Synoptic Gospels
the first three Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which regard events from the same point of view, and present close resemblances to each other. Four hypotheses have been framed to account for the correspondences: (1) That the Synoptic Gospels were derived from a common written source or SYNTHESIS sources. (2) That the earlier Gospels were consulted in the composition of the later ones. (3) That all the three were derived from oral tradition. (4) That they were all derived partly from oral tradition, but that the second was also copied from the first, and the third from the first and second. The Synoptic Gospels treat of the humanity rather than the divinity of Jesus, though not in any way ignoring the latter.
SYNOVIA and SYNOVIAL MEM- BRANE. Synovia is a glutinous fluid secreted by synovial membranes . Synovial membranes are simply modifications of serous membranes, and they invest the tendons and sinews that play over joints and otherwise assist articulations. The synovial fluid is therefore merely a secretion from a serous membrane. It appears, however, to differ in certain particulars from ordinary serous secretions, and is more dense and viscid than ordinary serum. Hence synovia is often popularly named "joint oil." In synovia an abundance of albumen is present. Synovial membranes also invest the bursæ, or little pads which underlie such tendons as those of the extensor muscles of the thigh, in which tendon the patella or knee cap is developed . Synovial membranes are liable to inflammation, known as synovitis.