The Voice and its Modifications. 83 



formation of ventriloquists is different from other men, but that the 

 control they possess over the functions of respiration, is greater than 

 is usually found in others. That this faculty produces a greater de- 

 velopment of some muscles cannot be questioned, and it may be 

 discovered that the nerves over which the will presides have some 

 different and nicer distribution. He that attentively inspects a ven- 

 triloquist will notice the fixed position of the mouth and the action of 

 the muscles of the throat in altering the situation, diameter and ex- 

 tent of the larynx ; he will be struck with the different hue of the 

 countenance, from obstructed respiration : he will feel the diaphragm 

 acting with a vigor and under a control not common to the gene- 

 rality of men, and this, combined with the action of the muscles 

 of expiration must exert a great influence in increasing the action 

 of the bellows (to which I compare the thorax,) and from thence is 

 derived the volume and force of the air that escapes by the larynx. 



To prove the action of the diaphragm, I would refer the reader to 

 the American ventriloquist, Mr. Nichols, in whom the midriff acts 

 so powerfully on the ensiform cartilage to which it is attached, that it 

 is not a little surprising to see the action that the xiphoid appendage 

 possesses, and what a wonderful power it has in compressing the pleu- 

 ra and lungs, and also in protruding externally, and thereby increa- 

 sing the volume of the the thorax, in the direction of the sternum. 

 All ventriloquists complain of the pain attending their efforts, and this 

 could not proceed from the exertions of the larynx alone for the un- 

 easiness is not there, but in the chest and it can be accounted for by the 

 action of the muscles of expiration, and the diaphragm, and sometimes 

 from the pressure of the ensiform cartilage, which is attached to the 

 breast bone, and united to the midriff; and moreover the uneasiness 

 is enhanced by the retention of air in the bronchial cells. This last 

 circumstance can be proved by the appearance of the face. 



I think it strange, that the muscles of respiration have not hitherto 

 been considered, in explaining ventriloquism, and that the quantity and 

 force of the air which depends so much on the diaphragm, have not 

 been objects of attention. Surgeons all know, that in case of a frac- 

 ture of the ribs of the thorax, respiration is carried on solely by the 

 midriff, and this proves its use in the animal economy. 1 deny the 

 position of Good and others that this art can be perfected in all per- 

 sons by practice ; although most men possess the faculty of attaining 

 to some progress in the art. That circumstances and not experi- 

 mental efforts have in some instances convinced a man of his pos- 

 session of the faculty is sufficient to establish this assertion. 



