On the structure of the dental tissues of marsupial ani­mals, and more especially of the enamel

Abstract

The author of this communication, after examining microscopi­cally the teeth of many marsupial animals taken from the majority of the families that make up the order Marsupialia, finds that they possess a structural character by which they may be distinguished from other mammalian teeth, subject only to one of two exceptions; In which exceptions, however, the teeth are small and may readily be distinguished from marsupial by their external character. They are the teeth of the Hyrax Capensis , the British Shrews, and the molar teeth of the Jerboa. The author states, that so far as he has had opportunities of ex­amination, the teeth of the various species may also be distinguished, the one from the other. He points out, for instance, that, on com­parison, the teeth of Dasyurus ursinus may be distinguished from the D. macrourus .