The text discusses the tediousness and obscurity in presenting human figures in artistic works, critiquing various models, rules, and tools with unusual names that complicate understanding. The author emphasizes the importance of intelligent and enjoyable learning rules, criticizing ineffective teaching methods. Additionally, the importance of studying the human limbs, particularly focusing on the head as the center of understanding, is outlined to better comprehend human actions and movements.
The Human Figures.
In our language, it is completely bad, tedious, and obscure, although the images are fairly defined in their artistic outline. Many who receive the book immediately express disgust at so many Models, Work-Rules, and Tools of dimension-sticks, Scales, Ladders, Triangles, and other Drawing and Geometric Relations, which under Barbaric Names and Blindman's Puzzles from Dividers, Comparators, Diversions, Carriers, Choosers, Pointers, Falsifiers, Troublers, and numerous named Lines, are presented. However, just as we have always been of the opinion that the Learning Rules must indeed be witty, but clear and enjoyable to practice, so we have never been able to produce satisfaction, in the Teachings, which, more than donkey-like labor, follows from their own nature.
CHAPTER IV.
Of the Construction and Function of Human Limbs.
Let us now also observe something about the Construction and Function of Human Limbs, so that having thoroughly inspected them we may come better prepared for the contemplation of all sorts of Actions and possible Movements, which in human activities are encountered. We seize then upon the human figure first by the Head; as being most likely the principal residence of understanding,
Translation Notes:
- 'Mensch-beelden' translates as 'Human Figures'.
- 'Leer-Regels' refers to 'Learning Rules'.
- 'Maaxel en Dienft' refers to 'Construction and Function'.
- 'Eſſelagtigen Arbeid' is humorously referred to as 'donkey-like labor', indicative of strenuous effort.