118 



ORGANS OF SUPPORT, 



FIG - 



the facial angle greater than in the inferior forms, the scapulae 

 and the iliac bones are more expanded, the calcaneum extends 

 more backwards, and the forms and proportions of all the 

 bones of the skeleton approach most closely to the human. 



The forms of the bones and of the articulations of 

 the human skeleton are adapted to support the trunk 

 in a vertical position upon the feet, by which the organs 

 of the senses are directed forwards, and the arms are left 

 free, for various employments. By the great develop- 

 ment of his cerebral 

 organs, and the su- 

 perior elements of his 

 cranial vertebrae (Fig. 

 61,) the skull is large, 

 and its cavity capa- 

 cious. The organs of 

 the senses being con- 

 fined to a narrow 

 space the face is small, 

 and it is nearly straight 

 from the frontal hour 

 to the chin, from the 

 slight projection of 

 the muzzle, excepting 

 in the negro, where 

 the projection of the 

 jaws and teeth, and 

 the receding of the 

 frontal bone, reduce 

 the facial angle more 

 near to that of the 

 orangs. The occipital 

 foramen, and the two 

 occipital condyles are 

 advanced further for- 

 wards on the base of 

 the skull than in any 



of the quadrumana ; so that the head is more nearly poised 

 by the centre of its base on the atlas, and on the vertical 

 column of the trunk. The forehead, and nasal bones, and 

 the chin project more than in the nearest quadrumana, the 



