118 BULLETIN OF THE 



cient Egyptians. The heel at first was designed to itiake short men 

 look tall, and like other parts had undergone many changes to suit 

 the whims of fashion and taste. During the reign of Louis XVI 

 this objectionable style began to disappear, but has been again re- 

 vived, and is perhaps more general now than at anj r previous time. 

 Then followed a brief summary of the causes that produced devi- 

 ations of form, with special reference to the efFect of the constant 

 use of French high-heeled shoes. Diagrams were exhibited show- 

 ing the distortions of the feet caused by them, and the consequent 

 changes in the joint-flexures and spinal curves. He claimed that 

 the primary deflection took place at the base of the line of gravita- 

 tion, and above this point there were greater or lesser alterations of 

 the flexures and curves along the bony framework. Special atten- 

 tion was directed to the increased obliquity of the pelvis, and to the 

 probable corresponding change in the position of the womb and 

 other pelvic organs, which might be an important factor in the cau- 

 sation of some of the disorders of the female reproductive organs. 



The subject-matter was discussed by various members. 

 A communication was submitted by Mr. Theodore Gill 



ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE INSECTIVOROUS MAMMALS. 



In 1875 the author published a " Synopsis of Insectivorous Mam- 

 mals" in the Bulletin of the United States Geological Survey 

 of the Territories, under Hay den, (vol. 1, No. 2; 2d series, 1875, 

 pp. 91-120,) and proposed several modifications in the classifi- 

 cation. The principal of those modifications were (1) the union 

 of the typical Iusectivora and Dermoptera (Galeojnthecus) is one 

 order, as had been long before proposed by Frederic Cuvier and 

 Wagner, but their distinction as two suborders ; (2) the distribution 

 of the true insectivores under two groups characterized by their 

 molar dentition, and the complete subordination of the form of the 

 body, and (3) the combination of families into super-families, and (4) 

 the subdivision of several into subfamilies. The scheme thus pro- 

 mulgated has met with gratifying and unexpected favor, and has 

 been essentially adopted by Messrs. Coues, Jordan, Dallas, Troues- 

 sart, and Dobson. Surgeon-Major Dobson's opinion is especially 

 weighty, as he has undertaken a monograph of the order, and his 

 opportunities for investigation have been unequalled. Since the 

 publication of the Synopsis, in 1875, several forms have been made 



