Volume 1

An introduction to the comparative anatomy of animals : compiled with constant reference to physiology, and elucidated by twenty copper-plates / by C.G. Carus; translated from the German, by R.T. Gore.

Date:
1827
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introduction to the comparative anatomy of animals : compiled with constant reference to physiology, and elucidated by twenty copper-plates / by C.G. Carus; translated from the German, by R.T. Gore. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    under those heads. As to Swimming’, it is most perfect in the Palmata, but instead of the Swim-bladder of Fishes the body is here supported by the accumulation of fluid fat or oil, (§. 160.) and in a less degree by the lungs, which frequently have the appearance of Swim-bladders; it is propelled by the alternate horizontal motions of the tail, the rowing motions of the extremities apparently con- tributing no farther than the action of the Fins of Fishes. (§. 411.) Next to these the quadrupeds with webbed feet, Beavers, Otters, and Ornithorhynchi, are distinguished for the facility with which they swim, or rather row, (accord- ing to the remark of Home;*) nay, the Beaver, by the alternate motions of the tail, which is placed horizontally, approaches in this respect to the Cetacea. In this Class the Bats are the most peculiarly fitted for Flying, as well by the form of their anterior extremities, (§. 273.) which are unsuited for walking, as by the arrange- ment of the muscles of the arm and shoulder, (§. 427.) and the existence of a membrane for flying, expanded not only between the fingers, but also between the arm and leg, and leg and tail on each side. As flying is here unassisted by the presence of air-cells in the body, of air in the bones, and of feathers,-f- the extraordinary extent of the flying membrane appears to be indispensably necessary; the flut- tering of this animal bearing the same relation to the flight of Birds as the mode of swimming in Rays to that of Osseous Fishes with swim-bladders. (§. 412.) In some other Mammalia, too, e. g. the Flying Maki, Squirrel, Phalanger, &c. we find membranes stretched between the * Led. on Comp. Anat. p. 100. f According to Geoffroy, however, (Annalcs du Mus. d'Hist. Nat. t. xx. p. 15.) in the Genus Nycteris there is a receptacle for air between the muscles and skin, which, as we shall hereafter. find, can be filled from the mouth, and in some degree supplies the want of air-cells. VOL. I. ' B B