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.
Dwarf-like again is the race of birds and fishes; and so in fact, as
already has been said, is every animal that has blood. This is the
reason why no other animal is so intelligent as man. For even among
men themselves if we compare children with adults, or such adults as
are of dwarf-like shape with such as are not, we find that, whatever
other superiority the former may possess, they are at any rate
deficient as compared with the latter in intelligence.
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