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Two hundred and eleven Indian skulls originating from medieval times, South of Peru, were studied in respect to variability of the mastoid emissary. Occurrence and localisation of the external orifice of the mastoid emissary were studied in three distinct and well-separated populations, living in the three different places: Villa el Salvador, Tablada de Lurin and Paracas. Most of the skulls presented considerable degree of artificial deformation. External orifice of the mastoid emissary was multiple in most of the skulls, especially in Villa el Salvador and Paracas populations. Mastoid emissaries in Indian were situated generally higher than in European, especially regarding the Paracas population. Significant sex differences were present in this material, regarded as a whole (summarized results for the three populations), what is in agreement with previous observations on European skulls. It indicates that even in cases of relatively deep deformation, some characteristic features of sex dimorphism of the human skull are noticeable. Additionally, the three studied populations, which were well separated from each other and lived alone, differed significantly regarding localization of the mastoid emissaries.

The purpose of the study was establishing differences in the situation of the external orifice of the emissary, its size and angle at which it leaves the skull. It is necessary for optimizaing of position for the internal coil of the speech processor of cochlear implant. As yet, the variability of external foramen of this emissary have not been sufficiently studied, especially in the clinical aspect with respect to the use of cochlear implants. The authors examined 200 skulls of adults of both sexes. The statistically significant differences were observed between sexes and between sides of the body, and they showed a definite regularity. The variability of the site of the emissary is presented in a form useful for clinical purposes.

The authors describe the structure of principles of function of a measuring-recording instruments, so called craniopantograph. The instrument of own design serves for examination of the spatial variability of the orbit. The obtained measurements of the internal shape of the orbit can be processed later by microcomputer technique. For construction of craniopantograph the principles of function of two typical instruments--craniometer and pantograph were used.

Craniometric methods for measurement of orbital cavity as a three-dimensional form have been discussed. The authors notice their deficiency and lack of possibility of their practical utilization. It has been stated that works at a new measurement technique whose results would apply in the teaching hospital should be undertaken in the presence of repeatedly existed injuries of the middle and upper storey of facial skeleton.