OF MAN. 



41 



natural pair of healthy and sound legs. The former goes like a wheel 

 upon the spokes, but the latter equally and easy. A man with a wooden 

 leg is obliged, likewise, to turn his side forwards, belonging to the leg 

 that is moved, so as to humour the step. 



Of the Bow-leg. 



"What is commonly understood by a bow-leg is where the knees are 

 at a greater distance [than usual] from each other ; in which case the 

 femur and tibia are more on a line with each other. Therefore, upon 

 a more critical knowledge of this part, what is commonly called a bow- 

 leg is, in reality, a straighter one than where they have the general 

 appearance of being straight. 



This is the natural or original construction, for all children have what 

 is commonly understood as ' bow-legs ; ' and, if strong, they continue so ; 

 and, any deviation from that, is a mark of weakness ; for the support, or 

 perpendicular columns, are the bones ; and, the straighter these are, the 

 stronger they will be, or the abler to support the weight. 



Bow-legged people generally have their toes turned directly forward. 

 This I should suppose arises from the original cause, viz. that of 

 strength ; for all children are born in-toed, corresponding with the 

 bow-legs ; and what supports this [view] is, that all those who are 

 in-kneed turn out their toes very much. Thus it is demonstrable, 

 from the foot beiug at a right angle with the leg, why strong children 

 should turn their toes directly forward, and weak children turn theirs 

 outward. 



Children are not only weak in their bones, but also in their muscles. 

 The child is not in the least conscious of a weakness in the bones ; they 

 obey the intention of the muscles : while at the same time it has a 

 desire for these motions, and therefore tries : and, in these trials, finds 

 out the easiest method for motion : for these trials naturally throw the 

 parts into such positions from the weight of body, or from the resist- 

 ance, as are easiest for the child to move in, but very far from being the 

 best. 



The foot is to be regarded as of considerable length, compared with 

 breadth ; and, as has been observed, the most projecting part of the foot 

 is turned forward beyond the column of the body, in the line of pro- 

 gressive motion. In walking, then, it requires considerable muscular 

 strength to raise the body, and throw it forwards, as it were, upon or 

 over the toes : for, if there was no projecting part of the foot, no mus- 

 cular strength would be required, and one, then, would walk as people 

 do on wooden legs. 



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tysrw** 



