Gorillas & ChimpanzeesGarner, R. L. (Richard Lynch)
Science
Gorillas & Chimpanzees
Garner, R. L. (Richard Lynch)
Chimpanzees; Gabon -- Description and travel; Garner, R. L. (Richard Lynch), 1848-1920 -- Travel; Gorilla
It may be noted here, however, that the facial angle is never exactly
the same as the spinal angle. The facial plane of the reptile is not
quite horizontal, nor that of man quite vertical, but the ratios of
angularity are constant. Even the habit of rearing modifies to some
extent this character, but it is only the normal pose of the animal
that determines the exact limit of it.
In keeping with these facts it will be observed that as the angle
between the chin and the spine widens, the lower jaws project, and the
chin recedes or flattens, and in a like degree the voice is modified.
The chin of man forms a right angle, but in the reptile it is quite
lost. In the former the vocal powers are superior to that of all other
animals, but as we descend the scale they are reduced in scope and
degraded in quality, until in the lowest reptiles they become a mere
hiss or squeak.
By a careful study of the voices together with the skulls of animals,
it is found that the gnathic index can be relied upon as a vocal index.
The ape has the smallest angle between the spinal axis and the facial
plane, and has the greatest vocal range and purest voice of any other
animal below man. Among the apes the gibbon has the smallest angle, and
he also has the best vocal qualities of any other ape.
The contour of the skull in all parts conforms to the angle of its
projection from the spinal axis. It is depressed and elongated in
proportion as the angle increases: the brain cavity is narrowed in a
like proportion to its length, and the brain, of course, is modified in
the same manner.
The brain of the ape resembles that organ in man as closely as his
skeleton resembles man's. It has the same lobes, convolutions, and
centres. The texture is slightly coarser. The small details are less
intricate and their lines somewhat less distinct. But these also differ
to a certain extent in different men. In man and apes the same nerves
are present and connect the same organs of sensation, volition and
motion. In all essential points they are one.
These leading facts are deemed sufficient to show the physical likeness
of apes to man, and we shall refrain from the minute details that would
only be of interest to the specialist. The purpose is to acquaint the
general reader with the leading facts.
Regarding man purely in the light of an animal, it is evident that
he is, physically, very closely allied to the chimpanzee, and that
both are integral parts of one great scheme of life, designed by the
same author, fashioned after the same model, projected upon the same
plan, and amenable to the same system of vital economy. Viewing him in
the light of his physical nature, so far it is found that he does not
materially differ from other animals in the structure of his skeleton
and certain concomitants.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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