70 Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. 



Limb Bones. 



Eemur. — This showed distinct anteroposterior flattening at its upper end, 

 as indicated by a platymeric index of 676. 



The linea aspera was raised and prominent, giving a pilastrie index 

 of 1071. 



The upper and lower extremities of the bone were missing. 



/ a. — Portions of two were recovered. Each showed flattening from 

 aide to side or platycnemia (the so-called razor-like tibia), the indices 

 being 63*1 and 65*7 respectively. Each also showed a distinct facet at the 

 fibular margin of the front "f the lower extremity. 



Tn' Mini. It had belonged to a yonng subject. It showed 



a marked extension of the articular surface on to the medial side of the neck 

 of the bone. This, like the fa ribed on the lower end of the tibia, is 



due t" preesui d tibia and talna 



Notk on Limb Bains. 



The normal index of platymeria in mo<Iern British femora is 818 

 (Hepburn). This anteroposterior flattening of the upper portion of the 

 femoral commonly associated with side to side compression of the 



tibia, and is due to unequal repressive development of the various components 

 of the quadriceps extensor muscle of the thigh, resulting from functional 



■ ity, such as might be necessary in the habitual assumption of the posture 

 of squatting. 



It is often found also in conjunction with a markedly raised condition of 



linea aspera on the back of the femoral shaft. The amount of pilastering 

 here found (107'1) might, however, be found to-day, though insufficient 

 figures are as yet available as to its incidence in modern bones. The pilastrie 

 index has, however, some significance on account of the other associated 

 conditions. 



I'latycuemia is quite uncommon in modern tibiae, the breadth index of 

 these ranging between 80 and 100 [Manouvrier gives 882 as the average for 

 modern French specimens]. It is usually ascribed to influence of strongly 

 developed calf muscles, and is found frequently in races of squatting habits. 

 It is very marked in these bones. 



