METHOD OF EXAMINATION. 15 



of the phalangeal extremity often overlaps the darker shadow that 

 outlines the main mass of the bone. A very dark, condensed shadow 

 in the radiograph, however, indicates the limit of the two depressions 

 and the central elevation just mentioned, and the point representing 

 the apex of this shadow is always used as the second measuring-point, 

 i. e., not including the Ught, overlapping shadow where this is present. 

 In cases where the brachyphalangy is so pronounced that the form 

 of the phalanx is entirely altered, the longest diameter (in the longi- 

 tudinal direction) of the remaining roundish bone is used as the value 

 representing the length. 



In some of the most elaborate earlier publications in regard to 

 hereditary brachyphalangy (Farabee 1905; Drinkwater 1908, 1912-13, 

 1913-14, 1914-15) it was stated that the affected individuals were 

 also below the average in stature. Attention was paid to the possi- 

 bihty of a similar occurrence in our case, but it soon became clear that 

 this condition could not be regarded as tjrpical for the affected mem- 

 bers of the family here described. We therefore refrained from measur- 

 ing the height of the individuals in order to make the examination 

 simple. 



All unrelated individuals married into the family will be regarded as 

 normal — ^that is, free from the type of brachyphalangy here investi- 

 gated. In view of the unique character of the described type and the 

 rare occurrence of inherited brachyphalangy in general, this point needs 

 no further explanation. 



