Myotomia reformata, or, A new administration of all the muscles of humane bodies wherein the true uses of the muscles are explained, the errors of former anatomists concerning them confuted, and several muscles not hitherto taken notice of described : to which are subjoin'd a graphical description of the bones, and other anatomical observations : illustrated with figures after the life / by William Cowper, Surgeon.

Palmaris Brevis.

* 1.1

By Spigelius called Caro Musculofa* 1.2 Quadrata. Anatomists have been ex∣treamly deceived in their Idea's of this Muscle; it not Arising from the Mem∣brana Carnosa, as Columbus pretends, or from the Eighth Bone of the Carpus, as Falloppius Writes; but it springeth* 1.3 with a Broad Membrane-like Tendon from the External part of the Os Meta∣carpi Minimi Digiti, and one of the Bones of the Carpus; whence Ascend∣ing over the Abductor Minimi Digiti it becomes a Thin Disgregated Fleshy Muscle, marching under the Tendi∣nous expansion of the Former in the Palm, and is Inserted by a short, strong Tendon, to the Eighth Bone of the Carpus.

This Acting Draws the Mons Lunae towards the Os Metacarpi Minimi Di∣giti, whereby the Palm becomes hol∣low; contrary to the Opinion of Spi∣gelius, who pretends it Extends the Hand when we open it; which is not done by any proper Muscle, but by the Common Extenders of the Fingers.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Bid. T. 64. K.
• * 1.2

  Lib. v. C. xxxv.
• * 1.3

  Observat. Anatom.