aF THE VOICE AND SPEECH. 105 



Sighing is a long and deep inspiration, and the 

 subsequent expiration is sometimes accompanied by 

 groaning.* 



Nearest in relation to sighing is gaping,^ which is 

 produced by a full, slow, and long, inspiration, followed 

 by a similar expiration, the jaws at the same time 

 being drawn asunder, so that the air rushes into the 

 open fauces and the Eustachian tubes. It occurs from 

 the blood passing through the lungs too slowly; v. c. 

 when the pressure of the air is diminished, as upon 

 very high mountains. A peculiar feature of gaping is 

 the propensity it excites in others to gape likewise; 

 arising, no doubt, from the recollection of the pleasure 

 it produced. (C) 



NOTES. 



(A) M. Le Gallois ascertained that the division of the recur- 

 rent nerves frequently proves even fatal to animals. This effect, 

 however, varies with the species and age. The danger dimi- 

 nishes as the animal is older ; and, after a certain age, little 

 inconvenience follows, because the (anterior part of the ?) open- 

 ing of the glottis is larger proportionally to the capacity of the 

 lungs not merely in some species than others, but in old than 

 in young animals .% 



The inferior ligaments of the glottis are the chief seat of the 



* Dav. C. Em. Berdot, De Suspirio. Basil. 1756. 4to. 



f Just. Godofr. Giinz, (Praesidc Waltliero) De Oscitalione. Lips. 1738. 4to. 



X Experiences sur le Principe de la Vie. 



