PHYSIOLOGY. 21 



able kingdom. Most of these are of a soft texture, as the 

 Polypus, so well known from its being capable of existing 

 when turned inside out, and of reproducing any part of Its 

 body when destroyed by accident. To this class belongs 

 the Sponge, and the numerous families of the Coral. 



3. The mammalia are placed at the head of the animal 

 kingdom ; not only because it is the class to which man 

 himself belongs, but because it also enjoys the most numerous 

 faculties, the most delicate sensations, the most varied powers 

 of motion, and the highest degree of intelligence. 



4. The peculiar characters of these different classes must 

 be learned from works which treat especially of Comparative 

 Anatomy. It will be proper, however, in this place, to 

 point out some of the peculiarities which distinguish man. 



5. In structure and external shape, man bears considerable 

 resemblance to some varieties of the ape tribe, particularly 

 the ourang outang. But we find his position to be upright ; 

 his foot is large, and the leg placed vertically upon it ; while 

 the toes are short and but slightly flexible, and the great 

 toe is horizontal with the others, so that his feet is well 

 adapted to support the body, but cannot be used for seizing 

 or climbing. Apes have thumbs both upon their hands as 

 well as feet, so that they can seize with both equally well. 

 The head of man is also very large and heavy, owing to the 

 magnitude of the brain, and the smallness of the cavities of 

 the bones ; yet the means of supporting it, except in a per- 

 pendicular position are very small, as the ligament of the 

 neck, which in quadrupeds is very thick, in him is almost 

 wanting. 



6. Besides this, the spinal column is so constructed, that 

 its flexure forwards is not prevented, so that should he at- 

 tempt to walk on all-fours, his mouth and eyes would be 

 directed towards the earth, and he could not see before him, 

 while in an erect attitude he preserves the use of his hands, 

 and at the same time his organs of sense are most favorably 

 situated for observation. 



