Jacob Lawson Wortman
On The Affinities of Leptarctus primus of Leidy
American Museum of Natural History, Vol. VI, Article VIII, pp. 229-331.
"On The Affinities of Leptarctus primus of Leidy" by Jacob Lawson Wortman is a scientific publication extracted from the Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, specifically from volume VI, written in the late 19th century. The focus of this work revolves around the anatomical and morphological study of the extinct species Leptarctus primus, aiming to clarify its relationships within the Procyonidae family and its connection to other genera. The text provides a detailed analysis of the physical properties of the lower jaw of Leptarctus primus, discussing the dental structure, including the arrangement and characteristics of its teeth in comparison to contemporary raccoons and related genera. Wortman highlights distinct features of the fossilized remains, such as the robust canine and unique premolar structures, illustrating how these attributes suggest a transitional status between more typical Procyonids and the aberrant Cercoleptes. This examination not only enriches the understanding of Leptarctus primus but also contributes to broader discussions about the evolutionary history and diversity of the Procyonidae family.