ON THE STRUCTUKE OF THE GORILLA. 85 



is, in tlie extraordinary crest which divides tho exterior of 

 the skull into two equal portions. This ridge stands up 

 something like three-quarters of an inch, and the only other 

 case I know of an animal that has any such crest, is that of 

 the hyasna, which has a skull crust very like that of the gorilla, 

 but not nearly so largely developed. Then, in addition to all 

 this, there is in the gorilla an enormous development of what 

 is called by anatomists the supercihary ridge — a strong ridge 

 of bone above the eyebrows. The next great distinction 

 between man and tho gorilla is seen in the enormous length 

 of the latter's arms. This I am able to illustrate by com- 

 parison, as I have here the shoulder-bone of a gorilla and the 

 shoulder-bone of a human being. The latter, as you will see, 

 is a complete pigmy contrasted with the former. Dr. Carpenter 

 told us, in the address to which I have referred, that tho 

 gorilla had actually been known to wrest a gun from tho 

 hands of a hunter, put the barrel between its teeth, and 

 while thus holding it bend the weapon double. Whether 

 this feat upon the part of a gorilla rests on reliable evidence 

 I cannot say, but the enormous strength of the gorilla, proved 

 by the teeth, jaws, and other parts of the skeleton, will point 

 to the possibility of this being done. Look at the enormous 

 difference in the shoulder-blades of man and the gorilla ; here 

 are the shoulder-blades of each, and it will be remembered 

 that these bones have a most important relation to the 

 muscles which move the arms ; therefore, when you consider 

 what a strong man can do with his arms, you may easily 

 imagine what a gorilla could do with a shoulder-blade like the 

 one before you, and with the other bones of the arm in the 

 same proportion. I do not know how many in this audience 

 are of the medical profession ; but perhaps there may be some 

 present who are not aware that there is a single bone from the 

 shoulder to the elbow, and then two bones from the elbow to 

 the wrist. I produce the corresponding bones in the arm of 

 man and the gorilla. If you contrast them, you will understand 

 the prodigious power residing in the arm of the latter. 

 M. du Chaillu brought over to this country a number of 

 gorillas, some in skins and some as skeletons, and from them 

 we can believe everything he said about their strength. If 

 any of my hearers should have any questions to ask, I shall 

 be happy, if the time will permit, to answer them. 



The Chairman (D. Howard, Esq., V.P.C.S.).— I am sure we are all 

 exceedingly indebted to Mr. Charlesworth for the interesting opportunity- 

 he has afforded us of seeing the remains of this wonderful creature, and 

 of hearing his very able and lucid statement. It is very useful and in- 



