LECTURE X. 



273 



The angle formed between tlie ascending and the horizontal 

 ramus is very open, the ascending ramus very low and broad, 

 its head uncommonly round, and the posterior margin curved 

 inwards, as in the marsupials. All these characters may 

 separately be met with in some European skulls, but they are 

 never found in such combination. Doubts respecting the 

 authenticity of this jaw, raised chiefly by English naturalists, 

 have, after a long investigation, been removed, as we shall show 

 hereafter. The jaw of Moulin Quignon is the first, and hitherto 

 the only human fossil obtained from the stratified diluvium, 

 and, from the combination of many characters, no doubt 

 belongs to a peculiar race, which cannot be determined until 

 more such discoveries are made. 



The proceedings of the above congress excited general interest 

 and gave rise to different interpretations. The members them- 

 selves did not seem quite clear as to the results obtained. Dr. 

 Falconer, for instance, had no sooner crossed the Channel than 

 he began to raise doubts against what he could not well deny 

 in France in presence of the facts. I feel, therefore, bound 

 to enter into further particulars concerning the points at issue. 



The succession of the beds in the spot where the jaw was 

 found is represented in the subjoined figure. 



Fig. 92. Section of the Beds at Moulin-Quignon, after O. Dimpre. 



^^^f*fifx^M^*ufimm;.^M^Mi^yMti»tf9»«>ttamfM 



