The Pedestrian's Record

208 the pedestrian's record. APPENDIX. ANATOMY. THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM OF MAN. IT is not our intention to give a comprehensive description of the muscular system, in fact, it would not be sufficiently understood by the general reader, and consequently would fail to instruct those for whom these pagesare written. At the same time, a slight sketch of the external anatomy of the human frame, the muscles, and their tendinous prolongations, will proclaim (with theassistance of the anatomical plates) to those who have eyes to see the actual position of muscles, theirrela­ tion to the osseous structure, the functions they perform, and the actions theybring intoplay. The animate body is under the influence of the nerves, and they areguided in every function and actionby the brain. The brain indicates that certain actions are to be performed, such as lifting a ball from the ground. The brain by its electric force calls into requisition those nerves whichoperate on the part or parts that are required for the performance of this orthat function, and no action everso slight can becarried into effectexcepting underthe direct control of the brain. In the work before us we will endeavour to explain the loco­ motive system, whichconsists of bones of various formations. Some are long and cylindrical, and are called long, like the femur, the long thigh-bone ; irregular, like the dentata or second cervical segment, etc.; and every bone, whatever its shape, whether long, short, or irregular, exists within the osseous fabric as the most important organism in causing the due performance of locomotion. The skeleton is composed of all