Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1882-07-23
The Body as a Habitation.


abou, which cluster all that is valua>
BILE in life, and from which is to
radiate the sweet and beautiful in
tiuences of home. Hence it is
very proper that we should make
orr home study in all its details,
and let each feature receive its due
share of consideration. 1t is very
proper that we spend time and effort |
equally to appreciate the importance
of the house of flesh we live in, and
to avoid gross and irreparable errors
These dwellings, of flesh and bone
are designed by an architect whose
plans are above criticism, to the end
that the jewellers therein may enjoy
the usual happiness which always
belongs to perfect organisms.
The frame of the body is composed
of about 211 bones, no two of which
are alike in shape, but each adapted
for the purpose for which it was de-
signed and working in perfect har-
mony with its fellows. Thus IS
formed the skeleton, which fills
triple use, as the framework of the
body. as mechanism of motion, and
as the protection to vital parts with
in. Nature, here as always econom-
ical, has provided that bones should
be made of two substances, one as
hard as ivory, one soft and spongy,
thus combining strength and lights
ness. In infancy the softer and in
age the harder ingredient FREEDOM
mates, so that children can stand,
without broken bones, much tum>
bling and rolling about
The framework of the body is held
together firmly by cartilages and lig
aments, fitted so as to give great
strength and freedom of motion.
The Joints Of the body are in motion
from the cradle to the grave, but do
not refuse to act for lack OF lubrica-
ton, because each joint is provided
with a gland which keeps the joint
forever oiled. Diseases of the joints
are painful from the friction involved.
Thus. in govt, deposit of fine,
grit-like sand is spread over the
surface like dust in the eyes, making
intolerable pains for hearty hvers.
The spinal column is the connecting
link between the upper and lower
parts of the body, formed OF
twenty-six pieces IN adults
The three curves which occur
in it serve to break the force of jars
or falls. tits the spinal column, and
It's resultant erect posture which
marks mans superiority over the
beasts of "a lower order. Along the
line of the gertebr;s, in a we'll pro
tected cavity, lies the spinal cord
which may be described as the nerve
telegraph between brain and body
For from the brain go forth and ra
date to all parts Of the body the
nerves, formed Of like material, which
convey bodily sensations, includIn;
those of sight, taste, hearing, smel
aud voice, to the conscious minC
There is no portion of the body tina
is not touched by the nerves in thei
countless ramifications. When W
strike Il foot against stone the foo
is not conscious Of it, but tn
nerves carry the message to tn
brain, the brain acts, orders and /
obeyed by the muscles. The nerve
are nature wise provision to kee
bodies FROM harm. Even over tn
involuntary processes of the interio
ORGANS the nerves exercise cOntrl
ruGnsy the actions of the heart an
lHugfedf taiIt shPaBh. ""ri LIE ibhf9P 1fffaffag
the body is covered with muscles
serving the double purpose OF con
cealing and managing the ugly bu
useful skeleton About each minut
cluster of muscle fbers is bound
sheath which connects at the enc
of the muscles directly with a ten
don of similar composition unitin
il with the bone upon which it
designed to act. By the shorten
ing and frightening of mus
Gle all motion is brougl
about. They require educatio
Just as much as the mind. A min
cultivated at the expense of the bod
gives the pale, STOPPING, sickly look
ing specimens sometimes seen |
pulpits, while body cultivated a
the minds expense is to be seen i
the acrobat The true balance shout
be sought between these extremes
The skin is the covering of the nous
we live in. It's outer surface has n
nerves. is worn off daily by friction
and is daily replaced by growth fro1
beneath The true skin underneat
is exceedingly sensitive and delcat'
The condition of the skin is impol
tant to health by reason Of the pal
it plays in the vital economy, by rld
ding the system Of waste. With
the body are the brain, the heart, tt
lungs and the various organs of d
ges Brooklyn Eagle.