Human Limbs

When footprints are observed, especially those made by bare feet, heels are seldom seen in such tracks made by those who walk quickly. Otherwise, the heels create a deep impression through the high and hard back soles of shoes. Distinctive footprints have revealed many a rascal. Escapees who are clever remove their shoes and walk barefoot to be less easily traced. Bears are so cunning that as they come near their lairs, they retrace their steps to confuse hunters, who cannot follow them without becoming lost. The saying, "He raises his heels," definitely originated from this foot movement, indicating someone has escaped unexpectedly. It is indeed impossible to walk or run without lifting the heels. A certain architect, when asked by a wise person why columns have a head, a neck, and a torso like humans but not two bases or feet, replied: Columns need only one foot to stand securely; humans need two to walk surely; but fools, who do not walk along the street, have no more sense than any one of all three. In human feet, there is much difference in terms of proportion and beauty, more considered in art than in life, as they are usually shod, seen covered among civilized peoples.