42 



LECTURE II. 



first pointed out the importance of the relations of these bones 

 to cerebral and cranial development^ and of having shown that 

 the size and position of the so-called sphenoid angle are ab- 

 solutely requisite for examining the skull and face — a truth 

 which has been very recently confirmed by Welcker^s numerous 

 measurements. 



In fact, Welcker has shown that the more the sphenoid bone 

 is bent, that is to say, the smaller the sphenoid angle, the more 

 perpendicular is the position of the teeth, and that the sphenoid 

 angle becomes larger in proportion to the greater obliquity of 

 the incisors produced by the enlargement of the facial bones. 

 Besides this, Welcker has proved that the measurement of this 

 angle, which is determined by three points, namely, the root 

 of the nose at the juncture of the nasal and frontal bone, the an- 

 terior margin of the occipital foramen, and the " pommel of the 

 saddle" (olivary process) ; he has proved, I say, that this angle 

 and its development in man is an excellent corrective of Cam- 

 per's facial angle, as well as a distinctive character between 

 man and ape. I will explain the matter further. 



In the infant, the head and cranium are proportionately very 

 Fio'. 8. Vertical section of the skull of a new-born cMld, after Welcker. 



Description the same as in the preceding figure, except, in addition, q, anterior 

 fontaneUe, r posterior fontanelle. 



