PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF FEET 



811 



The hoof is drawn as if one were looking down into its cavity, 

 showing the bulged form corresponding to the large bone formation 

 on the outer aspect of the foot, 

 occupying the space from the 

 pastern joint downward, and 

 rigidly fixing the joints involved, 

 "in this case, so faithfully illus- 

 trated by the figures produced, 

 phenomena are exhibited that 

 are rarely seen so well. In the 

 back view, Fig. 714 of the spec- 

 imen, is seen the wasted and 

 irregularly flattened state of the 

 coffin-bone, the extent to which 

 cartilages and ligaments have 



FIG. 715. 



become replaced by bone, and 

 also how some of the ligament- 

 ous bands are developed, and their 

 courses modified by attachment to 

 strong spars of bone-substance, 

 displayed to afford hold for these 

 essential bands, without which 

 no movement would be possible, 

 strength would be wanting, and 

 the bones would be crushed by 

 muscular force exerted from above. 

 I find the same order of sequence 

 in this case as I have described in 

 others; firstly external anomalous 

 conditions, alterations of the sur- 

 faces of the coffin-bone, and these 

 succeeded by other compensating 

 provisions. The case is typically 

 illustrative of the two conditions 

 to which I have referred as com- 

 mon to these anomalous changes, 

 destructive and reparative; the 

 first of these in this case is ob- 

 scured by the excess of the latter. I venture to submit that the 

 lesser in appearance was the real diseased state, set up by artificial 

 measures badly applied, and that the additions represent Nature's 

 provisions of palliation, following as the necessary sequels. 



FIG. 716. 



