402 
is in their having undergone, comparatively speaking, but 
little change, — that not only the structure of the bones is 
perfect, but their constituents remain in a state of combina- 
tion. Now, to prove that this is the case with the bones of 
the Megaceros, I shall adduce the following evidence : — 
Dr. Hart in his pamphlet on the Fossil Deer of Ireland, 
gives the following analysis of a portion of a rib : — 
Animal Matter 42.87 
Phosphates with some Fluates ... 43.45 
Carbonate of Lime 9.14 
Oxides 1.02 
Silica 1.14 
Water and Loss 2 38 
100.00 
He then, with a view to ascertain the state of the animal 
matter, submitted a portion of bone to Dr. Apjohn, of 
Dublin for examination, who reported as follows: — The 
bone was subjected for two days to the action of dilute 
Muriatic Acid, when examined at the end of this period, it 
had become as flexible as a recent bone submitted to the 
action of the same solvent. The periosteum was in some 
parts puffed out by Carbonic Acid Gas disengaged from 
the bone, and appeared to be in a state of perfect soundness. 
To a portion of the solution of the bone in the Muriatic 
Acid some infusion of galls was added, which caused a 
copious precipitate of a dun colour. This proved to be 
Tannate of Gelatine, mixed with a small portion of the 
Tannate and Gallate of Iron. The cartilage and gelatine, 
therefore, so far from being destroyed, had not been per- 
ceptibly altered by time.* Archdeacon Maunsell found the 
marrow in some of the large bones changed into adipocere, 
and from these he caused some soup to be made, and sent a 
sample to the Royal Dublin Society. 
• Hart, p. 19. 
