The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle [vol. 1 of 5] : $b Fossil mammalia — John Shaqi
The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle [vol. 1 of 5] : $b Fossil mammaliaOwen, Richard
Science
The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle [vol. 1 of 5] : $b Fossil mammalia
Owen, Richard
Beagle Expedition (1831-1836); Mammals, Fossil; Paleontology -- South America; Zoology
The molar tooth discovered by Mr. Darwin in the banks of the Tercero,
not only belonged to the same species as the skull under consideration,
but to an individual of the same size; it fits exactly into the socket
next to the posterior one of the right side. The figures subjoined of
this molar tooth (Fig. 3, Pl. I.; figs. 2 and 3, Pl. IV.) almost
preclude the necessity of a description. The transverse section of the
tooth gives an irregular, unequal sided, prism; the two broadest sides
of which converge to the anterior angle, which is obtusely rounded. The
outer surface of the tooth (fig. 2, Pl. IV.) is slightly concave in the
transverse direction, but undulating, from the presence of two slight
convex risings which traverse the tooth lengthwise. The inner surface
presents at its anterior part a slightly concave surface, and
posteriorly two prominent longitudinal convex ridges, separated by a
groove which is flat at the bottom, and from the anterior angle of which
the reflected fold of enamel penetrates the substance of the tooth,
advancing obliquely forwards, rather more than half-way across the body
of the tooth. A longitudinal ridge of bone projects from the internal
side of the socket, and fits into the groove above mentioned, and as a
corresponding ridge exists in all the sockets of the grinders, save the
two anterior small ones, we may infer that the five posterior grinders
on each side, had a similar structure to the tooth above described. The
external layer of enamel is uniformly about half a line in thickness; it
is interrupted for the extent of nearly three lines at the anterior
angle, and for more than double that extent at the posterior part of the
tooth, which is consequently worn down much below the level of the rest
of the grinding surface. Where the ivory is thus unprotected by the
enamel, it has a coat of cæmentum, which also fills up the small
interval at the origin of the reflected fold of enamel. On the grinding
surface of the entire tooth, and on the fractured ends of the mutilated
molars, the component fibres, or tubules, of the ivory, are readily
perceptible by the naked eye, diverging from the line which indicates
the last remains of the cavity of the pulp of the tooth, as it was
progressively obliterated during growth.
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