184 
Mr. Home on the Nature of the 
which makes it project into the cavity of the joint more than 
it could do in a natural state. 
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 intervertebral 
Cavity of the Squalus maximus. By Mr. William Brande. 
The fluid found in the intervertebral cavities is of an opal 
colour ; it is semi-transparent, and has a strong fishy smell 
and taste. 
Its specific gravity is ,1027. 
In the first instance it does not readily mix with water ; 
but is easily diffused through that fluid by agitation. 
When heated in a water bath to a temperature of 212 0 , it 
becomes more transparent, but undergoes no farther apparent 
change. 
Infusion of galls and of catechu produce no alteration 
in it. 
Solution of oxymuriat of mercury occasioned a very copious 
white precipitate, and a similar effect was produced by a solu- 
tion of nitro-muriat of tin. 
Nitrat of silver and acetat of lead threw down precipitates 
of muriat 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, a 
