CHAPTER IV. 
llrength of the elbow joint receives but little advantage from the union 
of thefe two bones. A little below this head is a large tubercle, into which 
the biceps mufcle is inferted, which by the advantage oi this infertion 
turns the cubit lupine, as well as bends it. At the lower end,which is thick¬ 
er, is a locket to receive the carpus, and at the fide next the ulna a fmall 
one to receive that bone, and a thin edge, into which the tranfverfe liga¬ 
ment, which arifes from the ulna, is inferted. This ligament ties thefe 
bones conveniently and firmly together; for the ulna being chiefly arti¬ 
culated to the os humeri, and the radius to the carpus, a weight at the hand 
without this ligament, would be liable to pull thefe bones afundcr. 
Of the bones of the hand. (Tab. xxv.) Carpus is compofed of eight 
bones of very irregular forms, undoubtedly the propereft that can be; yet 
why in thefe forms, rather than any other, no one has been able to (hew. 
They have all obfeure motions one with another, and with thofe of the 
metacarpus; but the motion of thofe of the Aril rank, or order, with thole 
of the fecond is more confiderable, and are moved by the fame mufclcs 
which move the carpus on the radius. The metacarpus confifts of four 
bones which fuftain the fingers; that of the fore-finger having the leall 
motion, and that of the little one the moll:: The other ends of thefe bones 
have round heads for the articulations of the fingers; but the other joints 
of the fingers double heads and fockcts. The thumb is Ihorter and ftrong- 
er than any of the fingers, becaufe in its actions it is to refill them all. 
The firfl: joint is very lingular, each bone equally receiving and being re¬ 
ceived ; but for the iliape of thefe bones, and whatever clfe relates to 
them, I mull refer to the prints. 
