1837,] of fossil Quadrumana in the Sewdliks. 359 



inner and posterior side, and the proof is this. The anterior facet b 

 has been caused by the habitual abrasion of the upper canine against 

 the rear surface of the lower one, which overlaps it, when the 

 jaws are closed or in action. This facet would prove nothing by itself, 

 as it is common to all aged animals in the carnivora and other tribes 

 in which the upper and lower canines have their surfaces in contact. 

 The second facet c must have been caused by the wear of the inner 

 and rear surface of the canine against the outer surface of the first molar 

 of the lower jaw. But to admit of such contact, this molar must have 

 been contiguous with the lower canine, without any blank space inter- 

 vening ; for if there was not this contiguity the upper canine could 

 not touch the lower first molar, and consequently not wear against it. 

 Now, this continuity of the series of molars and canines without a 

 diasteme or blank interval, is only found, throughout the whole ani- 

 mal kingdom*, in man, the Quadrumana, and the Anoplolherium. The 

 fossil canine must therefore have belonged to one of these. It were 

 needless to point out its difference from the human canine, which does 

 not rise above the level of the molars. In all the species of Anoplothe- 

 rium described by CuviER.the canines, while in a contiguous series with 

 the molars, do not project higher than these, being rudimentary as 

 in man. Of the Sewdlik species, Anoplotherium posterogenium, (nob.) 

 we have not yet seen the canines ; but it is very improbable, and per- 

 haps impossible, that the fossil could belong to it. For if this species 

 had a salient canine, it must have been separated from the molars by 

 an interval as in the other Paehydermata ; otherwise the jaws would get 

 locked by the canines and molai-s, and the lateral motion required by 

 the structure of the teeth, and its herbivorous habit, would be im- 

 practicable ; and if there was this interval, the upper canine could not 

 have the posterior facet of wear. The fossil canine must therefore 

 have belonged to a quadrumanous animal. This inference is further 

 borne out by the detrition of the fossil exactly corresponding with 

 that of the canines of old monkeys. 

 The dimensions are : — 



Length of the fragment of canine, 1.75 inches. 



Antero-posterior diameter at the base, .8 



Transverse ditto .7 



Width of the anterior facet of wear, .6 



The two diameters are greater than those of the canine of the Suma- 

 tra Orang-otang described by Dr. Clarke Abel| as having been 7£ 

 * Cuvier Ossemens fossil, tome 3, p. 15. 

 f Asiatic Researches, vol. 15, p. 498. 

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