140 THE MECHANICAL FUNCTIONS. 



ployed for the larger movements, and another set 

 provided for the accurate regulation of the more 

 delicate inflexions and nicer positions. This we 

 shall find exemplified in the movements of the 

 fingers, and of many of the organs of the finer 

 senses. 



In general, however, we may observe that the 

 mechanical expedients devised by Nature for 

 effecting each particular purpose are charac- 

 terised by the most admirable simplicity. In 

 this respect, also, as well as in all others, we 

 cannot fail to recognise their infinite superiority 

 over every corresponding invention of man. 



" In human works, though labour'd on with pain,. 

 A thousand movements scarce one purpose gain ; 

 In God's, one single can its ends produce, 

 Yet serves to second too some other use." POPE. 



We may generally observe, in the mechanism 

 of the joints, that the muscles are made to act,, 

 either directly or by means of their tendons, at a 

 point much nearer to the axis of motion than 

 the resistance to be overcome. With regard to 

 the direct force, therefore, it is evident that 

 they must act with a great mechanical disad- 

 vantage ; and this disadvantage is still farther 

 increased by the obliquity of the action with re- 

 ference to the direction of the motion. But the 

 contractile power, which is inherent in the mus- 

 cular fibre, is so enormous, as amply to afford 



