Hooper, Robert [Hrsg.]: The Anatomist's Vade-Mecum: Containing The Anatomy, Physiology, Morbid Appearances, &c. Of The Human Body ; The Art of making Anatomical Preparations, &c. To which are added Anatomical, Physiological, Medical, And Surgical Examinations For Students (London, 1811)

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DISEASED APPEARANCES OF MUSCLES.

Muscles are subject to a variety of diseases, many of which
affect their functions without producing any alteration in their
organization.

The diseases of structure which are observed by the ana-
tomist, post mortem, are, a conversion of a part or a whole
muscle into bone; they are often seen considerably dimi-
nished in size, different in their colour fiom surrounding mus-
cles, inflamed, suppurated, gangrenous, particularly soft,
and also morbidly contracted.

Conversion into bone. A portion of a muscle is occasion-
ally converted into bone : this is observed in the heart, in the
muscular coat of arteries, and in the diaphragm. It consists
in a diseased action of the nutritious arteries, by which they
deposit bony or earthy particles, instead of muscular matter.

Diminution of size. A general diminution of the bulk of
muscles in the body, or emaciation, is a very common oc-
currence : but, besides this, the anatomist occasionally finds
an obvious wasting of a single muscle; as the heart, the bi-
ceps, &c. This, in most instances, arises from a deficiency
of nervous power in the muscle.

Change of colour. The healthy colour of muscle is a florid
or flesh colour. Muscles that have become paralytic, and.
muscles of dropsical subjects, are mostly of a paler hue. Be-
sides this, a muscle, has been known to have changed its co-
lour to a pale yellow, resembling fat, whilst the surrounding
ones possessed their healthy appearance.

Inflammation. This affection occurs very frequently. It
consists in an increase of vascularity; the muscle appears of

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