THE ANNALS 
AND 
MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
[SIXTH SERIES.] 
se caeicterereetestes per litora spargite muscum, 
Naiades, et circiim vitreos considite fontes: 
Pollice virgineo teneros hic carpite flores: 
Floribus et pictum, dive, replete canistrum. 
At vos, o Nymphee Craterides, ite sub undas ; 
Ite, recurvato variata corallia trunco 
Vellite muscosis e rupibus, et mihi conchas 
Ferte, Dez pelagi, et pingui conchylia succo.”’ 
N. Parthenii Giannettasii Ecl, 1, 
No. 67. JULY 1893. 
I.— Observations on the Origin of Hair and on Scales 
in Mammals. By Max WEBER *. 
No structure is more characteristic of Mammals than the 
hairy covering. From a physiological standpoint also it is 
in many respects a very significant organ, and on this head 
naturalists are generally agreed. 
In striking contrast to this conviction is our ignorance as 
to the origin of this important structure. If we are unwilling 
to regard hair as an organ sud generis, our knowledge as to its 
phylogeny does not rise above the level of hypotheses. 
There are two hypotheses which may be mentioned. 
Of these one which has been repeatedly expressed assumes 
that hair, feathers, and scales are comparable structures, and 
that the two former have developed from scales or scale-like 
formations. ‘The latter conclusion is to a certain extent an 
evident one, in so far as scales are more primitive contrivances 
on the part of the integument, and are characteristic of the 
Reptiles, which are inferior to the Birds and Mammals in 
position. 
* Translated from the ‘Anatomischer Anzeiger, viii. Jahrg., nos. 12 
and 13, May 13, 1893, pp. 413-423. 
Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 6. Vol, xii. 1 
