The tarsal bones, in all important
circumstances of number, disposition, and form, resemble those of man
(Fig. 19). The metatarsals and digits, on the other hand, are
proportionally longer and more slender, while the great toe is not only
proportionally shorter and weaker, but its metatarsal bone is united by
a more moveable joint with the tarsus. At the same time, the foot is
set more obliquely upon the leg than in man.
{Footnote} *In speaking of the foot of his "Pygmie," Tyson remarks, p.
13:-- "But this part in the formation and in its function too, being
liker a Hand than a Foot: for the distinguishing this sort of animals
from others, I have thought whether it might not be reckoned and called
rather Quadru-manus than Quadrupes, 'i.e.' a four-handed rather than a
four-footed animal."
As this passage was published in 1699, M. I. G. St. Hilaire is clearly
in error in ascribing the invention of the term "quadrumanous" to
Buffon, though "himanous" may belong to him. Tyson uses "Quadrumanus"
in several places, as at p. 91.... "Our 'Pygmie' is no Man, nor yet
the 'common Ape', but a sort of 'Animal' between both; and though a
'Biped', yet of the 'Quadrumanus'-kind: though some 'Men' too have been
observed to use their 'Feet' like 'Hands', as I have seen several.
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