THE BONES. 29 



anism. Its wonders have been the subject of frequent admir- 

 ation, not only of the anatomist, but as well of many writers 

 and students in the higher walks of literature and art. In a 

 thousand ways the hand, in the daily course of life, serves the 

 body with quickness and precision; now with the delicate 

 touch of educated skill, then with the bold unerring stroke ; 

 now to bring to its use all that contributes to man's comfort 

 and welfare, then to put away whatever may be dangerous 

 or offensive to the body j now to grasp the weapon of defence 

 or warfare, then to be reared aloft in mute adoration or in 



FIG. 9. The Bones of the Hand and the Wrist. 



inexpressible despair. The hand in itself is a harp of a 

 thousand strings. 



23. The Metacarpal Bones^ Four of these bones lie 

 parallel, and form the framework upon which we have in 

 front the palm of the hand. The fifth stands out slightly, to 

 form the thumb. It has a much freer movement than the 

 others, and is covered with muscles, forming the ball of the 

 thumb. 



24. The Phalanges. The bones of the thumb, two in 

 number, and those of the fingers, three to each, are called the 

 phalanges. The forefinger, from its free position and relation- 



