150 PHYSICAL EXPEESSIOX. 



Another set of cases must be mentioned. The 

 postures observed may be the result of a defect 

 of the nerve of the limb, or of the part of the 

 cord or brain with which those nerves are con- 

 nected. In such cases the postures assumed are 

 expressions of the chronic diseased condition of 

 the nerves or their central origin, and mobile 

 expressions are not indicated. 



Voluntary postures imply voluntary movements. 

 We all have some idea of the difference between 

 voluntary and spontaneous movements. It may be 

 said that a voluntary movement is an act of volition, 

 and is preceded by a condition of consciousness. 

 We need not discuss the question here ; it will be 

 referred to again in the chapter on " Physical Signs 

 of Mind." We all know that postures can be volun- 

 tarily assumed by an exercise of the will. Voluntary 

 postures are objective signs indicating an effect 

 of the will. It is not proposed that we stop to 

 inquire here what the will is whether it be a 

 function of the brain or otherwise; we are here 

 only concerned with its expression in objective 

 nerve-muscular signs, the motor manifestation of 

 the physical basis of the will. 



Grasping a spear, holding the hand of a friend, 

 are nerve-muscular physical signs, and doubtless 

 they express feelings and volition in the subject. 

 We are here concerned to describe and analyze the 

 outward signs of expression the posture of the 

 hand holding the spear, or grasping the hand of 

 the friend. It appears, then, to be impossible to 

 define exactly what a voluntary posture is; we 



