The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction - Volume 14, No. 401, November 28, 1829 by Various
page 7 of 50 (14%)
page 7 of 50 (14%)
|
hardness was found to exist at the upper part of the cord only, and to
be prolonged into the breast of each boy. Tracing it upwards, I found it to be constituted by a prolongation of the _ensiform cartilage of the sternum_, or extremity of the breast-bone. The cartilages proceeding from each sternum meet at an angle, and then seem to be connected by a ligament, so as to form a joint. This joint has a motion upwards and downwards, and also a lateral motion--the latter operating in such a way, that when the boys turn in either direction, the edges of the cartilage are found to open and shut. * * * * * "Besides this there is nothing remarkable felt in the connecting substance. I could distinguish no pulsating vessel. The whole of this cord is covered by the skin. It is remarkably strong, and has no great sensibility, for they allow themselves to be pulled by a rope fastened to it, without exhibiting uneasiness. On ship board, one of them sometimes climbed on the capstan of the vessel, the other following as well as he could, without complaining. When I first saw the boys, I expected to see them pull on this cord in different directions, as their attention was attracted by different objects. I soon perceived that this did not happen. The slightest impulse of one to move in any direction is immediately followed by the other; so that they appear to be influenced by the same wish." This harmony in their movements, Dr. Warren thinks, is a habit formed by necessity. His further account of their habits is extremely curious: "They always face in one direction, standing nearly side by side, |
|