PRIMITIVE SKULL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18018, 17 February 1922, Page 6

PRIMITIVE SKULL.

AUSTRALIAN DISCOVERY.

ANOTHER LINK IN CHAIN.

[PROM OUS OWN CORHE9PONDF.NI.] SYDNEY, Feb. 8.

What promises to be an important link in the chain of history regarding tho evolution of the human race is the recent discovery in Sydney of. tho skull of a primitive Australian aboriginal. This, together with the recent find of the much-discussed Rhodesian skull, supplies an almost complete series from practically the ape to the definite human type.

This Australian aboriginal skull was presented by Mr. Glyde, of Burwood, to the University of Sydney. An examination was made by Professor J. I. Hunter and Dr. Burkitt. The skull was so primitive that it was decided to make a further minute examination and publish the description. It has been found since that the skull bearfl some similarity to the European Neanderthal fikull fossil. The examination of this and the Australian Museum skulls enabled Professor Hunter and Dr. Burkitt to put forward a theory which explains many of the facial characteristics of the Australian aboriginal. The skull was taken to England by Professor Hunter.

This theory has been favourably received in London. The paper of Professor Hunter and Dr. Burkitt was read at the annual meeting of the Anatomical Society in London on November 28.

In a letter to Dr. Burkitt, Professor Hunter points out that the recent research on the head of the Australian aboriginal is of importance in interpreting the recently discovered Rhodesian skull. Professor Hunter writes ;—" This is a mo if important find. In regard to the African skull, I think evervone will eventually agree with Elliot Smith that it is between the Java apeman and the Neanderthal as far as primitivity of development is concerned. The snoutiness is extraordinary well marked. The evebrow ridges extend a great way laterally."

these and other comparisons are embodied in Professor Hunter's letter and the brilliant young Sydney professor is of the opinion that it is one of the most important finds of recent times. Dr. Burkitt is at present engaged in further extensive researches on the subject.