Figure Drawing Ebooks

A Treatise on Muscular Action
A Physiological, Theoretic and Practical Treatise on the Utility of the Science of Muscular Action for restoring the Power of the Limbs

By John Pugh
Illustrations Drawn and Engraved by Thomas Kirk

"...I am recommending your site to all of my colleagues. We do special effects for motion pictures and t.v. and extensively use anatomical reference for our work. The newer anatomy books just don't have the same qualities..."
-David Beneke

http://www.davidbeneke.com/

Here is a review from Abebooks.com.

"John Pugh was an eighteenth century anatomist who advocated many 'current' approaches to physical therapy in a period where anatomy of the nervous system was primitively understood, x-rays and other hallmarks of modern medicine were a century or more in the future. In addition to its historical importance, the engravings of Thomas Kirk, a well known painter and frequent exhibitor at the Royal Academy, lend an air of artistry and anatomic precision to the effort. Whenever possible he worked directly under Pugh's supervision. Using a stippling technique, he was able to render a virtual three dimensional appearance to the musculature."

TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Introductory and Explanatory Preface. - v
INTRODUCTION.---On the different Effects of Inactivity and Exercise on the human Machine. - i
CHAP I.
The Opinions of various Authors on Inactivity and Exercise. - 3
CHAP II.
On the Necessity and Importance of Exercise. - 9
CHAP III.
On the Muscles---how formed. - 28
CHAP IV.
On muscular Action---from whence the Muscles derive their Power. - 34
CHAP. V.
On the Muscles---with their Uses---and Plates. - 33
CHAP. VI.
On the other moving Powers of the Machine connected with the Muscles. - 56
Cases. - 76
Conclusion. - 103

From the Conclusion:

"If we are struck with the productions of genius, in which the artist captivates us by an imitation of nature, and teaches the canvas or the marble to represent life, with what satisfaction ought we to behold the corporeal faculties actually regained or restored to their wonted powers, or the wheels of life nearly motionless, again set into action.

However well engraved the tables of Albinus, taken from dead subjects or preparations, (the original plates of which have sold for 30 guineas and upwards) they do not serve to explain the requisite action of the joints and muscles, in their .distinct, united and relative motions, according to the plan and end proposed in the system now for the first time submitted to the public, so effectually as the representations to be contained in the plates of this work, which, with great diligence have been drawn from dead and living subjects under the immediate and attentive inspection of the author.

There is in fact, upon comparifon of them with those above-mentioned and the drawings of other skilful anatomists, as much difference in the representation of a dead and living muscle, as between the appearance of a dead body and a man alive and active; and that appearance of life, action, extension and relaxation, is preserved in these figures, highly worthy the attention of students in drawing, painting, sculpture and anatomy."

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by Dr. John Pugh
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