TRANSACTIONS OF WAGNER 

 48 



HAWAIIAN SKULLS 



effects of malnutrition in determining the time of the closure of sutures; the 

 inability of the base of the skull to resist flattening from the weight of the 

 superimposed head ; the hyperostosis, probably rheumatic, as shown in the 

 increased thickness of the cranial vault, are familiarly seen in every osteo- 

 logical collection, no matter of what people or of what grade. Gross varia- 

 tions, probably pathological in character, are of greater frequency in some 

 groups than in others ; among these may be named the auditory exostoses so 

 common among Peruvians and the islands of the South Seas, and the exos- 

 toses on the inner side of the lower jaw in the northern examples of man in 

 America. 



Among the appearances to be noted in the Hawaiian skulls are the 

 following : osteoporosis ; ostitis and hyperostosis ; defects in maxillae ; pre- 

 mature closure of sutures; effects of measles on the conformation of the 

 facial bones. 



It has been already noted (page xiii) that the cave skulls were disposed 

 to osteoporosis, minute exostoses, and arthritis, while the coast skulls were 

 prone to effects of ostitis. Statements are here made in more detail respect- 

 ing these conditions. 



Osteoporosis 



Two specimens, Nos. 1112, H. U., and 1756, A. N. S., were very light 

 and exhibited the effects of interstitial absorption, with concomitant disposi- 

 tion to superficial hyperostosis. In No. 1112 the process was less developed 

 than in No. 1756, and confined to the region of the face. The turbinated 

 bones were perforated by numerous foramina. The maxillary sinus on each 

 side was inflated back of the malar process, both towards the nasal chambers 

 where the outer wall was convex posteriorly, and towards the sphenomaxillary 

 fissure, where the tuberosity was conspicuously distended and porose. While 

 the age of the individual was not over forty years, the teeth were much 

 protruded from their sockets, and the second and third molars were lost. A 

 disposition to hyperostosis was co-ordinate. Ossicles in the facial suture lines 

 were numerous. The process for the superior oblique muscle was prolonged, 

 the exostoses on the tympanic bones were conspicuous, and the frontal and 

 sphenoid bones in the temporal fossae were rugose. The alisphenoid at the 

 level of the orbit was occupied by a large vacuity. The floor of the right 

 orbit exhibited a large vacuity near the infraorbital canal. 



In No. 1756 the process of absorption was more diffuse, and had caused 



