Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/333

Rh Inner Temple, for a machine to be applied to boats and other vessels, for the purpose of moving them with ease and swiftness. This invention consists of two or more paddles, moving by means of machinery, in contrary and alternate directions. The paddles are so constructed, that when the machinery is set in motion, the broad surface of one or more of them will press against the water, while the broad surface of the other, or others, will give way to it, and by this means the vessel will be moved.  BOBBING, among fishermen, a particular manner of catching eels. A number of large lobs are scoured and put upon twisted silk by a needle, which is passed through them from end to end. When a sufficient number is prepared, they are fastened to a cord, to which is fixed a plummet, so that they may hang in divisions. This cord is tied to a strong pole. With such a bait they fish in muddy water, and when they perceive that the eels have swallowed it, they gently draw them ashore.  BODY, in physics, implies an extended, solid, divisible substance, which in itself has no power of motion, but acts by external impulse; it also possesses the properties of attraction and repulsion. Whatever relates to this branch of knowledge, under its various modifications and appearances, through the whole creation, is the subject of physics, or natural philosophy: if it concern the economy of the human body, in particular, and the treatment of its various disorders, it belongs to the province of medicine, or the department of the physician. In this sense, therefore, the term body is used, in opposition to soul, and forms the subject of anatomical research.

There subsists a very close, and, during life, indissoluble connection, between the body and soul; insomuch, that the one partakes of die enjoyments and sufferings of the other. Whatever tends to impart a proper tone and vigour to the body, that is, every impression which is most likely to soothe and harmonize the passions, at the same time contributes to regulate the powers of the understanding, and gives them their due force and energy. Hence, temperate gratifications, as they are highly conducive to these ends, promote the harmony of virtue; for, by contributing to the health and sprightliness of the body, they invigorate the powers of the mind, and check the violence of the passions.

The human body is a machine so artificially and admirably organized for withstanding the various impressions of external agency, or die sudden vicissitudes of heat and cold, dryness and moisture, as well as for performing its various functions, that it bears evident marks of a wise and omnipotent Creator. It is composed of fluids and solids: the principal of the former are, the, , , , and the gastric liquor; of which the three last mentioned materially promote the : the chief of the solids are the and , which give firmness and attitude to the body.

It would lead us too far from the plan of this work, to enter into particulars respecting the complicated and wonderful structure of the human frame: we shall, therefore, only observe, that it ceases to grow in height when the bones