The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1882-06-29
The Body as a HabitatiOn.

The Body as a HabitatiOn.
The human habitation is a center
about which cluster all that is valuable
in life, and from which is to radiate the
sweet and beautiful influences of a
home. Hence it is very proper that we
should make our home a 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 happi-
ness which belongs to perfect organisms.
The frame of the body is composed of
about 21l bones, no two of which are
alike in shape, but each adapted for the
purpose for which it was designed and
working in perfect harmony with its
fellows. Thus is formed the skeleton,
which fills a triple use, as the frame
work of the body, as its mechanism of
motion, and as the protection to vital
parts within. Nature, here as always
economical, has provided that bones
should be made of two substances,
one as hard as ivory, one soft and
spOngy, thus combining strength and
lightness. In infancy the softer and in
age the harder ingredient pre- domi-
mates. so that children can stand, with
out broken bones, much tumbling and
rolling about.
The framework of the body is held
together firmly by cartilages and hga-
ments, 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 fabrication, because each joint
is provided with a gland which keeps
the Joint forever oiled. Diseases of the
JOINTS are painful from the friction in
volved. Thus, in govt, a deposit of a
fine, grit-like sand is spread over the
surface like dust in the eyes, making in
tolerable pains for hearty hvers. The
spinal column is the connecting link be-
tween 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. 1t is the spinal column, and
its resultant erect posture which marks
mans superiority over the beasts OF
a lower order. Along the line of the
vertebTae, in a well-protected cavity,
lies the spinal cord, which may be de-
scribed as the nerve telegraph between
brain and body. For from the brain go
forth and radiate to all parts of the
body the nerves, formed of like mate
rial, which convey bodily sensations,
including those of sight, taste, hearing,
smell and voice, to the conscious mind.
There is no portion of the body that is
not touched by the nerves in their
countless ramiications. When we
strike a foot against a stone the foot
is not conscious of it, but the
nerves carry the message to the
brain, the brain acts, orders and is
obeyed by the muscles. The nerves
are natures wise provision to keep
bodies from harm. Even over the in
voluntary processes of the interior or
gans the nerves exercise control, ruling
the actions of the heart and lungs, with
out our will being called into requisi-
ton. The bOny frame of the body is
covered with muscles, serving the
double purpose of concealing and man.
aging the ugly but useful skeleton.
About each minute cluster of muscle
fibers is bound sheath which connects
at the ends of the muscle directly with
q tendon of similar composition uniting
it with the bone upon which it is de
signed to act. BY the shortening and
frightening of muscle all motion is
brought about. They require education
just as much as the mind. A mind cul-
! tivated at the expense of the body gives
the pale, STOPPING, sickly-looking speci-
mems sometimes seen in pulpits, while
a body cultivated at the minds expense
is TO be seen in the acrobat. The trae
balance should be sought between these
| extremes. The skin. is the covering OF
the house we live in. Its outer surface
has no nerves, is worn off daily by fric-
| ton, and is daily replaced by growth
| from beneath. The true skin under
meath is exceedingly sensitive and deli
cate The condition of the skin is i'm
portant to health by reason of the part
it plays in the vital economy. by Kidding
the system of waste. Within the body
are the brain, the heart, the lungs and
the various organs of digestion. Brook
I'm Eagle.