MUSCULAR POWER. 



129 



processes of the living system generally elude 

 our research, and the higher faculties of sensa- 

 tion and perception are dependent on still more 

 recondite and mysterious powers of nature, the 

 mechanical functions are effected by the simpler 

 properties of matter, and allow us a clearer 

 insight into the wonderful art which has been 

 exerted in their accomplishment. 



Muscles, during their contraction, increase in 

 thickness in the same proportion as they dimi- 

 nish in length.* It is on this account, more 



37 



38 



43 



especially, that a knowledge of anatomy is so 

 necessary to the painter and the sculptor. In 

 every movement and attitude of the body, 

 some particular sets of muscles are in action, 



* This is illustrated by the annexed figures, 37 and 38, the 

 former showing the relaxed and elongated, and the latter the 

 contracted and swollen state of the same muscle. 



VOL. I. 



K 



