A new inherited character in man

Abstract

Observations on more than 280 human subjects show the existence of two fairly distinct classes with respect to the ability to turn up the lateral edges of the tongue. In typical positive cases the edges can be rolled together over a considerable portion of the distal area of the tongue, while the organ is slightly protruded. In negative cases there is no turning up of the edges at all. A few intermediates have been encountered; and in numerous cases the ability, at first absent, has been acquired by practice. This latter phenomenon is most frequent in children, only one clear case having been found in an adult-and here prolonged efforts were necessary, whereas in children a few hours are sometimes enough. One man reports that he learned the trick as a child, but now has forgotten it and can no longer do it. It should be added that some children, like most negative adults, appear to be unable to learn. In the data that follow, all cases where the ability was at first absent are entered as negative.

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