osteometry; the measurement of the bones 135 



within recent years, but Miculicz in 1878 determined its usual value as 

 lying between 5 and 20°, with extremes of 0° and 48°. 



IV. SPECIAL FEATURES 



The profile of the articular surface of the lateral condyle, as seen from 

 from the lateral side, has been found to vary markedly in certain human 

 races, although it is a character which cannot be easily expressed by 

 measurements. At one extreme of the series of outlines which this sur- 

 face presents we find one that is almost a plane, or even slightly convex; 

 the series then passes through the various stages of a slight or a consider- 

 able convexity, becoming decidedly rounded at the other end of the series. 

 This last is found among individual Andamanese, although it is by no 

 means a general character. 



A modification at the distal end, which must be taken in connection 

 with corresponding ones in the talus, which articulates with it. It con- 

 sists of the extension of the articular surface forwards (i.e., ventrally) 

 especially along the medial side, and is plainly a modification due to an 

 extreme flexed position of the foot upon the leg, in the position of squat- 

 ting. This is one of the most simple and easily noticed modifications 

 correlated with posture, and should be studied in connection with several 

 others noticed here. As expressed by one of the latest investigators on 

 the subject, Havelock Charles, "The history of the influence of the chair 

 upon the tibia has got to be written." Such studies of the correlation of 

 the details of the bones and certain habitual actions and postures has not 

 only a fundamental biological interest, but will allow the investigator to 

 obtain numerous details concerning the daily life and activities of pre- 

 historic peoples, written in definite, though as yet unknown characters 

 upon their bones.* 



* The following papers deal directly with the influence of habitual posture upon 

 the bones of the lower limbs, and the results are deduced mainly by comparison of 

 Europeans with races like the Punjabi of India, who in a resting position squat upon 

 their heels without coming in contact with the ground. Such a posture induces an 

 extreme flexion at hip, knee and ankle, and naturally modifies the articular surfaces 

 and other characters. 



Thomson, A.: The influence of posture on the form of the articular surfaces of 

 the Tibia and Astragalus in the different races of men and the higher apes. Journ. 

 Anat. and Physiol, XXIII, N. S. Vol. Ill, 1889. 



Thomson, A.: Additional note on the influence of posture, etc. Journ. Anat. 

 and Physiol, XXIV, N. S. IV, 1890. 



Charles H. : The influence of function as exemplified in the morphology of the 

 lower extremity of the Punjabi. Journ. Anat. and Physiol, XXVIII, N. S. XIII, 

 1894. 



Charles H. : Morphological peculiarities in the Punjabi and their bearing on 

 the question of the transmission of acquhed characters. Journ. Anal, and Physiol. 

 XXVIII, 1894. 



Lamont. J. C. ; Note on the influence of posture on the facets of the patella. 

 Journ. Anat. and Physiol, Vol. XLIV, 1900. 



