THE SKELETON OF THE FORE-LIMB 27 



intervention of the triangular fibro -cartilage. This con- 

 dition is not found in any of the more primitive forms and 

 must be regarded as a new and possibly progressive 

 feature. 



It is a fact which cannot be ignored, that in the details 

 of its skeletal elements the fore-limb of the highest of 



Fig. 8. — The Elements of the Carpus as present in Man, 

 IN the Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Some Lemurs. 



The OS centrale is not normally present as a separate element. 



the Mammals finds its likeness among living Vertebrates 

 in such a primitive creature as the Tortoise. Witliout 

 indulging to the full the speculations which such a fact 

 may prompt, we are justified in saying that the Primates 

 have retained a fore -limb skeleton that is sins;ularlv like 

 that with which we have every reason to believe the 

 ancestral Mammal was endowed. 



