214 NATURE OF THE INTERVERTEBRAL SUBSTANCE, 



The external portion of the ligament, to the thickness of 

 half an inch, is the only truly elastic part on which its 

 strength depends. 



A chemical Analysis of the Fluid contained in the interverte- 

 bral Cavity of the Squalvs Maximus. By Mr. William 

 Brande. 



the intervertebral cavities is of an opal 

 itransparent, and has a strong fishy smell 



Analysis of the 



The fluid found 



intervertehral 

 fluid of the 

 s^'ine. 



colour; it is semit 

 and taste. 



Its specific gravity is l*0'-27. 



In the first instance it does not readily mix with water; 

 but is easily ditfiised through that fluid by ignition. 



When heated in a water bath to a temperature of 21^2°, it 

 becomes more transparent, but undergoes no farther appa- 

 rent change. 



Infusions of galls and of catechu produce no alteration in 

 it. 



Solution of oximuriate of mercury occasioned a very co- 

 pious vvliite precipitate, and a similar efl'ect was produced by 

 a soUvtiori of nitro-rauriate of tin. 



Nitrate of silver and acetate of lead threw down precipi- 

 tates of muriate of silver and of lead. 



Muriatic acid occasioned a slight cloud after two hours 

 had elapsed, and after twenty-four hours, a small quantity 

 of white flaky matter separated. 



Alcohol produced no change. 



The fluid readily mixed with a solution of pure potash, 9. 

 small quantity of ammonia being at the same time evolved. 

 Muriatic acid did not produce any immediate precipitation 

 in this alkaline solution. 



The effect of these reagents evidently proves the non- 

 lexistenceof gelatine in this fluid ; it would also appear, that 

 it contains no albumen, unless the eff'ects produced by mu- 

 riatic acid, and by the oximuriate of mercury and of tin, 

 be regardve.d as indications of that substance. 



It seems to approach nearer to. mucus or mucilage, than to 

 any other animal fluid*. When 



* Bv mKcus of animals, I mean a glary fluid, which does not mix rea- 

 dily 



