592 ON THE AXIAL SKELETON IN THE PRIMATES. [June 27, 
—a form, as we have seen, almost, if not quite, as distinct amongst 
the Lemuroidea as Homo is amongst the Anthropoidea. 
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Thus the vertebral column in Primates, though it does not give 
us such marked-and distinct characters as are presented by the cra- 
nium and dentition, yet exhibits peculiarities which are far from 
being destitute of significance. These peculiarities, if considered 
alone, would lead to an arrangement of groups and an interpretation 
of affinities somewhat differing from, yet in part agreeing with, the 
classification founded on cranial and dental characters; so that the 
study of that part of the axial skeleton in the Primates which is 
posterior to the skull may fairly be regarded as well adapted to assist 
us in the determination of the natural affinities of the groups com- 
posing the order, while at the same time it conduces to a correct 
appreciation of the relations existing between the human vertebral 
column and that of the ordinary four-footed mammals. 
