The principal Use of this Mucilage is to lubricate the Joints,
and to render and preserve the Extremities of the Bones, at their
Articulations, smooth and supple, for the easy Performance of animal
Motion. Besides this mucilaginous Liquor from these Glands, there is an
oily medullary kind of Substance transmitted through the very Bone into
the Cavity of the Joints: These two Liquors are mixed by the Motion
of the Joints, the Mucilage contributes to make the Oyl more slimy,
and the Oyl preserves the Mucilage from stiffening into a Jelly. This
Mucilage further serves to prevent the Extremities of the Joints from
being burnt up in the Gout. In the same Manner the Muscles and Tendons
are lubricated and kept in Vigour by the Liquor supplied from the same
kind of Glands placed on their Membranes.