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Aristotle - On The Parts Of Animals
Atec Февраль 16 2008 20:01:06
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Moreover, I shall have to speak of them again when I come to deal with
Generation. As regards, however, the external shape of these parts, it
is plain enough that they are adapted to their operations, as indeed
of necessity they must be. There are, however, differences in the male
organ corresponding to differences in the body generally. For all
animals are not of an equally sinewy nature. This organ, again, is the
only one that, independently of any morbid change, admits of
augmentation and of diminution of bulk. The former condition is of
service in copulation, while the other is required for the advantage
of the body at large. For, were the organ constantly in the former
condition, it would be an incumbrance. The organ therefore has been
formed of such constituents as will admit of either state. For it is
partly sinewy, partly cartilaginous, and thus is enabled either to
contract or to become extended, and is capable of admitting air.
All female quadrupeds void their urine backwards, because the
position of the parts which this implies is useful to them in the
act of copulation. This is the case with only some few males, such
as the lynx, the lion, the camel, and the hare. No quadruped with a
solid hoof is retromingent.
The posterior portion of the body and the parts about the legs are
peculiar in man as compared with quadrupeds. Nearly all these latter
have a tail, and this whether they are viviparous or oviparous
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