PTERODACTYLE. 227 
all these points of agreement, with the type of 
Lizards, and of difference from the character of 
birds, leave no doubt as to the place in which 
the Pterodactyles must be ranged, among the 
Lizards, notwithstanding the approximation 
which the possession of wings seems to give 
them to Birds or Bats. 
The number and proportions of the bones in 
the fingers and toes in the Pterodactyle, require 
to be examined in some detail, as they afford 
coincidences with the bones in the corresponding- 
parts of Lizards, from which important conclu- 
sions may be derived. 
As an insulated fact, it may seem to be of 
little moment, whether a living Lizard or a fossil 
Pterodactyle, might have four or five joints in 
its fourth finger, or its fourth toe ; but those who 
have patience to examine the minutiae of this 
structure, will find in it an exemplification of 
the general principle, that things apparently 
minute and trifling in themselves, may acquire 
importance, when viewed in connexion with 
others, which, taken singly, appear equally 
insignificant. Minutiae of this kind, viewed in 
their conjoint relations to the parts and pro- 
portions of other animals, may illustrate points 
of high importance in physiology, and thereby 
become connected with the still higher conside- 
rations of natural theology. If we examine the 
fore-foot of the existing Lizards, (PI. 22, b.) we 
