XIII. Observations on the different species of Asiatic elephants, and their mode of dentition

Abstract

Having already communicated some particulars respecting the manners and habits of the elephant, which have been favourably received by the Royal Society, I trust the following observations, chiefly on the dentition of this useful animal, will not be deemed unworthy of their attention. Before I enter on this new and curious subject, I think it will be proper to premise a few general observations on the various casts of the Asiatic elephant, and also on the tusks; as the form and size of these give a diversity of appearance, which may be considered as forming varieties of the same species of elephant.