164 



THE GENERAL ANATOMY OF GORILLA 



[SECT. A 



as definite eminences save at the apices of the digits. This state- 

 ment is more particularly applicable to the foot (Schlaginhaufen), 

 where the great extension of surface provided by the heel is 

 simply continuous with that of the proximal convexity in that 

 region. The disposition of the papillary ridges now approaches 

 that of Man in regard to its complexity if the hand be considered ; 

 while in certain plantar characters the human dispositions are 

 the simpler of the two. 



In the hand (Fig. 103), the thumb has a (relatively) small 

 apical pad marked by a system of loops more complicated than in 

 the remaining digits. Even so, the contrast with Man is greatest 

 in respect of this part of the pollex and its cutaneous markings. 

 The other finger tips are marked by a system of oblique loops or 

 again vortices duplicati such as occur in Macacus (v. supra, p. 126). 

 On the palm, certain tri-radii mark the position of three inter- 

 digital pads (not otherwise noticeable) corresponding to the second 

 and following interdigital spaces. 



On the plantar aspect of the foot (Fig. 103 a), the syndactylism 

 of the digits other than the 

 hallux is very striking. The 

 figurae tactiles are less striking 

 than intheCercopithecidae and 

 a notable tendency is shewn 

 (Fig. 104) to the development 

 of two groups of parallel lines. 

 Of the latter, one is on the 

 fibular (outer) side of the sole 

 and the lines are transversely 

 directed. They receive great 

 augmentation in the human 

 foot, but in the Gorilla are 

 less conspicuous than the longi- 

 tudinal and oblique lines. These 

 constitute the second group. 

 They occupy the intermediate 

 and tibial (or inner) areas of 

 the plantar surface and suggest 

 the mobility of the hallux. Two important features still demand 



Fig. 104. Scheme of the cutaneous 

 grooves on the sole of the foot of a Gorilla. 

 Note the course taken by the line Ri3 a 

 and contrast this with Fig. 79. (From 

 Schlaginhaufen.) 



