REVIKW—RIGOT’S ARTICULATIONS OF THE HORSE. 419 
that we pardon the author for the omissions of which he has, 
perhaps accidentally, been guilty. The arrangement of the 
matter is most judicious, and meets with our entire approbation. 
The contents of this little volume are divided into three parts. 
The first of which treats on the articulations in general, their 
classification according to their modes of junction and move¬ 
ment, the structure and uses of cartilage, fibro-cartilage, the liga¬ 
ments, the synovial membrane, and the synovia. The second 
section gives a special description of each articulation; and the 
third is occupied in treating on pseudarthrosis, and the synovial 
tendinous thecce. We will make allusion only to those parts of 
the subject which, either from their novelty or utility, may 
prove interesting to professional readers. 
On a perusal of the remarks made by M. Rigot on the car¬ 
tilages covering the ends of the bones that enter into the form¬ 
ation of the diarthrodeal articulations, it appears very evident 
that he doubts the veracity of the generally-received opinion of 
their being covered by a reflection of the synovial membrane 
lining the other parts of the articular cavity. Although he does 
not decidedly state that such is not the case, yet, from the 
tenor of his observations, we are led to conclude that his views 
of the matter are unfavourable to such a theory—for theory it 
is—it being impossible by maceration, or any other process used 
by anatomists for such purposes, to demonstrate the existence of 
a membrane covering the articulatory cartilages; excepting where 
a false one has been formed by the effusion and subsequent 
organization of lymph during some inflammatory action of which 
the articulation has been the seat. Time, and minute investiga¬ 
tion have not, however, in the least changed M. Rigot’s original 
opinion. 
In his lectures, delivered at the veterinary school at Alfort, 
we have repeatedly heard him say, that he did not believe 
that the synovial membrane was reflected over the cartilages, 
and that his opinion would remain unaltered until he had 
ocular demonstration to convince him that it was erroneous. 
He very quaintly remarks, If the cartilages do receive and 
are covered by a reflection of the synovial membrane, why 
have we not an increased vascularity of their surface when that 
portion of the membrane lining all other parts of the articulation 
is highly vascular, and labouring under the effects of acute in¬ 
flammation.” 
Such are also the arguments of tliat excellent pathologist, Gen- 
drin : they are weighty, and as such deserve our most serious 
consideration. It is, however, more a question of anatomical 
and physiological interest than one of pathological importance. 
