Holtby — Human Bones from an Ancient Burial Ground in Dublin. 45 



from the tibialis posticus is greatest about one inch below the nutrient 

 foramen. 



The index was estimated by Broca's method, taking the measurements at 

 the level of the nutrient foramen. 



The distal end of the tibia is only present in two specimens, and in each 

 of these there is a definite extension forwards of the articular surface from 

 the inferior aspect on to the anterior margin of the bone close to its lateral 

 limit. This is rarely found in recent Irish specimens, but is common in 

 squatting races, and is associated with forcible and constant flexion at the 

 ankle-joint producing contact between the neck of the talus and the tibia. 

 Unfortunately no tali were recovered. 



Fibula. 



Portions of three were recovered, and one of these is complete but for the 

 upper aspect of the head. It is chiefly remarkable for its antero-posterior 

 compression, causing it to appear as though flattened, and for the bowing of 

 the shaft as shown by the marked lateral curvature of the lower portion and 

 malleolus. The increase in width was due to extension inwards in a flange- 

 like manner of the postero-medial border, providing a very large surface 

 for attachment of the tibialis posticus. The posterior surface was also 

 considerably increased in width, especially about its centre, and thus afforded 

 an extensive area for the flexor longus hallucis. These conditions indicate 

 that, as we found in the tibia, the muscles in the posterior crural region had 

 been subject to some extra functional strain causing their development to a 

 greater extent than is usual in recent specimens. 



Summary of Lower Limb Bones. 



1. The only femur with a complete head showed an extension on the 

 articular surface on to the front and upper aspect of the neck. This is 

 probably produced by the cotyloid ligament, and differs from that seen in 

 recent bones, which is placed lower down, and lies against the ilio-fenioral 

 ligament. 



2. The presence on the lateral and anterior aspect of the femoral neck of 

 the groove produced by the iliacus muscle is remarkable as indicating strong 

 development of this muscle and close contact with the capsule, such as would 

 be expected in a squatting race. 



3. The frequency of development of a third trochanter is noteworthy, it 

 being relatively uncommon in recent bones. Its association with (a) lateral 



