84 Dr John Struthers on Variation in the Number 
two groups, those which illustrate original variation, and 
those which illustrate the phenomena of hereditary trans- 
mission. The cases of variation in the number of the pha- 
langes are given separately, as belonging to a different order 
of variation. In regard to those cases for which I am in- 
indebted to the kindness of various medical friends, whose 
names will appear, I may mention that they have been 
most carefully described to me in reply to a series of in- 
quiries relating both to the anatomical condition and the 
hereditary history, and that what is stated may.be relied on 
both for accuracy and for all possible completeness. A few 
remarks are added at the end on some of the points in 
variation and inheritance which the cases illustrate, and on 
the special point of the absence of a bone in the thumb 
and great toe, as compared with the other digits. 
PART I.—VARIATION IN THE NUMBER OF DIGITS. 
Sroction 1.—INCREASE IN THE NUMBER. 
Group 1.—CasEs WHICH COULD NOT BE TRACED TO HAVE HEREDITARY 
OriGIN. 
1, Case of Six Digits in three members of a family, occurring 
Symmetrically. 
In this family of seven children, one of the daughters was born 
with six digits on each foot, and two of the sons with six digits on 
each foot and on each hand. I am indebted to the kindness of Dr 
John Alexander Smith for a full account of the case, and for afford- 
ing me the opportunity of seeing the persons who are the subjects 
of the variety. 
(a.) M O——, female, xt. 22, Edinburgh, was born with a 
EXPLANATION OF PLATE II, 
Fig.1. Rand L. Hands of J O——. Casel. From a photograph. 
Fig. 2. Feet of J—— O——. Case 1. From a photograph. 
Fig. 38. Feet of C—— O , younger brother to the last—Case 1. From a 
photograph. 
Fig. 4. Hand of G—— S——. Case 14. From a sketch. 
Fig. 6. Hand of J——- M——. Case 24. From a cast. 
Fig. 6. Hand of J—— J——. Case 26. From a photograph. 
