Mr. Walker then read a paper on the “Structure of the Organs of Locomotion in Man”.

After directing attention to the very important part performed by bone in the foundation of the human body, he mentioned the varieties of bone employed in the construction of this framework. The outer shell of bone is hard & dense like ivory, & the inner portion light & spongy.

It consists of an organic substance (gelatine) & inorganic matter (chiefly phosphate and carbonate of lime). By treating bone with dilute Hydrochloric Acid, the inorganic matter may be removed leaving a soft pliable substance which remains the original shape; if however, it be boiled in water the gelatinous portion is dissolved, leaving the mineral matter which is hard and also retains the primary form.

Mr. Walker then carefully described the  minute structure of ‘Bone’, illustrating his remarks by reference to numerous specimens which were exhibited under several microscopes. He also gave an account of the method by which these were prepared for examination.

The second part of Mr. Walker’s paper treated the structure of the variety of muscles employed in controlling the organs of locomotion.