104 THE STRUCTURE OF THE HORSE. 



peculiarities of the horse's structure are all modifica- 

 tions of a more generalized form, and that their sig- 

 nificance can only be understood after a wide study 

 of the anatomy of allied forms, has never entered 

 into the mind of any veterinary anatomist. Cer- 

 tainly, in some of the most recent works, such as 

 that of Chauveau, attempts to harmonize the nomen- 

 clature of parts with that used elsewhere show a 

 recognition of the community of structure and origin 

 between the horse and other animals ; but still the 

 knowledge imparted in them has been more adapted 

 to the technical requirements of the practitioner than 

 to the enlightenment of those who wish for a broader 

 and more philosophical view of the ways of nature. 



It is only proposed here to select a few of the 

 most leading parts, which may be of general interest, 

 and to show their signification and relation, describ- 

 ing them, as far as possible, in language which can 

 be understood by those who are not professional 

 anatomists. 



For convenience the subject may be divided ac- 

 cording to the regions of the body in which the parts 

 spoken of are placed, certain of those situated in 

 the head and neck being first selected for considera- 

 tion ; while the limbs, which are of as great impor- 

 tance philosophically as they are practically, will be 

 reserved for another chapter. 



