PRIMITIVE SKULL.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1922, Page 2

PRIMITIVE SKULL.

IMPORTANT AUSTRALIAN

DISCOVERY. SYDNEY February 8. What promises to be an important link in the chain of history regarding the evolution of the human race is the recent discovery in Sydney of the skull of a primitive Australian aboriginal. This together with the recent find of the much discussed Rhodesian skull, supplies an almost complete series from practically the ape to the definite human type. This Australian aboriginal skull was presented by Air Clyde, of Burwood, to the University of Sydney. An examination was made by Professor J. I. Hunter and Dr Burkitt. The skull was so primitive that it was decided to make a further minute examination and publish the description. Since, it has been found that the skull bears some similarity to the European Neanderthal skull fossil. The examination of this and the Australian Museum skulls enabled Professor Hunter 'and Dr Burkitt to put forward a theory which explains many of the facial characteristics of the Australian aboriginal The skull was taken to England by Professor Hunter.

This theory has been favourably received in London. The paper of Professor Hunter and Dr Burkitt was read at the annual meeting of the Anatomical Society in London on November 28iu.

In a letter to Dr Burkitt,. Professor Hunter points out that the recent research on the head of the Australian aboriginal is of importance in interpreting the recently-discovered Rhode,ian skull. Professor Hunter writes; “This is a most important find. In regard to the African skull,- I think everyone will eventually agree with Elliott Smith that it is between the Java, apeman (Pithecanthropus) and the Neanderthal as far as primitivity of development is concerned. The snoutiness is extraordinarily well marked. The eyebrow ridges extend a great way laterally.”

These and other comparisons are embodied in Professor Hunter’s letter, and the brilliant young Sydney professor is of the opinion that it is one of the most important finds of recent times.

pr Burkitt is at present engaged in further extensive researches on the subjects.