The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1865-09-04
Causes OF Lert-handedness.


Causes OF Left-handedness.
The question has been much dis
cussed among anatomists whether the
properties of the right hand, in COM
parison with those of the left, depend
on the course of the arteries to it. It
is affirmed that the trunk of the artery
going to the right arm passes off from
the heart, SO as to admit the blood
directly aud more forGbly into the
small vessels of the arm.
This is assigning q cause which is
unequal to the effect, and presenting
altogether too confined view of the
subject; it is a participation in the
common error of seeking in the. me-
chanism the cause of phenomena
which have a deeper source.
For the convenience of life, and to
make us prompt and dextrous, it is
pretty evident there should be no hest
tation 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 readi-
ness given to us by nature? It must
be observed, at the same time, that
there is distinction in the whole
right side Of the body, and that the
left side is not the weaker in regard
only to muscular strength, but also in
its vital or constitutional properties.
The Development of the organs of ac-
tion and motion is greatest upon the
right side, as may at any time be as
certained by measurement, or the tes-
timoDy of The tailor, or shoemaker;
certainly this superiority may be said
to resultfro1h the more frequent exer-
ton of the right hand; but the pecu-
harity extends to the constitution also,
and diseases attack 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 prepara-
tory exercises better evince the natu-
raj weakness of the left limb, in order
to avoid awkwardness in the public
exhibition; for if these exercises be
neglected, an ungraceful performance
will be. given to the right side. In
walking behind person, it is very
seldom that we see an equalized mo-
tion of the body; and if we look to the
left foot, we shall find that the tread
is not 80 firm upon it, that the toe is
not so much turned out rs in the right,
and that greater push is made with
it. From the peculiar form of woman
and the elasticity of her step, result
ing more from the motion of the ankle
than of the launches, the defect of the
left foot, when it exists, is more appa-
rent in her gait. No boy hops upon
his left foot unless he be left-handed.
The horseman puts his left foot in the
strrup, and springs from the right.
We think we may conclude tha&L
everything being adapted in the con
veniences of life to the left hand-as
for example, the direction of the worm
screw or of the cutting end of the
auger-it is not arbitrary, but is re-
lated to a natural endowment of the
body He who is left-handed is most
sensible to the advantages Of this
adoption. from the opening of pen
knife. On the whole, the preferences
of the right hand is not the effect of
habit, but is q natural provision, and
is bestowed fer very obvious pur-
pose. and the property does not de-
pend on the peculiar distribution of
the arteries of the arm, but the pre-
ference is given to the right foot as
we'll as to the right hand.
REa6ARKABEE SFORY-A MARRIAGE
FRpsTRATED.-Ayo young lady in Chica-
go was betrothed at the beginning of
IL