The acoustic properties of bovine cancellous (spongy) bone have been experimentally studied in vitro by the pulse transmission technique. Fast and slow longitudinal waves have been clearly identified when the acoustic wave propagates parallel to the direction of the trabeculae. Propagation speeds and attenuation of the fast and slow waves were observed in the frequency range of 0.5-5 MHz. Theoretical discussion is given to Blot's theory and the propagation of sound waves in fluid-saturated porous media. (C) 1997 Acoustical Society of America.