The human foot and the human hand

by George Murray Humphry

London.

1861.

Cambridge:

PRINTED BY C. J. CLAY, M.A.
AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS.

The following pages originated in two popular Lectures which were delivered in Cambridge. In the preparation for publication many additions have been made; but I have thought it best to retain the original form.

CONTENTS.

THE HUMAN FOOT.

Why are the generality of persons so ignorant of the structure of their own bodies? p. [1]. The dependence of the hand upon the foot, [3]. Principle of “division of Labour” illustrated in the animal world, [4]; and in the function of locomotion, [6].

Structure of Lower Limb, [8]. Length of Leg in Giants, [9]. Bones of Foot, ib. Peculiarity of Great Toe, [10]. Uniformity in plan, and dissimilarity in detail seen throughout nature, [13]. Homologous parts in animals, [14]. Comparison of Horse’s Leg with Man’s, [15]. The Arch of the foot, [18]; its elasticity greater in the fore part than in the hinder, [21]. The Component bones held together by Ligaments, [24]. Weak Ankle and Flat Foot, [27], [74]; time of life at which they occur, [31]. Injurious effects of “High-lows,” [29].

Movements of the Foot, [33]; compared with those of the Head, [35]. Nature’s abhorrence of straight lines illustrated by shape of leg-bone, [37], and by movements of leg upon thigh, [39]. Sitting upon the heel, ib. Grecian and Egyptian statuary compared, [40]. Relation of Perfection and Beauty, [41].