his ulterior re- 

 searches will enable him to rectify ; among these errors may be 

 noticed here, ten or more supernumerary vertebra in the spinal 

 column, some supernumerary ribs, and the first rib occupying 



the position of the clavicle, &c. 



The upper portions of the skull had mouldered away, but this 

 could be artificially replaced with accuracy — the collection inclu- 

 ding perfect skulls of the same species, and another specimen 



* This memoir was originally read before the American Philosophical Society 

 of Philadelphia, October 15th, 1841, and was reported in favor of publication in 

 their Transactions. Uncontrollable circumstances having delayed the publication 

 of its memoirs, leave was obtained for the withdrawal of the present paper. 



