OF MUSCULARITY AND ELASTICITY 



83 



in sheaths, strengthened by cross-straps of liga- 

 ment. If the tendon, A (Fig. 27), took the short- 

 est course to its termination at B, it would draw 

 up the toe with greater force ; but then the toe 



FIG. 27. 



would lose its velocity of movement. By taking 

 the direction C, close to the joints, the velocity 

 of motion is secured, and by this arrangement 

 the toes possess their spring, and the fingers their 

 lively movements. We may take this opportu- 

 nity of noticing how the mechanical opposition 

 is diminished as the living muscular power is 

 exhausted. For example, in lifting a weight, the 

 length of the lever of resistance will be from 

 the centre of the elbow-joint, A (Fig. 28), to the 

 centre of the weight, B. As the muscles of the 

 arm contract, they lose something of their power ; 

 but in a greater proportion is the mechanical 



