Page:Geology and Mineralogy considered with reference to Natural Theology, 1837, volume 1.djvu/187

 Rh teeth, (Pl. 23, Figs. 1'—2'.) The form of this jaw shows that the head was terminated by a straight and narrow snout, compressed laterally like that of the Delphinus Gangeticus.

As in all animals, the jaws and teeth form the most characteristic parts, I shall limit my present observations to a few striking circumstances in the dentition of the Megalosaurus. From these we learn that the animal was a reptile, closely allied to some of our modern Lizards; and viewing the teeth as instruments for providing food to a carnivorous creature of enormous magnitude, they appear to have been admirably adapted to the destructive office for which they were designed. Their form and mechanism will best be explained by reference to the figures in Pl. 23.

In the structure of these teeth, (Pl. 23, Figs. 1, 2, 3,) we find a combination of mechanical contrivances analogous to those which are adopted in the construction of the knife, the sabre, and the saw. When first protruded above the gum, (Pl. 23, Figs. 1'. 2'.) the apex of each tooth presented a double cutting edge of serrated enamel. In this stage, its position and line of action were nearly vertical, and its