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This book ? well 48 page booklet ? and CD is essentially the electronic format version of Eadweard Muybridge?s ?Animals in Motion?. It contains electronic format versions of 167 black-and-white photographic sequences captures the movements of 34 different animals as they run, fly, leap, and perform other characteristic actions. Includes 10 bonus Flash animations plus 15 photographic sequences that are ready to be animated.

These photos, most of which are over 120 years old, have become the definitive authority on the subject of quadruped movement. All four-legged animals step with their left hind leg followed by their left foreleg. Then they step with their right hind leg followed by the right foreleg, and so on. Animals differ from one another only in the timing of that stepping.

The reason that manner of walking is so universal, is that it provides the maximum static stability. In other words, when walking slowly, a horse's or dog's body is supported at all times by three feet on the ground, which form a triangle. The closer their centre of mass is to the centre of those three points, the more stable they will be.

The above public domain image was assembled from Muybridge?s detailed photographs, and is present upon the CD. It showcases swiftly and clearly how the photos can be used to help create animation sequences frame by frame, or as a guide for robotic quadrupeds, or even dynamic motion systems.

Two other versions of this title exist:

Animals in Motion

This far bigger, more comprehensive version of the book comprises some 3,919 photographs of all manner of quadrupeds in motion. True-action shots cover 34 different animals and birds in 132 characteristic motions. Horses, goats, cats, gnus, eagles, gazelles, sloths, camels, many others shown walking, running, flying, leaping, almost a complete range of natural motions.



It is also far bulkier, and not the sort of book designed for use ?on the go?. Both books are ideal for animators, Animals in Motion is ideal for those who do most of their work in the home or office in which it is stored.

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Horses and Other Animals in Motion: 45 Classic Photographic Sequences



This is essentially the cut-down, paperback quick reference version of Animals in Motion, and is worthy of consideration, for use on the move, or away from your reference collection.

 

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