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VI. An anatomical Description of a male Rhinoceros. By Mr , 
H. Leigh Thomas, Surgeon. Communicated by George For- 
dyce, M-. D. F. R. S. 
Read January 29, 1801. 
Our knowledge of this animal has hitherto been extremely 
limited, both with regard to its natural history, and also its 
internal structure. A paper by James Parsons, M. D. giving 
a very accurate description of a young rhinoceros, was read 
before the Royal Society, in June, 1743 ; but, as the Doctor 
does not attempt to describe more of it than the external figure 
and coverings, (which are delineated,) we may presume that 
he never had any opportunity of examining the internal 
parts : his account, however, as far as it goes, is in every 
respect correct ; I shall not, therefore, take up the time of this 
learned Society by a useless recapitulation, but proceed to 
describe such appearances as have not yet been noticed. 
The subject of the following observations was brought from 
the East Indies to England, where it was intended he should 
remain, until a favourable opportunity should offer of send- 
ing him to Vienna. During the passage from India, he ap- 
peared to enjoy a good state of health, which continued 
uninterrupted, until a few days before his death ; at which 
time, he was attacked with difficulty of breathing, and died 
before he had attained his third year. In the course of this 
time, he had become perfectly docile and tame ; but never, by 
mdccci. U 
