Position of Figures

It is said: The fall is as much more severe as the nature of the force of the Actor is large or small, or the heaviness or solidity overcomes the force.

And since in such Actions it often occurs that instead of some weight pulling towards them, the same person tries to move by pushing or thrusting forward, it is of interest to examine whether a person can alone create more force and movement by pulling towards themselves with their Arms, or by pushing them away? To explain this further and to understand it well; it is necessary to briefly move away from Anthropology; and to note from the basic principles of Mechanics, that one and the same weight, when moved by two types of levers or spokes, must be dealt with mostly according to their length; or from which point of motion it deviates from the point of gravity. Though it seems essential to illustrate this Action by an example, it is necessary to know beforehand, that the Muscles of the Arm which chiefly play their Role in this Action, must be divided into two Distinctions: Those also have different and contradictory functions; For one type serves to stretch and hold the Arm straight; The other to bend the Arm and draw it back, which equates to Pulling; in which Action or Movement, it must be noted, that the pulling of the Muscles of the Arm, the Chest, and the whole Body not only assist, but they do so continually as long as one Pulls; while the other functions only in pushing to keep the Arm straight.

Whether in pulling or pushing more force can be exerted.

Study of the Muscles of the Arm.

Translation Notes

1. "Mensch-kunde" has been translated in context as "Anthropology" though it is advised to use "human studies" or "figure studies."