158 PHYSICAL EXPRESSION. 



The general strength of the nerve-discharge is 

 indicated by all the strong centres being stimulated, 

 whereas in the antithetical posture the weak extensor 

 centres are stimulated.* 



Let me say here, that in using the terms " con- 

 vulsive hand," "hand in fright," etc., I do so only 

 as convenient terms, and do not wish to make the 

 tacit assumption that the hands are always in this 



Fig. 20. The Feeble Hand. 



posture in the condition of convulsion or in the 

 emotion " fear." 



Now to discuss the posture of the " hand in 

 fright" (Fig. 19). The anatomy of the posture has 

 been described. The small parts, the phalanges, as 

 well as the large joint, the wrist, are alike extended; 

 the joints further from the trunk, as well as those 



* The contracting or drawing together of the metacarpal bones is 

 an element in this posture, seen also in the " feeble hand." 



