A Bilateral Division of the Parietal Bone in a Chimpanzee; with a Special Reference to the Oblique Sutures in the Parietal   By: Aleš Hrdlička (1869-1943)

In "A Bilateral Division of the Parietal Bone in a Chimpanzee; with a Special Reference to the Oblique Sutures in the Parietal," Aleš Hrdlička delves into the fascinating world of primate anatomy and presents a comprehensive study on a particular feature observed in chimpanzees.

Hrdlička's research focuses on the bilateral division of the parietal bone, a unique characteristic seen in chimpanzees. With meticulous detail, the author examines the structure and function of this anatomical feature, shedding light on its evolutionary significance and potential implications for our understanding of primate development.

One of the strengths of this book lies in the extensive collection of data and specimens analyzed by Hrdlička. The author's expertise in anthropology and primate anatomy is evident throughout the work, as he goes beyond simple observations to provide a thorough analysis of the specimens and their implications for the field. Through clear and precise descriptions, supplemented by detailed illustrations and photographs, Hrdlička conveys the significance of his findings.

Furthermore, Hrdlička's writing style is both engaging and accessible, making his scientific research approachable to a wider audience. Though the subject matter may appear daunting at first glance, the author skillfully presents complex ideas in a straightforward manner, without compromising on scientific accuracy. This ensures that both experts and enthusiasts can appreciate the content of the book.

While the book primarily focuses on chimpanzee anatomy, Hrdlička also takes the opportunity to discuss broader topics such as primate evolution and comparative anatomy, adding depth and context to his research. These additional discussions offer a well-rounded perspective, giving readers a more holistic understanding of the subject matter.

One potential criticism of the book is its limited scope. As the title suggests, Hrdlička's research is specific to the bilateral division of the parietal bone in chimpanzees. Consequently, readers looking for a broader exploration of primate anatomy or a comprehensive study of primatology may find the book lacking in relevance to their interests.

In conclusion, "A Bilateral Division of the Parietal Bone in a Chimpanzee; with a Special Reference to the Oblique Sutures in the Parietal" by Aleš Hrdlička is a meticulous and insightful study in primate anatomy. Through his extensive research and engaging writing style, Hrdlička sheds light on a unique feature of chimpanzee anatomy, offering valuable insights into primate evolution. While its narrow focus may limit its appeal to a broader audience, those with an interest in primatology and comparative anatomy will find this book to be a valuable addition to their collection.

First Page:

The first to describe a case of division of the parietal bone in apes was Johannes Ranke, in 1899.[1] The skull in question is that of an adolescent female orang, one of 245 orang crania in the Selenka collection in the Munich Anthropological Institute. The abnormal suture divides the right parietal into an upper larger and a lower smaller portion. "The suture runs nearly parallel with the sagittal suture," but, as the illustration shows (Fig. 1), it descends in its posterior extremity towards the temporo parietal suture, and terminates in this a few millimetres in front of the lambdoid suture. The abnormal suture shows but little serration, and the articulation of the two divisions of the parietal bone is squamous in character, the lower portion overlapping the upper... Continue reading book >>