WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. G87 
extremities of long bones, degenerate, give rise to absorption of 
the cartilage, and empty itself into the cavity of the joint. In 
these cases the synovial membrane becomes effected, no synovia 
is secreted, attrition of the extremities of the bones, as in the case 
alluded to above, and absorption takes place : occasionally, how¬ 
ever, nature make a desperate effort to preserve the articulation 
by depositing a porcellaneous substance, as shown in Professor 
"Williams' specimen, on the articular surfaces. Sometimes the 
tubercular matter is enclosed in a callous cyst in the interior of a 
bone, at other times it increases in size to such an extent as to 
cause a bulging of the compact structure of the bone, in which 
also tubercular matter is infiltrated, and ultimately a channel is 
formed, by necrosis, communicating with the medullary canal, 
and producing externally a chronic sinuous ulcer, defying in some 
instances surgical science to heal. After the evacuation of 
tubercular products the medullary canal is said by some 
authorities to become filled with a gelatinous-like substance, the 
true medullary matter not at all times being again restored. 
Ossific deposits are also found at the extremities of bones 
entering into the composition of tubercular joints, as the result 
of inflammatory action. 
In conclusion, Mr. President and Gentlemen, allow me to 
express a hope that, in the pages I have just read, some idea may 
have been dropped, which, falling upon good ground, will bring 
forth fruit a hundredfold. I trust that such may be the case 
to-day; and as I have freely expressed my opinions you will do 
the same whether you agree with me or not. 
After the reading of the essay, Mr, McLean, in thanking Mr. 
Walley, remarked that the meeting would certainly agree with 
him in saying that the thesis, besides being based on sound 
theory, was replete with practical observations. Indeed, the sub¬ 
ject had been most elaborately handled by the author. 
At the desire of the Association, the Secretary received in¬ 
structions for the essay to be forwarded to the Editors of the 
Veterinarian for publication. 
Professor Walley invited discussion on his essay, remarking 
that he had never yet attended a scientific gathering such as this 
without being, himself, much edified and instructed. 
Professor Fordie, in his criticism, said :—I think it is a mistake 
to dwell so long and give so much attention to the production of 
tuberculosis, and to overlook the diathesis of the disease. 
Tuberculosis in man bears no relation to that of the lower 
animals, and especially to the disease of the bovine species. The 
different appellations given to it in the human subject, as decline, 
consumption, &c., might be regarded by many persons as the 
