THE ERECT POSTURE OF MAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2793, 7 June 1890, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE ERECT POSTURE OF MAN.

In a paper read at a recent meeting of the British Association, Professor Cunningham said the modifications which showed the effect of the erect posture of man were to be chiefly looked for in the lumbar region of the vertical column— the region of tho loins, because it was upon this a great part of the weight of the limbs aud trunk fell. If they examine the bodies of the lumbar vertebras (which supported the weight of the trunk in man) iu a number of animals, they found that iu quadrupeds these bodies were long, narrow, and rod-like, placed one iu front of the other, whereas in man they found that the bodies wore shoit broad and, disc like, so as to widen the pillar of support. But the point of interest in this was that the gradations between these rod like vertebne and the disc like body of vertebra: could be traced step by step as they passed u t > through the apes. After considering these facts he began to think possible that similar distinctions might be denoted in some of the lower races. A short time ago he broached the subject in an imperfect way ; since then he had had opportunities of examining the skeletons in the museum . of the Royal College of Surgeons, with the result that he had brought forward more evidence in support of the matter.