. Animal and vegetable physiology considered with reference to natural theology. Natural theology; Physiology; Plant physiology; Biology. 366 THE MECHANICAL FUNCTIONS. nor even for the cellular or cancellated structure which we have noticed in the more perfect bones.* The general disposition of the bones which com- pose the entire skeleton will be understood from Fig. 184, which represents that of the Cyprinus. carpio, or carp. The muscular flesh of fishes is likewise softer than that of the higher classes; and the cellular substance more attenuated and more gelatinous; so that the membranes w
. Animal and vegetable physiology considered with reference to natural theology. Natural theology; Physiology; Plant physiology; Biology. 366 THE MECHANICAL FUNCTIONS. nor even for the cellular or cancellated structure which we have noticed in the more perfect bones.* The general disposition of the bones which com- pose the entire skeleton will be understood from Fig. 184, which represents that of the Cyprinus. carpio, or carp. The muscular flesh of fishes is likewise softer than that of the higher classes; and the cellular substance more attenuated and more gelatinous; so that the membranes which it forms are of a looser and more pulpy texture. Progressive motion in fishes is effected by the simplest means, the principal instrument employed for this purpose being the tail; for the fins, as we shall presently find, are merely auxiliary organs, serving chiefly to balance the body, while it re- ceives its propulsion from the tail. A fish moves in the water on the same principle as a boat is impelled in paddling; for the action of the tail on the water is lateral, like that of an oar, which it resembles in the vertical position of its plane; and the effect is transferred by the resistance of the water to the body whence the impulse originates. * Cuvi'er, sur les Poissons. Tom. i. p. Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of these illustrations may not perfectly resemble the original Roget, Peter Mark, 1779-1869. London : W. Pickering
Size: 2257px × 1107px
Photo credit: © Library Book Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury18, booksubjectnaturaltheology, booksubjectphysiology
