38 THE MUSCLES 



tions. For the same reason, it is more fatiguing to stand for 

 any great length of time in one position, than to be walking 

 for the same period. 



9. Relative Strength of Animals. The amount of muscular 

 power which different animals can exert, has been tested by 

 experiment. By determining the number of pounds which an. 

 animal can drag upon a level surface, and afterward comparing 

 that with its own weight, we can judge of its muscular force. 

 It is found that man is able to drag a little less than his own 

 weight. A draught-horse can exert a force equal to about 

 two-thirds of his weight. The horse, therefore, though much 

 heavier than man, is relatively not so powerful. 



10. Insects are remarkable for their power of carrying 

 objects larger and heavier than themselves. Many of them 

 can drag ten, and even twenty times their weight. Some of 

 the beetles have been known to move bodies more than forty 

 times their own weight. So far, therefore, from it being a fact 

 that animals have strength in proportion to their weight and 

 bulk, the reverse of that statement seems to be the law. 



11. Physical Strength. The difference in strength, as seen 

 in different individuals, is not due to any original difference in 

 their muscles. Nature gives essentially the same kind and 

 amount of muscles to every healthy person, and the power of 

 one, or the weakness of another, arises, in great part, from the 

 manner in which these organs are used or disused. 



12. Many authors complain of the physical degeneracy of 

 men at the present day, as compared with past generations. 

 There is room for doubt as to the correctness of this statement. 

 Certain experiments have recently been made with the metallic 

 armor worn seven hundred years ago, by which it is found that 

 any man, of ordinary height and muscular development, can 

 carry the armor and wield the weapons of an age supposed to 



9. Muscular power of animals? How tested? Man's power? Horse's? The com- 

 parison ? 



10. Power of insects ? Beetles ? Give the conclusion. 



11. Difference in strength of individuals ? How caused ? 



12. Complaint in relation to degeneracy ? How true ? How determined by armor ? 

 The fair supposition ? 



