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PROFESSOR D. J. CUNNINGHAM ON 



The arcus supraorbitalis (d) by its lower border forms the greater part of the 

 upper portion of the margin of the orbital opening, and in the recent human skull, 

 according to Schwalbe, it presents a depressed or flattened field. For this reason 

 he suggests that it should be termed the planum or trigonum supraorbitale. The latter 

 name, in the vast majority of recent human skulls, admirably expresses its general 

 characters. 



To the inner side of the supraorbital notch the margin of the orbital opening is 

 formed by the inner portion of the superciliary ridge (arcus superciliaris) as it runs into 

 the glabella. The supraorbital notch, therefore, is an important landmark ; to its inner 

 side the orbital margin is formed by the superciliary ridge ; to its outer side it is 

 formed by the lower border of the trigonum supraorbitale. 



Fig. 3. — Outline sketch of the supraorbital region of the Neanderthal cranium, taken from 

 Schwalbe's article on " Der Neanderthalschadel," p. 11. 



a. Slight notch (supraorbital notch (?) ). e. Eminentia supraglabellaris. 



b. Slight elevation on the left supra- /. Median frontal ridge. 



orbital border. g and h. Foramina supratrochlearia. 



c. Glabella, k. Notch on right supraorbital border 



d. Fossa supraglabellaris. (supraorbital notch). 



Such is Schwalbe's account of the supraorbital region in recent man and in all 

 primitive races, with the single exception of the Neanderthal race. There cannot be a 

 doubt that the description accurately conveys the condition which is present in the 

 majority of recent skulls, and that it reproduces the type which exists not infrequently 

 in the young mandrill and many other different forms of ape. But Schwalbe falls 

 into error in asserting (l) that this is the only form of supraorbital region which 

 exists in recent man ; and (2) that the form of the eyebrow region which is seen 

 in the Neanderthal, Spy, and Krapina crania is never met with in the crania of 

 the present day. 



In the Neanderthal cranium the supraorbital region is developed in the form of a 

 strongly projecting continuous arch, which extends from the glabella to the external 

 angular process (fig. 3). I am in complete agreement with Schwalbe as to the consti- 

 tution of this arch. The superciliary eminence and the trigonum supraorbitale have 



