ST 



fcands, terminated by the fingers, not of the same 

 nor of equal bigness, but in ooth respects different, whictr 

 gives the more beauty, and far greater usefulness. 

 Were they all flesh, they would be weak : were they 

 one entire bone, they would be utterly inflexible : 

 but consisting of various little bones and muscles, what 

 shape can they not assume ? Being placed at the end 

 of the arm the sphere of their action is exceedingly 

 enlarged. Their extremities art 1 an assemblage of fine 

 tendinous fiures, acutely sensible : which notwith- 

 standing are destined to almost incessant employ, and 

 frequently among rugged objects. For this reason 

 they are overlaid with nails, whieh preserve them 

 from any painful impressions. 



In the hand we have a case of the finest instruments, 

 To these we owe those beautiful statues, this melodious 

 trumpet. By the strength of the hand the tallest 

 firs fall, ami the largest oaks descend from the moucu 

 tains. Fashioned by the hand they are a floating 

 warehouse, and carry the productions of art and na- 

 ture from Britain to Japan. 



The hand is the original and universal sceptre, 

 which not only represents, but ascertains our d^mU- 

 IIIOQ over all the elements, and over every creature. 

 Though we have not the strength of the horse, the 

 swiftness of the greyhound, or the quick scent of the 

 spaniel, yet directed by the understanding, and ena- 

 bled by the hand, we can as it were make them all 

 our own. Ti^ese short hands have found a way to 

 penetrate the bowels of the earth, to touch the bot- 

 tom of the sea. These feeble hands can manage the 

 wings of the wind, arm themselves with the violence 

 of fire, and press into their service the forcible impe- 

 tuosity of water. How greatly then are we indebted 

 to our wise Creator, for this distinguishing, this inva- 

 luable member I 



Above all is the Head^for the residence of the brain ; 

 ample to receive, and firm to defend it. it has a 

 communication with all, even the remotest par s ; 

 has outlets, for dispatching couriers to all quarter^ 



