The Descent of Man

nine character, as Owen (42. 'Anatomy of Vertebrates,'
vol. iii. 1868, p. 323.) remarks, "is indicated
by the conical form of the crown, which
terminates in an obtuse point, is convex outward
and flat or sub-concave within, at the
base of which surface there is a feeble prominence.
The conical form is best expressed in the
Melanian races, especially the Australian. The
canine is more deeply implanted, and by a
stronger fang than the incisors." Nevertheless,
this tooth no longer serves man as a special
weapon for tearing his enemies or prey; it may,
therefore, as far as its proper function is concerned,
be considered as rudimentary. In every
large collection of human skulls some may be
found, as Haeckel (43. 'Generelle Morphologie,'
1866, B. ii. s. clv.) observes, with the canine
teeth projecting considerably beyond the others
in the same manner as in the anthropomorphous
apes, but in a less degree. In these cases,
open spaces between the teeth in the one jaw
are left for the reception of the canines of the