6 Mr. Carlisle's Lecture on the Arrangement 
But the mechanical arrangement and physiology of the 
lateral muscles of the body of fishes constitute my present 
object. These parts have already been described in a general 
way by Professor Camper, M. Vicq-d-Azyr, and M. Cuvier, 
to whom I am indebted for much useful information. They 
have been denominated “ couches musculaires ” by M. Vicq-d- 
Azyr,* and “ muscles laterals ” by M. Cuvier. -f The term 
used by M. Cuvier seems very appropriate for the general 
division or class. But, as the flakes are arranged in distinct 
longitudinal rows, these rows must be considered as orders. 
And, as “ couches” appears objectionable, I shall adopt series 
In its stead ; distinguishing each by a word referring to its 
situation in the animal, viz. the dorsal, vertebral, abdominal, 
and ventral series. 
These series are composed of thin masses of muscle, or, as 
they are commonly called, flakes ; which for the most part 
are thicker upon their outward edges, and become wedge- 
shaped towards their interior attachments. Each series is 
separated from the next adjoining by a membraneous parti- 
tion, which is most apparent between the vertebral and 
abdominal series. 
The dorsal series (ff) arises from the back of the head. 
In its course it is terminated on the upper edge by the bones, 
which support the single fins, and a membranous septum : 
at this part the flakes are thin. Its lower margin is bounded 
by the vertebral series, where the flakes become gradually 
thicker. The first flake is composed of longer fibres than the 
rest, and possesses more red blood. Those succeeding it 
* Mem. e'trangers de V Acade'm. des Sci. de Paris. Tom. VII. p. 18. et 223, 
f Legons d’ Anatomic Comparee. Vol. 1 . p. 196. 
