GENERAL VIEW OF THE HUMAN SYSTEM. 13 



tendinous fibres most acutely sensible ; and notwithstanding this 

 delicacy, are in constant employ ; but to protect them they are 

 overlaid with nails, a horny expansion which hinders the flesh from 

 being ungracefully flattened, and, like a sheath, preserves the ten- 

 der parts from injury. The varied and delicate movements of these 

 agents produce all the charms of instrumental music. 



Above all is the head ; a majestic dome, designed for the resi- 

 dence of the brain ; it is framed in exact conformity to this im- 

 portant purpose ; ample to receive it strong to uphold it and 

 firm to defend it. It is screened from heat and defended from cold 

 by a copious growth of hair ; which also adds to its beauty, which 

 nature. is always attentive to, in subordination to usefulness. 



LIGAMENTS. 



The bones are tied together, those that have motion, by liga- 

 m^ts j a tough and strong arrangement of fibres, which also bind 

 down some of the tendons, and give origin to the muscles ; and 

 render what would otherwise be an unwieldy mass, a well com- 

 pacted and manageable system. The fleshy parts are often sepa- 

 rated or connected by membranes, which are sets of fibres ex- 

 panded, to cover or line other parts ; such as the Mesentery and 

 Mediastinum are membranes ; the first connects the intestines ; 

 the last divides the thorax. 



ARTERIES. 



The ancients called the human body the microcosm or little 

 world : and the arteries may be called its rivers ; the blood is con- 

 veyed by the arteries to the head and every part of the system. 

 When the left ventricle of the heart contracts, the blood is forced 

 into the arteries, which then swell, and form what is termed the 

 pulse ; the heart and arteries dilate eighty times in a minute, which 

 act occasions the beating we feel. The arteries carry their stream 

 of vital fluid from the heart ; the veins run all in a stream towards 

 it ; and because a wound or any impediment to the circulation in 

 the arteries would be fatal, they are placed deep in the flesh, and 

 can seldom be seen ; so that the bending of the limbs does not stop 

 their course. 



VEINS. 



In bleeding, the bandage is tied above the elbow, to prevent the 

 blood passing towards the heart; and the median vein is cut; 



