PATHOLOGY OF STR1NGHALT. 
137 
modic contraction of muscles. It must be also remembered 
that innervation of large joints is derived from sensory fila¬ 
ments of muscular branches, and that a close connection 
exists in health between muscular action and articular pressure. 
The anatomist's knife can, with the greatest ease, discover 
which nervous branch sends a twig to the articulation; but 
when the twig has passed into the joint, it is hardly possible 
to trace the actual spot of its distribution. Such contraction 
is produced by a morbid form of reflex action, carried from 
the nerves supplying the joint to those of the muscles." 
“ It is generally considered that the spasms, both momentary 
and constant, are produced by a semi-voluntary flinching 
from the pain.” “ The inflammation may be, as we have 
already said, acute or chronic; when acute an ulcer with 
clean-cut edges is produced; when the action is chronic, the 
hyaline structure is converted into fibres, which render the 
edges and bottom of the ulcer rough and uneven." 
I believe I have now noticed all the points referred to by 
Professor Varnell, to whom I feel indebted for the con¬ 
siderate and friendly way in which he has handled my 
theory; and permit me further to say that I have no am¬ 
bition to be considered a discoverer. My object w r as to 
court inquiry, and to invite investigation upon a point of 
“ doubtful pathology." 
Since I commenced writing this letter I have received the 
November number of your Journal, and in it are some 
remarks from Mr. Fleming on the subject of stringhalt. 
There are, however, but two points in his communication 
requiring a notice from me, as Professor Varnell has already 
gone over the same ground, much more ably, and in a style 
and manner more agreeable, I have no doubt, to your 
readers, and from which Mr. Fleming might, with advantage 
to himself, take a lesson. Mr. Fleming charges me with 
ignorance of comparative anatomy and physiology, because I 
was not aware—if such is the fact—that the sulci in the 
lower part of the groove of the astragalus are devoid of car¬ 
tilage. Now, as I obtained what little knowledge of com¬ 
parative anatomy I possess from veterinary works, that 
gentleman wfill please inform your readers the name of the 
English veterinary physiologist or anatomist who makes 
mention of these sulci being covered with cartilage, or who 
(with the exception of Mr. Gamgee, whose work on osteology 
I have just received) even mentions their existence; if he 
cannot do so, Mr. Fleming may have perchance, unwittingly 
on his part, made himself a “ discoverer." 
Your compositor makes me say, f<r the synovial tissue was 
