. The cyclopædia of anatomy and physiology. Anatomy; Physiology; Zoology. MYRIAPODA. 549 overlaps tlie greater number of the pieces belonging to the month. The second segment, by far the larger and the stronger of the two, and, in fact, from the density of its corneous envelope, the strongest segment of the whole body, is entirely devoted to the support and movement of a pair of sharp bi-articulate and hooked fangs resembling jaws, that move trans- versely like the (so-called) mandibles of a Spider, but which are in reality only modifica- tions of the ambulatory feet converted into instruments
. The cyclopædia of anatomy and physiology. Anatomy; Physiology; Zoology. MYRIAPODA. 549 overlaps tlie greater number of the pieces belonging to the month. The second segment, by far the larger and the stronger of the two, and, in fact, from the density of its corneous envelope, the strongest segment of the whole body, is entirely devoted to the support and movement of a pair of sharp bi-articulate and hooked fangs resembling jaws, that move trans- versely like the (so-called) mandibles of a Spider, but which are in reality only modifica- tions of the ambulatory feet converted into instruments for killing prey, each being per- forated near its sharp termination with a long oval slit, through which venom is said to be instilled into the wound inflicted by this formidable weapon. The head properly so called, namely the circular shield-like plate seen upon the dorsal surface at the anterior extremity of the body, although apparently consisting of a simple horny disc, is doubtless composed of several segments conjoined superiorly; indeed, these are completely confused, and inferiorly are too soft and membranous to be distinguished, except by the presence of those articulated appendages, which, although forming parts of the mouth, are still merely repetitions of the jointed legs affixed to the other segments of the body. Thus the most superficial plate, with its articu- lated appendage, the lubium and labial palpus of entomologists, is but an incomplete ventral scutum, with its articulated limb in a rudimen- tary condition as compared with those of the body, and is even armed with a distinct claw, as are the locomotive legs. In like manner the second pair, the maxilla of authors, are legs but one step further removed from their normal form, but not more so than are the poison- fangs already described. In the third pair or mandibles we have a leg reduced to its terminal claw, and that is broad and serrated so as to become useful in manducation. Lastly, the corneous and s
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