422 



THE MECHANICAL FUNCTIONS. 



in the Lophius piscatorius, or Angler, as may be 

 seen in Fig. 191, where B is the scapula; c, the 

 clavicle ; u, the ulna ; and R, the radius. The 



191 



carpus may also be recognised in a chain of 

 small bones, w, interposed between the radius 

 and the Phalanges, z. In the Ray these pha- 

 langes are very numerous, and each is divided 

 into several pieces by regular articulations : 

 these are shown in Fig. 192 : they are arranged 

 close to one another in one plane, and form an 

 effectual base of support to the integument which 

 covers them. The scapula, according to Cuvier, 

 is sometimes detached from the rest of the ske- 

 leton, and at other times connected with the 

 spine : in most cases, however, it is suspended 



theory with the fact that these bones do not proceed from the 

 spine, and are quite detached from the rest of the skeleton. It 

 is evident, therefore, that if they are to be considered as analo- 

 gous to the bones of the hinder extremities in the mammalia, 

 they are in a condition of very imperfect developement. 



