182 PHILOSOPHICAL TKANSACTIONS. [aNNO 1727. 



large, and is composed of 6 lobes, some of which are subdivided by fissures. 

 The lowermost lobe is connected by a membrane to the right kidney. The 

 kidneys were surrounded with fat. The renes succenturiati are small yellow 

 bodies seated on the side of the vena cava, above the emulgents. Like the 

 other glands they appeared wasted. The shape of the stomach is represented in 

 fig. 3, pi. 4. The intestinal tube is of a singular structure, at the junction of the 

 small with the large intestines. The entrance of the ileum into the colon is only 

 3 lines in diameter ; the colon where it joins the ileum, 2 lines. But the caecum 

 is remarkably large, being 2 inches in diameter. The so called valve of the 

 colon is worthy of notice ; it is of an annular form, remarkably small, and 

 altogether of a very singular structure. The entrance of the ileum is, as it 

 were, between 2 tunicae [vel membranae] conniventes, which totally prevent the 

 return of the excrement into the small intestines. The 2 membranes which, 

 by their mutual approximation and contact, constitute the aforesaid valve, are 

 of a rhomboidal figure. Besides these there are other annular, connivent 

 valves which belong to the caecum. This observation (Dr. S. thinks) throws 

 much light on the use of the caecum, which in new-born infants is generally 

 very large ; viz. it serves as a receptacle or lodgment-place, for the excrements 

 for 9 months, during which time they are collected in the intestines, without 

 being voided. It is the same with dormant animals, in the winter season ; 

 during which no excrement comes away from them ; yet, notwithstanding the 

 slow circulation and secretion which then take place, and the abstinence from 

 food, faecal matter is produced ; and, that it may not over-distend and plug up 

 either the small or large intestines, it is transmitted to the caecum, where it is 

 lodged until the next spring ; its return into the colon being prevented by the 

 beforementioned valves. 



This remarkable structure of the aforesaid intestines is represented at b, and 

 of the valves at c. 



[Then follows a description of the muscles in this animal ; respecting which 

 Dr. S. remarks, that the platysma myoides is very thick and strong. It covers 

 not only the anterior and lateral part of the neck, but likewise the whole of the 

 masseter muscle, and extends as far as to the articulation of the humerus with 

 the cubitus ; it is inserted both into the upper and lower lip.* It contributes 

 greatly to the flexion of the fore feet, as well as to the movement of the lips : 

 for these animals apply their food to the mouth with their fore feet (which thus 

 supply the place of hands) and use their fore feet also for making holes or bur- 



* Dr. S. afterwards mentions that a portion of the platysma myoides is inserted into tlie spine oi 

 the scapula. 



