MUSCULAR POWER. 



129 



processes of the living system generally elude 

 our research, and the higher faculties of sensa- 

 tion and perception are dependent on still more 

 recondite and mysterious powers of nature, the 

 mechanical functions are effected by the simpler 

 properties of matter, and allow us a clearer 

 insight into the wonderful art which has been 

 exerted in their accomplishment. 



Muscles, during their contraction, increase in 

 thickness in the same proportion as they dimi- 

 nish in length.* It is on this account, more 



37 



38 



43 



especially, that a knowledge of anatomy is so 

 necessary to the painter and the sculptor. In 

 every movement and attitude of the body, 

 some particular sets of muscles are in action, 



* This is illustrated by the annexed figures, 37 and 38, the 

 former showing* the relaxed and elongated, and the latter the 

 contracted and swollen state of the same muscle. 



VOL. I. 



