The Centre reporter. [volume] (Centre Hall, Pa.) 1871-1940, 1878-05-30
S0me physloIOVicAl Errors.

One OF the notable examples Of popu-
lar delusions regarding bodily structure
nd..functions, is exempted by the belief
that the third finger was selected as the
bearer Of the wedding-ring because
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 supposihon
referred TO has not given agerm Of prob
ability 20 show on its behalf. The ring
finger is supplied with nerves according
TO the rule Of nervous supply in the
body Generally, and, il need hardly I've
said without the slightest reference 10
the heart; the nerves Of which IN turn
are supplied from an independent source
and one quite dissociated from that
which supplies the nerves OF the hand.
Equally curious and erroneous beliefs
iutrude themselves into the domain OF
medicine and surgery. Tins, for in
stance. il is matter Of ordinary belief
that cut in the space which separates
the thumb from the forefnger is Of ne
cosSitv a most dangerous injury. The
popular notion regarding thus region Is
tina. an injured inflicted thereupon Is
sinrularly liable t. be followed by
trtanus or lock-jaw. There exist not the
slightest grounds for this supposition.
Lock-iaw, il 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 iispel the idea that
any popularity of structure which might
predispose 20 the affection just named,
exists chiefly in the region OF the thumb.
Ii may be that the difficulty experienced
in securing the healing OF wounds IN
this portion Of the hand--owing 10 the
amount of loOsa tissue and g. the free
movements Of the part, which II Is almSot
impossible to prevent-might favor or
preiiSpoSe to an attack Of tetanus. But
rs the gsame remark may be made Of
many other portions OF the body, II fol-
lows that the thumb region possesses no
pecuharity whatever in this respect over
any other part Of the frame.
A very common idea, but one found
al on no certain or fesible grounds, Is
that which maintains that our bodies
undergo complete change and renewal
Of all their parts every seven years.
The mystical nature Of the number
seven, has had an unQueStionable effect
in originating this opinion; and although
the age Of fourteen, and again that OF
twenty-one may be regarded as marking
the attainment of youth and manhood
Or womanhood respectively, Yet physio-
lOSy gives no eountenance 10 the popular
opinion that OF necessity these periods
are Of those sweeping bodily changes.
On the contrary, it might be shown that
the periods at which full growth q body
is attained vary with climate, race and
oonstitution-that is, with the persona
nature, and with the physical surround
ings Of individuals, communities ant
nations. The true state Of matters, q.
disclosed by physiology, leads US TO con
template actions and changes which art
of infinitely more vondrous kind thar
those involved in the idea of septennia
change. For If there is one axiom
whicn physiology maintains more con
stantly then another, il is that which
teaches that constant and never-ceasins
change is the lot of life from its begin
ming 10 its end.