NATURAL THEOLOGY. 119 



than those near the centre ; consequently, when there 

 is a strain upon the rope, the outer fibres will break 

 first and the others in succession. A rope, of a new 

 patent, has been made, which is said to be many times 

 stronger than any other cord of the same dimensions. 

 The strands are plaited, (that is, interwoven or in- 

 terlaced as in a splice or braid,) instead of being twis- 

 ted. Now, if the strong tendon of the heel, or 

 Achilles' tendon, be taken as an example, it will be 

 found to consist of subdivisions, which are like the 

 strands of a rope ; but instead of being parallel 

 or twisted, they are plaited or interwoven in a man- 

 ner which could not be imitated in cordage by the 

 turning of a wheel. * 



B. It is wonderful how many different kinds of 

 arts are exemplified in the animal structure. We 

 have had that of the cabinet maker, and the teles- 

 cope maker, and several others, and now we have 

 that of the rope maker in perfection. 



T. You have given the celebrated Dr. Bell's 

 account of the tendons, upon which you will find 

 some observations in Arnott on the Elements of 

 Physics. All other cords and bands wear out or are 

 weakened by use. Is this the case with the muscles 



and tendons ? 



A. It is not, but the reverse. They become fir- 

 mer and stronger by exercise ; and it shows the 

 kind wisdom of Providence, that when any employ- 

 ment happens to call for greater muscular effort in 



* Dr. Bell. 



