| Summary: | "It is not an easy task to reconcile two subjects so far apart in the minds of most readers as Anatomy and the Fine Arts; but if prejudices, early imbibed, be thrown off, it will be found that there is no science, taken in a comprehensive sense, more fruitful of instruction, or leading to more interesting subjects of inquiry, than the knowledge of the Animal body. The academies of Europe, instituted for the improvement of painting, stop short of the science of anatomy, which is so well suited to enlarge the mind, and to train the eye for observing the forms of Nature; or if they enforce the study at all, it is only in its more obvious application, that of assisting the drawing of the human figure. But my design in this volume goes farther:--I purpose to direct attention to the characteristic forms of man and brutes, by an inquiry into the natural functions, with a view to comprehend the rationale of those changes in the countenance and figure which are indicative of Passion. A just feeling in the fine arts is an elegant acquirement, and capable of cultivation. Drawing is necessary to many pursuits and useful arts: Locke has included it amongst the accomplishments becoming a gentleman, and, we may add, it is much more useful to the artisan. Good taste and execution in design are necessary to manufactures; and consequently they contribute to the resources of a country"--Introduction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).
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