[Footnote M: These statements regarding the character of the teeth
and the position of the jaws of the _Coccosteus_ have been challenged
by very high authorities. I retain them, however, in this edition
in their original form, as first made nearly six years ago. In at
least two of my specimens of Coccosteus the teeth and jaw form
unequivocally but one bone--a result, it is not improbable, of some
after anchylosing process, but which still solicits inquiry as not
yet definitely accounted for. The matter of fact in the case is
certainly one which should be determined, not analogically, but on
its own proper evidence, as furnished by good specimens. As for
the remark regarding the probable position of the creature's jaws,
it was ventured on at first, as the reader may perceive, with much
hesitation, and must now be regarded as more doubtful than ever.
Its repetition here, however, will, I trust, be regarded as simply
indicative of a wish on the part of the writer, that the question
be kept open just a little longer, and that further examination
be made. There is certainly something very peculiar about the
mouth of the Coccosteus not yet understood, and singularly formed
plates, connected with it, which have not been introduced into any
restoration, and the use of which in the economy of the animal
seem wholly unknown. [1850.--I have at length found a very perfect
specimen of the nether jaw of _Coccosteus_, and am prepared to show
that it was of a character altogether unique. It had its two groups
of from six to eight teeth, (exactly where, in the human subject, the
molars are placed,) that seem to have acted on corresponding groups
in the intermaxllaries, and two other groups of from three to five
teeth placed at right angles with these, direct in the symphysis,
and that seem to have acted on each other. But though these unique
teeth of the symphysis formed a vertical line of mouth, it joined
on at right angles to a transverse line of the ordinary type, as
the upright stroke of the letter T joins on to the horizontal line
a-top.] Fourth Edition.]
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