THE CANCELLI OF BONES 101 



on comparison to be incorrect. In the lower ex- 

 tremity of the femur, and in both extremities of 

 the tibia, in the astragalus and os calcis, the can- 

 celli are accurately described and figured. Mr. 

 F. 0. Ward, in his Outlines, 1 as regards the struc- 

 ture of the bones of the tarsus, simply follows the 

 descriptions of Bourgery and Jacob. He has at- 

 tempted a description of the mechanical structure 

 of the neck of the thighbone, but as will be 

 shown further on, there is sufficient reason for 

 regarding his description, as well as that of the 

 last mentioned authors, incorrect in its details. 

 These constitute the only references which I have 

 been able to find, bearing upon the subject of 

 this communication. 



Before proceeding to the detailed description 

 of individual parts, it may be proper to state, in 

 general terms, the inferences which are deducible 

 from the structures of the various bones, and, 

 more especially, from those which assist in main- 

 taining the body in its erect position ; there are 

 two : 



1. The cancelli of such bones as assist in sup- 

 porting the weight of the body are arranged 

 either in the direction of that weight, or in such 

 a manner as to support and brace those cancelli 

 which are in that direction. In a mechanical 



1 Outlines of Human Osteology, by F. O. Ward. London : 



1838. 



