58 PHYSICAL EXPRESSION. 



remains till the next movement occurs. Postures 

 are expressive as the results of movement, and 

 absence of movement is essential to the absolute 

 equilibrium of the posture. 



We now have to look at examples where absence 

 of movement is a mode of expression, in contrast 

 with others where movement is present. Expres- 

 sion may be produced by the absence of movement, 

 as well as by movement observed. A child, after 

 the day's work and play, is put to bed : we observe 

 a total subsidence of voluntary movements, the 

 eyes are closed, the muscles of the limbs relaxed, no 

 reflex actions occur from moderate light or sound, 

 but the respiratory movements continue with 

 regularity ; then we say the child sleeps. The sub- 

 sidence of movement, other than the respiratory 

 movement, is the principal indication of the con- 

 dition sleep. A man, wearied by the bodily or 

 mental toil of the day's occupation, sits in a chair, 

 he moves and speaks but little, his attention is 

 but slightly attracted by objects around; it is with 

 difficulty that he is stimulated to movement by 

 the voices of his children ; we say that such a 

 condition in the man expresses his fatigue and 

 exhaustion. After rest and refreshment his expres- 

 sion is different, he moves with briskness, he talks 

 to those around, he is quick to observe all about 

 him, he plays with his children and joins in their 

 games : here the man's movements, and the results 

 of his movement, indicate his freshened activity. 



The absence of ordinary movement may be due 

 to other causes than exhaustion. Watch a hearty 



