Out of Stock
Overview
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV DESIGN SHOWN IN THE STRUCTURE OP THE BONES AND JOINTS OF THE EXTREMITIES That the bones, which form the interior of animal bodies, should have the most perfect shape, combining strength and lightness, ought not to surprise us, when we find this in the lowest vegetable production. In the sixteenth century, an unfortunate man who taught medicine, philosophy, and theology, was accused of atheistical opinions, and condemned to have his tongue cut out, and to suffer death. When brought from his cell before the Inquisition, he was asked if he believed in God. Picking up a straw which had stuck to his garments, "If," said he, "there was nothing else in nature to teach me the existence of a Deity, even this straw would be sufficient " A reed, or a quill, or a bone, may be taken to prove that in Natures works strength is given with the least possible expense of materials. The long bones of animals are, for the most part, hollow cylinders, filled up with the lightest substance, marrow; and in birds the object is attained by means (if we may be permitted to say so) still more artificial. Every one must have observed, that the breastbone of a fowl extends along the whole body, and that the body is very large compared with the weight: this is for the purpose of rendering the creature specifically lighter and more buoyant in the air; and that it may have a surface for the attachment of muscles, equal to the exertion of raising it on the wing. This combination of lightness with increase of volume is gained by air-cells extending through the body, and communicating by tubes between the lungs and cavities of the bones. By these means, the bones, although large and strong to withstand the operation of powerful muscles upon them, are much...
| ISBN-13 | 9780217778541 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10 | 0217778542 |
| Weight | 0.19 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 9.00 x 6.00 x 0.11 In |
| List Price | $14.14 |
| Format | Paperback |
|---|---|
| Pages | 48 pages |
| Publisher | |
| Published On | 2009-08-01 |
View All Offers
Sort by:
Price
