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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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Natural Theology . No . X . Of the Posture of tfie Human Body : the Muscles . BEFORE we describe the muscles , a description which naturally follows the skeleton or proo-work of
the machine , we may take a general but transient view of the posture of the human body , which is unquestionably the most commodious possible for a rational creature , for one Who was to have dominion over the
other parts of the animal creation , and for one who was to investigate the works of nature , and practise the arts . Without this erect posture he could not have readily turned himself to every business , and on every occasion . Hi s hand could not have been
in so great a readiness to execute the commands of the will and active powers : by means of this structure his eyes are admirably situated to observe things above , below , and all round him ; he has a hemisphere of the heavens and an ample hori 2 on on the earth .
As this erect state is the most complete posture for him , so if we survey the provision made for it , we find all done with manifest design , the utmost art and skill being employed in it . The ligaments and fastenings to the internal parts are completely adapted
to the upright posture of the animal , by which they are kept in a proper position , and prevented falling too low . Moreover ,, let us observe the curious fabric of the bones , those pillars of the body . How artificially are they made , how curiously placed from the crown of the head to the sole of
the foot . 1 he vertebrae of the neck and back are made short , , and level exactly to join , and firmly braced with muscles and tendons for the easy incurvations of the body ; but also for greater strength to support the
body ' s own weight , together with other additional weights and burdens which it may have occasion to bear . The thigh-bones and legs , as we have seen , are long and strong , and every way admirably adapted for the motiong of the body * The feet are ac-
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commodated with a great number of bones , curiously and firmly united which with the muscles , answer to all the motions of the legs and thighs , and at the same time are intended to keep the body upright , by readily assisting against every vacillation ,
keeping the line of direction the centre of gravity in their proper place . With respect to the foot it may be observed , that it was necessary it should be concave at bottom , to enable us to stand firm , and that the nerves and blood-vessels might be free from compression when we stand or
walk : hence the long flexors of the toes cross one another at the bottom of the foot , in the form of a cross , to incline the lesser toes towards the great one , and the greater one towards the lessen The short flexors are chiefly concerned in drawing the toes towards the heel . There are
other tendons which draw the outsides of the foot towards each other : there is also one which runs round the outer ankle , and obliquely forwards crosses the bottom of the foot and at once helps to extend the tarsus , to confine the foot , and to direct
the power of the other extensors towards the ball of the great toe . As the bones are amirably adapted to prop , so all the parts of the bodjr are incomparably placed to poise it . Not one side too heavy for the other , but all in nice equipoise .
" To all this / ' says Mr . Derham , u we may add the wonderful concurrence and ministry , of the prodigious number and variety of muscles , placed throughout the body for this service , that they should so readily answer to every posture , and comply with every
motion without any p revious thoug ht , so that it is worthy of admiration that in so great a variety of motions , as running , leaping , and dancing , the laws of nature with respect to equilibration , should always be observed ; and when neglected , or wilfully transgressed , that the body must neccssa
rily fall . " , Of the Muscles . We now come to speak of those organs which wove the bones , and put the whole frame in motion . These are called " >«***' «and constitute all that part of the nu man body known by the name flesh . - iva Each large muscle consists ot * y dictioct portions , called tbe d « 7 '
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634 Natural Theology . No . X . —Of the Posture of the Human Body .
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To us who now our friendship to record O ' er thee pale friend ! the tears of mein ' ry shed , Sweet solace ' tis , that here thy bones are storM , That dust Athenian strews a Briton ' s head .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Oct. 2, 1815, page 634, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1765/page/34/
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