Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Joint

JOINT, generally speaking, signifies the juncture of two or more things: it is also applied to the human frame, in which case the joints are anatomically called articulations.

The joints, like other parts of the body, are subjeft to a variety of disorders, such as sprains, rheumatism, &c. of which we treat in their respective order. We shall, therefore, briefly mention a patent granted in 1796, to Mr. Francis Lowndes, for a new invented machine, called Gymnasticon, which is peculiarly calculated for exercising the joints and muscles. The whole frame may be constructed of wood only, or conjointly with metals, of any shape or dimensions, so arranged, by means of cranks, fly-wheels, and treading-boards, as to give motion, both voluntary and involuntary, to the joints, limbs, and muscles of the human body. As, however, this patent is unexpired, and cannot be satisfactorily explained, without the aid of an engraving, we refer the inquisitive reader to the 6th vol. of the Repertory of Arts and Manufactures, where it is fully specified.