which may be contained in the vertebral column, and which, from its probable length, may be very numerous, the fossil skeleton of the superior part of the Lily Encrinite (Encrinites Moniliformis) consists of at least 26,000 pieces. See Pl. 50, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, &c.[1]
Mr. Miller observes that this number would increase most surprisingly, were we to take into account the minute calcareous plates that are interwoven in the integument covering the abdominal cavity and inner surface of the fingers and tentacula.[2]
We will first examine the contrivances in the joints, of the vertebral column, which adapted it for flexure in every direction, and then proceed to consider the arrangement of other parts of the body.
These joints are piled on each other like the masonry of a slender Gothic shaft, but, as a certain degree of flexibility was requisite at every articulation, and the amount of this flexure varied in different parts of the column, being least at the base and greatest at the summit, we find proportionate
- ↑ Although the names here used are borrowed from the skeleton of vertebrated animals, and are not strictly applicable to radiated Echinoderms, it will be convenient to retain them until the comparative anatomy of this order of animals has been arranged in some other more appropriate manner.
- ↑
Bones of the Pelvis 5 Ribs 5 Clavicles 5 Scapulæ 5 Arms, Six bones in each of the ten arms 60 Hands. Each hand being formed of two fingers, and each finger consisting of at least 40 ossicula, these in 20 fingers make800 Tentacula. 30 proceeding from each of the 6 bones in each of the ten arms, make1800 30 proceeding, on the average, from each of the 800 bones of the fingers make24,0OO ———— Total 26,680
