THE HUMAN FdOT. 



short, whereby a large space is left between the chest 

 and pelvis unprovided with any bony support. The 

 weight of the internal organs being in a downward and 

 not in a forward direction, the muscular walls of the ab- 

 domen are sufficiently strong to receive their pressure. 



Emily. Which would not be the case, I presume, 

 were the natural position of man on all fours ; then, some- 

 thing stronger would be required to support the down- 

 ward pressure of the organs, than mere skin and muscles- 

 Quite a forcible argument this, in favor of the naturally 

 erect position of man. 



Dr. B. In brutes, the breast-bone is long and nar- 

 row, and the ribs extend far down upon the spine. 

 They are often more numerous than in man. In the 

 hyaena, there are 32 ; in the horse, 36 ; in the sloth, 46 ; 

 while in man there are but 24. Their chest is com- 

 pressed laterally, and is narrow and keel-shaped in front. 



Emily. This arrangement, by bringing the fore feet 

 nearer each other, so that they stand perpendicularly 

 under the trunk, will contribute to the firmness and fa- 

 cility with which this part of the body is supported. 



Dr. B. Passing over several other peculiarities in 

 the structure of the pelvis and inferior extremities, lei. 

 us look at the foot. 



Emily. Here must be some important peculiarities, 

 for no animal in the world, that I know of, has a foot in 

 the least resembling man's. 



Dr. B. The human foot, to which is finally trans-* 

 mitted the weight of the whole body, is larger, broader, 

 stronger and more solid in proportion to the body, than 

 that of any other creature. It is formed by numerous 

 small bones, which being connected together by means 

 of cartilages, are endowed with great firmness and elas- 

 ticity. The general form of the foot is that of an arch 

 resting on its two extremities, the heel and toes. No 

 animal, besides man, rests the foot on the heel. 



Emily. But, what great object is answered by this 

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