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. For all animals, man alone excepted, are
dwarf-like in form. For the dwarf-like is that in which the upper part
is large, while that which bears the weight and is used in progression
is small. This upper part is what we call the trunk, which reaches
from the mouth to the vent. In man it is duly proportionate to the
part below, and diminishes much in its comparative size as the man
attains to full growth. But in his infancy the contrary obtains, and
the upper parts are large, while the lower part is small; so that
the infant can only crawl, and is unable to walk; nay, at first cannot
even crawl, but remains without motion. For all children are dwarfs in
shape, but cease to be so as they become men, from the growth of their
lower part; whereas in quadrupeds the reverse occurs, their lower
parts being largest in youth, and advance of years bringing
increased growth above, that is in the trunk, which extends from the
rump to the head. Thus it is that colts are scarcely, if at all, below
full-grown horses in height; and that while still young they can touch
their heads with the hind legs, though this is no longer possible when
they are older. Such, then, is the form of animals that have either
a solid or a cloven hoof. But such as are polydactylous and without
horns, though they too are of dwarf-like shape, are so in a less
degree; and therefore the greater growth of the lower parts as
compared with the upper is also small, being proportionate to this
smaller deficiency
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