"We may state definitely that this was not an ursine, feline, or
canine brain, nor the brain of any terrestrial viverrine. It is
an open question between an _aquatic carnivore_ and an _aquatic
pachyderm_; and although not placing my conclusion on an exact
basis, yet, in view of the general outline, the course of the
convolutions, and the course of the sutures, I incline to the
former view.
"It certainly corresponds to no known brain of a living creature.
In one point I was inclined to suspect it to be a pachyderm,
namely, the decided asymmetry of some of the sulci, but this, by
itself, is not decisive."
"Dr. Spitzka.
"308 East 123d street."
The interesting letter quoted in full above, contains as near a
determination of the character of the animal to which the brain
belonged, as the nature of the cast and the materials for comparison
would permit. In a later report, by means of more complete
comparative material, we hope to be able to reach a more satisfactory
conclusion. However, as Dr. Spitzka writes, the _general outline_,
the _course_ of the _convolutions_, and the _line_ of the _sutures_
offer strong presumptive evidence that the cast belongs to one
of the _Aquatic carnivores_. Not far from the brain was found a
sacrum, which is described above as belonging to some carnivore,
though further determination was impossible. Whether there was any
connection between the two is difficult to state. The presence of
an aquatic carnivore in the Bridger eocene is new to science; but,
aside from this, the brain is of a much higher order than previous
discoveries would lead us to expect in such an early formation.
Professor Marsh's researches have led him to form the opinion that
the eocene mammals had brains of a low character; but this specimen
shows that this is not true of all, if it is of most of them. The
convolutions are not only numerous and well marked, but they are
complicated, showing the transverse as well as the longitudinal
folds. To such an extent is this true that the brain will bear
comparison with the very highest modern carnivorous types.
We hope to be able to give further notes upon this interesting
specimen at a later date.
PERISSODACTYLA.
ANCHITHERIUM.
Von Meyer, Jahrbuch für Mineralogie, 1844, p. 298.
Anchitherium ---- ?
A small calcaneum and astragalus of equine type are provisionally
referred to this genus until further material enables us to determine
them with certainty.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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