Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-01-10
Cause of Left-handedness.

The question has been much discussed among
anatomists, whether the properties OF the right
baud, in comparison with those of the left, de-
pend on the course of the arteries to it. 1t is
affirmed that the trunk of the artery going to
the right arm passes from the heart, so as to ad-
nit the blood directly and more forcibly into the
small vessels of the arm. This is assigning a
cause which is unequal to the effect, and pre-
senting altogether too confined view OF the
subject; it is a participation In the common
error OF seeking in the mechanism the cause OF
phenomena which have deeper source.
For the convenience of life, and to make us
prompt and dextrous, it is pretty evident that
there ought to be no hesitation which hand is
to be used, or which foot is to be put forward
nor is there in fact any such indecision. Is this
taught, or have we this readiness given to us by
naturea II must be observed, at the same time,
that there is a distinction in the whole right
side OF the body, and the left is not only the
weaker in regard to muscular strength, but also
10 Its vital or constitutional properties. The
development Of the organs OF action and motion
Is greatest upon the right side, as may at any
time be ascertained by measurement, or by the
tailor and shoemaker; certainly this superiority
may be said To result from the more frequent
exertton of the rignt hand but the pecullarity
extends to the constitution also. and diseases at
tack the left extremities more frequently than
the right.
In opera-dancers, we may see that the most
difficult feats are performed by the right foot
But their preparatory exercises better evince the
natural weakness of the left limb, in order to a.
void awkwardness in the public exhibition; for
If these exercises be- neglected, an ungraceful
performance will be given to the right side. ln
walking behind person, it is seldom that We
see an equalized motion of the body and if we
is not so firm upon it, that the toe is not SO
much turned out as in the right, and that a
greater push is made with it. From the pecu-
liar form OF woman and the elasticity of her
step resulting more from the motion of the an
kle thea OF the launches, the detect of the left
foot, when it exists, is more apparent in her
gait. No boy hops on his left foot unless he be
left handed. The horseman puts his lett foot in
the stirrup, and springs from the right.
We think we may conclude that everything
being adapted, in the conveniences of life, to the
left hand-as for example the direction of the
worm screw, or of the cutting end of the auger
lis not arbitrary, but is related to natural en-
dowment of the body. He who is left-handed
is most sensible to the advantages of this adap-
tation, from the opening of a parlor-door to the
opening ola pen-knife. On the whole, the pref
erences of the right hand is not the effect OF
habit, bu: it is a natural provision, and is bes-
towed for very obvious purpose, and the prop
erty does not depend on the peculiar distribu-
tlon of the arteries of the arm but the preference
is given to the right foot as well as to the right
hand.-Sir Chas. Pelrs Bridgea0ater Treatise.