258 
BARLOW ON TENDINOUS STRUCTURES. 
possess a power inherent in themselves and independent of 
the will. This is exemplified in cases of fractured and dislo- 
cated bones, when, in consequence of a change of the opposing 
force, the most moveable part of the bone is, by the muscles con- 
nected with it, drawn towards the least moveable portion, and, 
although forcibly, yet without voluntary effort. Surely, this pro- 
perty will not be wanting in connexion with those fibres which 
originate, as muscular, from the scapula, and become inserted by 
tendon into the humerus or elsewhere. 
In fact, when, as takes place in the affection called “ shoulder 
slip,” there is wasting of the muscular substance covering the 
dorsum scapulae, we find the action of the shoulder joint so inter- 
fered with, that the scapula and humerus, moving on each other, 
present a peculiar outward rolling action, that takes place when 
weight comes immediately on the articulation they form ; and 
although this is a “ shoulder lameness,” attended with less apparent 
pain than some others, complete recovery only takes place when 
the wasted parts are restored ; and shewing still further the use of 
this muscular fibre even in a standing position, the same peculiar 
symptoms exist (if weight comes upon the -joint), though, of course, 
in a less degree, than when the horse is in action. “ Shoulder lame- 
ness,” though often occurring in “ the parts that are the ligaments 
of the joint,” is not confined to them , and the symptoms differ accord- 
ingly as the synovial and cartilaginous “ parts” are affected inter- 
nally, as the substances of the muscles on the dorsum of the 
scapula, or tendons near the shoulder joint are externally involved, 
or as the flexor brachii, with its fibro-cartilaginous groove and 
bursa, is more especially the seat of disease. Ulceration of the 
articular cartilage and synovial membrane between the scapula 
and humerus is denoted by symptoms very different to those 
existing when corresponding structures between the flexor brachii 
and the anterior part of the head of the humerus are affected by 
ulceration, or when the tendinous structure of the flexor brachii is 
sprained. The relation of these tissues to the shoulder joint, the 
functions which they actively and passively perform in connexion 
therewith, the nature of the various diseases and injuries to which 
they are liable, the symptoms denoting the various kinds of 
“ shoulder lameness,” and the varieties of its situation, have so 
long been described by Professor Dick, in his lectures at the 
Edinburgh Veterinary College, that I am surprised Mr. Mayhew 
should consider the anatomy and physiology of the parts described 
by him as new, and still more do I wonder that, with reference to 
their diseases, he has “ nothing positive to advance.” 
Another powerful means of enabling the horse to rest and sleep 
standing, and which Mr. Mayhew passes by in his anxiety to 
