504 LIQUID PARTS OF ANIMALS. 



2. M. Margueron examined the synovia of the ox in 1792.* 

 The synovia which he subjected to experiment was from the joints 

 of the legs, probably the knee-joint ; though that is not stated. 



This synovia, when it had just flowed from the joint, was a viscid 

 semitransparent fluid, of a greenish- white colour, and a smell not 

 unlike that of frog's spawn. It soon acquired the consistence of 

 jelly, and this happened whether it was kept cold or hot, and 

 whether the air had access to it or was excluded. This consist- 

 ence did not continue long. The synovia soon recovered its 

 fluidity, while at the same time a thready-like matter was depo- 

 sited. 



It readily mixed with water, and imported to that liquid a por- 

 tion of its viscidity. When the mixture was boiled it became 

 milky, and deposited some pellicles, but the viscidity was not di- 

 minished. 



Alcohol precipitates albumen from synovia. Margueron found 

 the amount of albumen in the synovia which he examined to be 

 4*52 per cent. The liquid still continued viscid. But when 

 acetic acid was added to it, the viscidity disappeared, the liquid 

 became transparent, and deposited white threads possessing the 

 following properties : 1. It had the colour, smell, taste, and elas- 

 ticity of gluten of wheat. 2. It was soluble in concentrated 

 acids, and alkaline hydrates. 3. It was soluble in cold water ; 

 the solution frothed. Alcohol and acids threw it down in flocks. 

 It amounted to 11*86 per cent., doubtless weighed while moist. 

 The liquid, after the separation of this substance, being con- 

 centrated, deposited crystals of acetate of soda, showing the ex- 

 istence of soda in synovia. The quantity of soda amounted to 

 0-71 per cent. 



When strong sulphuric, muriatic, nitric, acetic, or sulphurous 

 acid was poured into synovia, white flocks precipitated, but they 

 were soon redissolved, and the viscidity of the liquid continued. 

 When very much diluted these acids precipitate the thready mat- 

 ter, and the viscidity of the synovia disappears. 



Synovia, when kept in a dry atmosphere, gradually evaporat- 

 ed, leaving a scaly residue, in which cubic crystals and a white 

 saline efflorescence were apparent. The cubic crystals of com- 

 mon salt amounted to 1*75 per cent, of the synovia. The white 

 efflorescence was carbonate of soda. 



* Ann. de Chim. xiv. 124. 

 4 



