122 



ARBOREAL MAN 



region, the convexity of which is directed forwards and 

 which is better marked than the same curve in any 

 monkey. In the Gibbons the bones themselves have 

 begun to share in the change, and the curvature is evident 

 in the dried skeleton. This lumbar curve is present with 



Fig. 43. — The Normal Curves of a Human Vertebral Column 

 as seen in a section through an upright body. 



an ever-increasing perfection through the Giant Apes to 

 the lower, and finally to the higher, races of mankind 

 (see Fig. 43). 



No doubt it is a feature which is called into being by 

 the erectness of the trunk upon the lower limbs, but it 

 must not be regarded as a feature stamped upon the 

 human frame by terrestrial bipedal orthograde habits; it 

 was begot among the branches, it led to greater possi- 

 bilities, and only its finishing touches were put on by 

 upright walking upon the surface of the earth 



