

FOSSIL MAN FROM LA MADELAINE AND LAUGEBIE BASSE. 271 



unfortunately much mutilated. These are : the lower articular extremity of the 

 left femur, similar to the corresponding part of the bone just described ; the third 

 lower quarter of the left fibula, repeating with considerable attenuations the mor- 

 phology of the corresponding region of the fibulas from Laugerie, Cro-Magnon, 

 &c. ; a right calcaneum, of which only the non-articular portion remains, mode- 

 rately salient behind (3 centims. or 1-18 in.), and bearing the impression of an 

 extremely stout tendo Achillis; some unimportant fragments of a fourth left and 

 a second right metatarsal; a first metatarsal of the left side, very robust and 

 strong, 66 millims. (2'6 in.) in length, 13 millims. (O5 in.) in breadth at its nar- 

 rowest part, consequently exceeding in both these dimensions the similar bone of 

 modern subjects of the same stature, and, besides, remarkable (like that of the 

 Old Man of Cro-Magnon) for the largeness of the articular surfaces of its pha- 

 langial extremity (C. Plate IX. & X. fig. 13, a, b, c) : this development, which is 

 especially considerable on the plantar side, was certainly connected with peculiar 

 agility of the toes, which must have executed with the greater facility more 

 extensive movements of prehension. 



In an adult European male subject the antero-posterior maximum develop- 

 ment of the metatarso-phalangial articulation, measured circularly, is 3 centims. 

 (1'18 in.) ; in the La-Madelaine man it reaches 35 millims. (1'38 in.) ; and in 

 "No. 1" from Cro-Magnon it amounts to about 37 millims. (1/46 in.), which 

 represents an augmentation of the extent of articular surface by nearly one fourth. 

 This trait (the last we have to notice in concluding this sketch) is to be regarded 

 as much rather connected with the manner of existence of a savage population 

 than representing a more or less peculiar ethnic character. Indeed we find in a 

 great number of individuals now living in a state approaching that of our Cave- 

 dwellers modifications of the same order in the articular surfaces of the toes : 

 the cups are hollowed out, while the heads of the metatarsals become rounder, 

 the articular surfaces gain in extent above and especially beneath, and the corre- 

 sponding movements are extended and facilitated. 



