Knox. — On the Skeleton of a Chatham Islands Aborigine. 305 



the well known hunchback or in death. The bodies of the fourth and fifth 

 lumbar vertebrse in this skeleton exhibit the effects of excessive and long 

 continued pressure from carrying heavy weights, such as firewood. The 

 ribs and thorax are normal, but slightly twisted in consequence of the lateral 

 curvature of the spine above alluded to. The sternum, strictly normal, 

 consisting of manubrium, body and ensiform cartilage. The scapulae and 

 clavicles, though well formed, are unusually small. The clavicles at their 

 sternal articulation exhibit the effect of chronic enlargement during life. 



The pelvis is well formed, and appears to me not to indicate inferiority 

 such as is said to be present in the dark Negro races. I refer to the 

 table annexed for the measurements taken, as showing no marked deviation 

 from the average dimensions of the pelvis in fairer races. The excessive 

 development of the bones of the face, and more especially the upper and 

 lower jaw, so much dwelt upon by closet naturalists and compilers as indicat- 

 ing a deviation from the Caucasian type towards that of the monkey, is, I 

 think, a mei-e fancy — a matter of taste in short. I have repeatedly observed 

 the jaws, more especially the lower, of ample dimensions in many of the fair 

 races, and, if I mistake not, the robust development of the lower jaw, not 

 only at the symphysis but at the angle, indicates firmness and obstinacy of 

 character, whether in male or female. 



The head when placed on a horizontal smooth surface rests on the mastoid 

 processes of the temporal bone and angle of the lower jaw. The skull 

 (without the lower jaw) when placed on a horizontal smooth surface, rests on 

 the mastoid processes of the temporal bone and third molar tooth. When on 

 the vertex it rests on the position of the anterior fontanella, which in this 

 instance is not only completely obliterated, but forms a well marked elevation 

 deserving the attention of the phrenologist. The external surface of the 

 cranium presents a slight tendency to form crests on the parietal bones. 

 The sutures are all perfectly normal. The condyles of the lower jaw 

 (transverse measure 10|- lines), show very little of any hinge-like or lateral 

 action of the jaws. The teeth originally small, much worn down, particularly 

 the canines, so as scarcely to be distinguished from the incisors. 



The locomotive organs, both thoracic and pelvic, appear to me finely 

 formed. The arms, including the humerus, radius and ulna, and hand (or 

 arm, forearm, and hand) measure in length 2 ft. 2 in. 9 lines. The legs, 

 including the thigh, leg, and foot, measure 2 ft. 7 in. 9 lines. It will be 

 observed from an inspection of the articulated skeleton that these present a 

 degree of beauty not surpassed by any existing people, more especially the 

 foot which exhibits a fine arch and short calcaneum — the female foot ^:)ar 

 excellence ! 



Measurements. — Head (including lower jaw) placed on a horizontal 



o 1 



