Holtby — Human Bones from an Ancient Burial Ground in Dublin. 35 



it was not used for interment towards the latter end of this period, so that 

 these bones have a fairly definite age. It is interesting to inquire what 

 manner of people the inhabitants of Dublin were some few hundred years 

 ago, and if they showed any marked anatomical differences from those of the 

 present day. 



In all other previous descriptions of ancient remains, the worn condition 

 of the crowns of the teeth, especially the molars, has been noted ; and these 

 specimens from Cork Hill show a similar state. The bones of the lower limbs 

 also show distinct points of difference from those of present-day subjects ; 

 the various other differences which will be duly noted are of minor 

 importance. 



It is quite possible and likely that, during previous operations on this site, 

 human remains have been uncovered and reburied in a common grave, thus 

 accounting for the undue preponderance of lower limb bones in this collection, 

 and for some points of dissimilarity between individual specimens. 



It is considered that seventeen skeletons are represented in the series of 

 remains recovered. 



Cranium. 



No complete skull was obtained ; in one specimen the cranium cerebrale 

 was fairly complete, and in another the facial portion was partially 

 represented ; the remainder consisted of smaller portions of probably six male 

 and three female crania. 



So far as could be ascertained, the crania were of the mesati-cephalic type, 

 and of average capacity. From the presumed age, it was not to be expected 

 that they would show any outstanding difference from those of modern type ; 

 the variations were chiefly due to marked development of muscles, especially 

 those used in mastication. 



The measurements of the most complete specimen are given ; and it will 

 be seen that the cranium had a fairly average capacity for a female specimen, 

 and that it was of a mesati-cephalic and metrio-cephalic type. 



This skull apparently belonged to a subject of middle life, the coronal 

 suture being obliterated, and the sagittal closed near the bregma. 



For a female, the mastoid was strong and the muscular attachments well 

 marked. 



The pterygoid processes were broken, but the lateral plate had been 

 markedly prolonged posteriorly on the left side, so that it overhung the spina 

 angularis. Its anterior margin was continued upwards on the greater 

 sphenoidal wing as a sharp curved ridge passing to the infra-temporal crest. 

 This was seen in all the specimens, and indicated strong development of the 



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