VALUE OF THE HAND.

nerves, with which the hand is abundantly supplied. These wondrous fibres, too delicate for the anatomist to trace beyond a certain point, form a net-work which is minute beyond conception, so that the finest instrument cannot puncture the skin without producing pain. This nervous tissue is especially provided for the pulpy tips of the fingers, and hence there the highest tact resides. It is well known, that by applying the tips of the fingers to various bodies, the most distinct impressions are obtained. Alluding to the hands, Quintilian says: "Other parts of the frame assist the speaker, but these, as I may say, speak themselves. By them we ask, we promise, we invoke, we dismiss, we threaten, we entreat, we deprecate; we express fear, joy, grief, our doubts, our assent; we show moderation, profusion; we mark number and time.”

In the absence of this faculty a formidable barrier would be raised to human improvement. All that knowledge which depends on the exquisite power of discernment of the fingers would then be unknown. From all those performances and arts which depend on nice manipulation, we should be effectually debarred. The pen, the pencil, the graver, we should be unskilled to handle. What would then be the products of the loom, the structure of our machinery, or the furniture

PRAISE TO GOD.

and utensils of our dwellings? Our condition would indeed be comparatively helpless-that, indeed, of abject barbarism.

With what gratitude then should we ever regard this bestowment of a gracious God! It is difficult to conceive how inferior our circumstances would have been had there been a different termination of the fore-arm to that which has been wisely appointed. What the hand is not equal to, as desirable to be possessed, it can fashion, under the guidance of the mind, and thus attain results which the spectator beholds with unfeigned astonishment. Let, then, the Creator of this marvellous instrument, and of "all things visible and invisible," have the praise. The powers of the body, and the faculties of the soul by which they are directed, should be consecrated to Him. On the altar which sanctifieth both the giver and the gift, let every reader be concerned to present them. Whatever has been the guilt accumulated, salvation may be sought through the Lamb that was slain. The blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, cleanseth from all sin, 1 John i. 7.

THE EAR.

CHAPTER I.

SOUND-SONOROUS BODIES-STRUCTURE OF THE HUMAN EAR.

Ir has been truly said by our poet Wordsworth:

The eye-it cannot choose but see;

We cannot bid the ear be still.

Were, however, the question proposed, What do we hear? the general reply would be, "Sounds." Yet this, as will presently be seen, would not be accurate.

Sound is commonly supposed to be produced by solid bodies. We are all familiar with the voice of animals, the ringing of bells, and the notes emitted by musical instruments; but these are merely the means employed. They are, it is true, solid bodies, but did they act alone there would be no sound; this can only be produced by their giving a tremulous motion to the air. This may be proved by experiment.