CHAPTER VIII 



HUMAN MOVEMENTS 

 From the Point of View of Kinetics 



Summary. — Some movements in man; the study of them by the 

 graphic method — Speed of different paces in man ; relationship 

 between the frequency and length of stride — Duration of tin- 

 rise and fall of the foot in walking and running — Path described 

 by any particular part of the body during different paces; 

 mechanical means of recording it — The study of movements 

 in man by means of chronophotography on fixed plates; long- 

 jumping; high-jumping — Skilled movements, fencing, etc. — 

 Jumping rom a height — The swing of the leg in walking. 



Sooie Movements in Man. — The ancients, who positively 

 worshipped physical exercises, only understood them 

 from the point of view of practical experience; they 

 were entirely ignorant of the functions of muscles, 

 but they knew how to turn out a good runner or 

 wrestler. Later on, as anatomy revealed the structure 

 of the human frame and the muscular system, it was 

 the current belief that the function of an organ was 

 dependent on the shape or form, and in consequence 

 a system of physical training was established on 

 entirely erroneous theories. Doubtless it would have 

 been wise to have retained the traditions which were 

 founded on practical experience, until such time as 

 Science was in a position to impose really useful 

 amendments. 



It was not till the seventeenth century that Borelli 



