Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1878-05-17
Some Physiological Errors.

One of the notable examples of popu-
lar delusions regarding bodily structure
and functions, is exempted by the belief
that the third finger was selected as the
bearer of the wedding-ring because a
particular nerve placed this member in
direct communication with the heart.
Over and over again has this belief been
expressed, and in the belief is found an
apparently satisfactory reason why the
third finger is thus honored. The
slightest acquaintance with physiologi.
cal science shows that the supposition
referred to has not given germ of prob
ability to show on its behalf. The ring
finger is supplied with nerves according
to the rule of nervous supply in the
body generally, and, it need hardly be
said. without the slightest reference to
the heart; the nerves of which in turn
are supplied from an Independent source
and one quite ASSOCIATED from that
which supplies the nerves of the hand.
Equally curious and erroneous beliefs
intrude themselves into the domain of
medicine and surgery. Thus, for in
stance, it is matter of ordinary belief
that cut in the space which separates
the thumb from the forefnger is of ne
cessity most dangerous injury. The
popular notion regarding this region is
that an injured inflicted thereupon is
singularly liable to be followed by
tetanus or lock-jaw. There exist not the
slightest grounds for this supposition.
Lock-jaw, it is true, might follow an in
jury to this part of the hand, as it might
supervene after wound of any of the
fingers. But physiology and medicine
alike emphatically dispel the idea that
any popularity of structure which might
predispose to the affection just named,
exists chiefly in the region of the thumb
1t may be that the difficulty experienced
in securing the healing of wounds in
this portion of the hand-owing to the
amount of loose tissue and to the free
movements of the part, which it is almsot
impossible to prevent-might favor OF
predispose to an attack of tetanus. But
as the same remark may be made Of
many other portions of the body, it fol
lows that the thumb region possesses nc
popularity whatever in this respect ovel
any other part of the frame.
A very common idea, but one found
ed on no certain or fesible grounds, il
that which maintains that our bodies
undergo complete change and renewa
of all their parts every seven years
The mystical " nature of the number
seven, has had an unquestionable effec
in originating this opinion; and although
the age of fourteen, and again that O.
twenty-one may be regarded as marking
the attainment of youth and manhood
or womanhood respectively, yet physio
logy gives no countenance to the popula
opinion that of necessity these period
are of those sweeping bodily changes
On the contrary, it might be shown tina
the periods at which full growth of bod,
is attained vary with climate, race ant
constitution-tha is, with the persona
nature, and with the physical surround
ings of individuals, communities ant
nations. The true state of matters, a
disclosed by physiology, leads us to con
template actions and changes which ar
of infinitely more wondrous kind tina,
those involved in the idea of septennia
change. For if there is one axior
when physiology maintains more con
stantly then another, it is that whic
teaches that constant and ver-ceasin
change is the lot of life from its begir
J ming to its end