85 



T cannot better conclude this chapter than by aa 

 extract from the late pious and i'\gen ous Mr. Her?ey, 

 which may serve for a recapitulation of what has been 

 said, as well as an improvement of it. 



** Let us begin with the less adorned, but more solid 

 parts, those which support, and which contain the 

 rest. Fi.st, you have a system of bones, cast in a 

 variety of moulds, in a variety of sizes: all strong, 

 that they may bear up the machine, yet, light that t!>ey 

 may not weigh us down : bored with an inward ca- 

 vity to contain the moistening marrow, and perforat- 

 ed with fine ducts ? to admit the nourishing vessels. 

 Insensible themselves, they are covered with a mem- 

 brane, exquisitely sensible, which warns them of, and 

 secures them from the annoyance of any hurtful fric- 

 tion ; and also preserves the muscles from being fret- 

 ted in their action, by the hard and rou^h substance 

 of the bone. They are larger at the extremities, that 

 they may be joined more firmly, and not so easily 

 dislocated. The manner of their articulation is truly 

 admirable, and remarkably various : yet never varied' 

 without demonstrating some wise design, and answer* 

 ing some valuable end. Frequently when two are 

 united, the one is nicely rounded and capped with a 

 smooth substance ; the other is scooped into a 

 hollow of the same dimensions to receive it ; and 

 both are lubricated with an unctuous fluid, to facili- 

 tate the rotation. 



The feet compose the firmest pedestal, infinitely be- 

 yond all that statuary can accomplish, capable of 

 altering its form, and extending its size, as different 

 circumstances require. They likewise contain a set 

 of the nicest springs, which help to place the body in 

 a variety of attitudes, and qualify it fo the multiplicity 

 of motions. The undermost part of the heel, and fh$ 

 extremity of the sole, are shod with a tough insensible 

 Substance, a kind of natural sandal, which ntver 

 wears out, never wants repair; and which prevents 



