OSSEOUS SYSTEM OP MAMMALIA. 79 



position of the scapula in Man, and in those of the lower Mammalia which 

 possess a perfect clavicle, is almost flat on the dorsal aspect of the ribs, 

 its long or acute angle having a posterior direction. This will be easily 

 understood by a reference to the previous 

 sketch (fig. 77) ; but, in the Horse, it occu- 

 pies a different position (fig. 78). 



In the first place, the aspect of the scapula 

 in the horse is more lateral, being almost hori- 

 zontal, obliquely verging inward ; while, with 

 respect to the humerus, it inclines backward at a 

 considerable angle. The humerus itself is not 

 perpendicular : on the contrary, it sweeps ob- 

 liquely backward as it proceeds, and forms, at 

 its union with the ulna and radius, another angle. 

 The angles, which the different portions of the 

 osseous framework of the limb make with each 



Osseous framework of the chest and . 1 -i-rv ill 11 



shoulder of the Horse.-^., The scapula; other, tend to amuse the shock ; each, by a re- 



coil, lessening the violence of the concussion a 

 with the radius. concussion which, were the bones placed per- 



pendicularly below each other, so as to form a straight columnar sup- 

 port, would not only injure the bones themselves, but jar the whole 

 frame. While considering the angle, which the bones of the limbs (for 

 the same principle will be found in the hinder extremities) naturally 

 present, with respect to each other, it may be observed, that rapidity 

 and suddenness of action, and hence velocity of motion, are immediately 

 connected with it. It is, in fact, the obliquity of the bones of the limbs, 

 with respect to each other, which gives to the Deer and the Antelope that 

 springiness and elasticity that power of instantaneously bounding, so 

 characteristic of the race that facility, which they display, of leaping, 

 or starting away, without apparent effort, or the necessity of previously 

 bringing the limbs into a position for the first impulsive movement. 

 When, however, the limb has to support an enormous weight, pressing 

 directly down upon it, this decidedly angular arrangement of its bones is no 

 longer admissible. Hence the almost perpendicular bearing of the mas- 

 sive bones of which the limb of the Elephant is constructed a limb, 

 which may be compared to the gnarled stem of some old oak, heavy and 

 clumsy, but admirably in keeping with the unwieldy bulk it supports. 



A more explicit survey of the comparative structure of the anterior 

 limbs of the Mammalia, and the analogue of the human hand, as it is 

 modified through various groups from the paw of the Monkey, to the 

 solipedous foot of the Horse, the bisulcate foot of the Ox, or the paddle 

 of the Whale, may be next attempted. It has been seen how the hand 

 and arm of Man harmonize ; and the way, in which the clavicle becomes 



