DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.18825#0283
1Q4 PROPORTIONS OF THE FIGURE. [LEC. VIII.
The very great disproportion between the arms
and legs of a man, (his fore-legs and hind-legs, sup-
posing h\m a quadruped) is an invincible argument
in favor of his perpendicular position : since, were
lie to straighten his legs when prone, his back parts
would be much higher than his should2vs ; or should
he bend at his knees, beside a very Q-reat inconve-
nience to his foot, his whole leg would be not only
useless, but burthensome.
The human foot is extremely different from that
of any animal whatever, even from that of a monkey;
the foot of a monkey is rather a hand than a foot, the
toes are long, and placed in the same manner as those
of a hand, having the longest in the middle : nor
has he any heel like the human ; nor has the sole of
his foot equal dimensions to that of man ; whose sole
is the largest of any creature's, and whose nails are
not only smaller, but very different in construction,
from those of animals.
After all, what benefits can be derived from assi-
milating the animal part of mankind to animals ?
Will the character of a man, in consequence of these
principles, become more wise r more benevolent ?
more affectionate ? Is the knowledge of animals more
extensive, their comprehension more enlarged ? their
means of happiness superior ? or their enjoyments
more exquisite ? Is it said, their health and strength
is more vigorous and stable—were it even granted,
that in all corporeal powers we are their inferiors,
(which vet admits of doubt) what is become of intel-
lectual faculties 5 Are mental endowments beneath
regard ? or liberal accomplishments, the true ele-
gancies
The very great disproportion between the arms
and legs of a man, (his fore-legs and hind-legs, sup-
posing h\m a quadruped) is an invincible argument
in favor of his perpendicular position : since, were
lie to straighten his legs when prone, his back parts
would be much higher than his should2vs ; or should
he bend at his knees, beside a very Q-reat inconve-
nience to his foot, his whole leg would be not only
useless, but burthensome.
The human foot is extremely different from that
of any animal whatever, even from that of a monkey;
the foot of a monkey is rather a hand than a foot, the
toes are long, and placed in the same manner as those
of a hand, having the longest in the middle : nor
has he any heel like the human ; nor has the sole of
his foot equal dimensions to that of man ; whose sole
is the largest of any creature's, and whose nails are
not only smaller, but very different in construction,
from those of animals.
After all, what benefits can be derived from assi-
milating the animal part of mankind to animals ?
Will the character of a man, in consequence of these
principles, become more wise r more benevolent ?
more affectionate ? Is the knowledge of animals more
extensive, their comprehension more enlarged ? their
means of happiness superior ? or their enjoyments
more exquisite ? Is it said, their health and strength
is more vigorous and stable—were it even granted,
that in all corporeal powers we are their inferiors,
(which vet admits of doubt) what is become of intel-
lectual faculties 5 Are mental endowments beneath
regard ? or liberal accomplishments, the true ele-
gancies