AN UNUSUAL CASE OF POLYDACTYLISM

Congenital abnormalities are always of interest. While cases of supernumerary digits are not uncommon, such digits are usually rudimentary in character and are simply appendages to other digits. In the present case there is complete absence of the thumbs on each hand, each thumb being replaced by two complete and functioning digits. Heredity is believed to play an important role in these congenital abnormalities, but no hereditary history could be elicited in this case. The person who presents this anomaly is J. D., a colored laborer, aged 50, well developed and nourished and of large frame, who was admitted to the hospital because of varicosities of both legs, associated with large varicose ulcers on the anterior aspect of the legs. The hands are symmetrical. In the place of each thumb