The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1847-03-06
OURSELVES.

" Chambers's Information for the People" con-
tains long article the Human Body, from
which we extract the following most interesting
PASSAGE
/" Man surpasses all other animals in the height
and proportions OF the forehead, and in the com
parative mass of brain in the upper part of the
skull. In the human head the lower parts of the
face bear smaller proportion to the forehead
than IN the brutes. The face is placed in nearly
perpendicular line with the forehead instead OF
projecting outwards into a snout, as in the lower
animals. The brute face is merely suited for tbe
purpose OF animal wants and for defence the laws
are long and narrow, supplied with thick, strong
muscles, and short teeth there is not the eleva-
ted nose which in man forms a distinguishing
feature-the arched eye brows-the exouisiteiy
formed lips, and the rounded chin; above all.
there is not that play of varied expression, that
air OF intelligence, and that indescrbable emanaL
ton OF rational mind, that ray OF divinity at the
appearance OF which the most wild and ferocious
OF the brute creation are awed and subdued -
But, besides, the Creator seems 10 have allotted
characteristic external signs to express the pas
sions of the mind, that in social life man ight
not easily impose on his fellow man for the va.
rious muscles OF the face express the several pas
sions of the mind so faithfully, that they NAV be
even represented In painting. This is said 10 be
the natural expression, and would appear to be
understood even by animals for dog, on look
ing to the countenance OF his master. easily re-
cognises the mute expressions either of common
dation or dissatisfaction From the action of these
muscles being so often repeated, physiognomy
arises the action of the prevailing muscles fixes
an en1uring expression on the features and thus
traces of frequent anger often remain in the coun-
tenance after the passion itself is gone of. With
the power OF speech aud reason, man has also the
means OF expressing his feelings and passions by
laughter and weeping, manifestations which are
not found in the lower animals. Weeping pro-
ceeds from deep emotion of the mind, and seems
an effort Of nature to relieve the system of grief
1t usually begins with deep inspirations Of the
lungs, after which follow short alternate inspira
tons and expiraons, and it is finished with
deep long drawn expiration, which is Immediate
y followed by an inspiration. When moderate
it certainly relieves the distress arising from grief
Laughter has its rise from some ludicrous ideas
impressed upon the mind, and would seem to
arise directly from a sort of Utilization convened
10 the branches OF certain internal nerves. proba-
bly, those Of the diaphragm; Immediately to this
succeeds number OF imperfect inspirations and
aspirations, which seem to be checked bv the
contraction of the CLOTHS in the throat or larynx
Laughngin moderate degree may be conducive
to health, as it gives impulse 10, and ultimately
promotes the circulation carried to excess how.
ever, it may prove dangerous, from accumulatiDg
too much blood in the lungs. Sneezing consists
Of one deep inspiration, succeeded by powerful
single expiration, and seems to consist Of con.
vulsive effort of the muscles of breathing to throw
off some canse of irritation in the sensitive mem.
brane Of the nostrils. The common hiccup is a
spasmodic action Of the muscles of the stomach
itself. Some Of the causes by which our mental
happiness is either increased or diminished. pro.
coed entirely from the bodily sensations Anv
gentle stimulus applied to a nerve seem to cause
feeling Of pleasure strong stimuli, or causes
disturbing seriously the natural condition. pro.
duce pain. Itching is akin to pleasure, and in
both cases the flow Of blood Is increased into ina
part in which either pleasure or Utilization Is per.
ceved but when farther Increased, il degener.
ates into pain, or excessive sensations n The
nerves. Anger violently exctes the motion N
the spirits, increases the motion OF the heart. Inc
frequency of the pulse, and the strength Of the
muscles forces the blood into the extreme YES.
sels and even sometimes bursts the smaller ves.
sells themselves: passion also increases the secre
ton OF bile. Grief weakens the strength Of The
nerves and activity of the heart, retards the mise.
destroys the appetite, and frequently produces
paeness, looseness of the bowels, Indigestion. and