Hrdlicka. 13 



ing of the abnormalities of a being - when we consider the standing of 

 that being in a class of similar individuals, is quite uncertain and is 

 being still generally much discussed. As a matter of fact there are 

 very fezv abnormalities which we can observe in man that may be 

 positively said to render the individual generally either decidedly in- 

 ferior or markedly superior to his fellow beings. No single physi- 

 cal abnormality {and but a rare combination of abnormalities) suffices 

 of itself to stamp any individual as a human degenerate. 



It may be said that the great majority of the inborn abnormalities 

 still elude our comprehension, and from what experience teaches us 

 we must assume that these characters, as well as numbers of ac- 

 quired abnormalities, are largely without any objective significance. 



As examples of inborn characters without any known or traceable 

 significance may be mentioned the abnormalities we observe on the 

 toes and those of the external ear. 



A certain objective effect may in some cases be due to the dis- 

 figurement to which some abnormalities give rise. 



The subjective effects of abnormalities differ very largely. They 

 differ according to the situation of the abnormalities and according 

 to their extent. The malformation of some part of the body may 

 not only have a depressing effect on the individual who possesses it, 

 but it may also interfere with his work or other functions. Ob- 

 liquely set eyes, for instance, or even a case of pronounced strabis- 

 mus, may, at least for a time, cause considerable worry, depression 

 and inconvenience to their owner; while a deformed limb may in- 

 terfere with the walking, or, in the case of the hand, the deformity 

 may prove to be a serious hindrance to the acquisition of certain 

 handicrafts by the individual and thus be a serious personal dis- 

 advantage. If the abnormality concerns the head, it may prove of 

 even graver subjective consequences to the being than if any of the 

 limbs are affected. If, for example, as a result of rachitis or some 

 other pathological process, there occurs a very premature union of 

 the cranial sutures, the sequellae of this may favor a decadence of 

 the mental powers of the individual, and possibly even render him 

 imbecile. Curvatures of the spine or of other bones may cause the 

 individual many a difficulty in his life, and certain abnormalities of 

 the genital organs may result in unpleasant and even serious conse- 



