146 Mr. H. G. Seeley o» Prof. Owen's 
Finally, as a mark of osteological affinity Prof. Owen ignores 
the pneumatic foramina which are found in near the 
bones, though they do not occur in Reptiles, and are charac- 
teristic of Birds. : 
From Prof. Owen's osteology the conclusions seem irresis- 
tible :— 
First, that it was written with a bias in favour of the 
crocodilian and reptilian affinity of Pterodactyles. 
Secondly, that the crocodilian affinity was a delusion which 
cannot be substantiated in a single point. 
It is also clear that it was written as an argument against 
their affinity with birds. I cannot but think it undesirable 
that such bias should be introduced in science. 
Secondly, of Philosophy.—Here the issues raised are of the 
gravest kind :—first, upon the method of determining an ani- 
mal's affinities by comparing its skeleton with those of other 
animals; and, secondly, upon the method of determining 
affinities by physiological inferences from structure. 
e following passage from Von Meyer is translated :— 
‘ The skull of Pterodactyles is essentially comparable only 
* By an oversight this word has been printed “ epipubic” in my book 
of Pieisduis bs r Les d 
SN 
A CETERAE CE 
