45 



these various actions go on in the foot. The coffin bone de- 

 scends lower into the hoof, the laminae, by their elastic connec- 

 tions, permitting it ; the sensible sole is compressed, and perhaps 

 the horny laminae opposite the coffin bone slightly descends. 

 Well, the horny sole and the anterior part of the frog opposite 

 the navicular bone descend and expand the quarters parallel to 

 them, whilst at the same time, the elastic or sensible frog, being 

 compressed, is forced down upon the horny frog, and contri- 

 butes to the expansion of the heels ; but if the horny frog meets 

 the ground, the cushion, being pressed upon both above and be- 

 low, enlarges laterally, and expands the upper part of the foot 

 and lateral cartilages." 



This quotation is introduced for the purpose of showing the 

 loose views entertained by one of the most influential authori- 

 ties upon the " Foot of the Horse," regarding the most impor- 

 tant function possibly pertaining to that organ, namely, the sus- 

 taining or supporting ordination of the sole. He says the sole 

 "may or may not" have a bearing upon the ground. I affirm 

 that it must have a bearing either upon the ground or its equiv- 

 alent, the shoe, in order to exercise and maintain its functions 

 in a state of efficiency. 



FACILIS DECENSUS AVERNUS. 



Descent of the horny sole being regarded as a function, this 

 error renders the acquisition of erroneous views necessary to 

 support it, an easy matter; just as a recognition of its falsity, 

 and the necessity of a supporting function to the sole will have 

 an important influence in producing correct views of other func- 

 tions. It does not, however, always do this, as I shall show by 

 an illustrious example, namely, Professor Gamgee, senior, who, 

 though strenuously advocating a sustaining function to the 

 sole, denies the contractility and expansibility of the foot func- 

 tionally or otherwise ! Per contra, Mr. Spooner recognizes this 

 latter function, but is loose-jointed upon the sustaining func- 

 tions of the sole. How passing strange, that men of such mark, 

 and of such "large discourse" upon that ever-fertile topic, the 



