216 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY CHAP. 



152. Care of the Voice. The air passages first need 

 attention. Enlarged tonsils, adenoid growths, and polypi 

 in the nose obstruct the sound waves so that the voice is 

 dull and unpleasant. All such obstructions should be 

 removed as soon as they appear, for they lead not only 

 to permanent defects in the voice and speech, but to im- 

 paired health and dangerous diseases. 



Proper singing is one of the very best ways to culti- 

 vate a pleasant and strong voice for speaking. All 

 children should be encouraged to sing simple pieces 

 within easy reach of their voices. Singing is an excel- 

 lent exercise for developing a full chest, expanding the 

 lungs, and gaining control of the muscles of the larynx. 

 A child should not sing when suffering from any throat 

 trouble or while the voice is changing, fit no time should 

 one sing until the larynx becomes fatigued, as excessive 

 use of the voice tends to weaken the muscles and may 

 result in permanent injury. 



Proper breathing exercises under favorable conditions 

 give one control of the respiratory muscles. This is an 

 important matter in singing, reading, and speaking. 

 One who does not breathe properly can never have full 

 control of his voice. Exercises in articulation are valu- 

 able in giving distinct enunciation and correct pronun- 

 ciation. 



The delicate mucous membrane of the throat and the 

 nose is . easily irritated and inflamed by dust of the 

 street, smoke, alcoholic drinks, hot foods followed by 

 ice water, strong condiments, and exposure to cold. 

 When congested and inflamed the throat feels sore, the 



