144 ANSWERS TO PRACTICAL QUESTIONS 



Because that part of the breast-bone is not ossified in a 

 young fowl. 



7. What is the use of the marrow in the bones ? 



It contains the blood-vessels carrying material for the growth 

 of the bone, and also diffuses any shock which the bone may 

 receive. 



8. Why is the shoulder so often put out of joint ? 



Because of the shallowness of the socket in the scapula. 

 f>. Hoiv can you tie a knot in a bone ? 



By removing the mineral matter, and thus softening a rib- 

 bone, a knot can be easily tied in it. 



10. Why are high, pillows injurious ? 



They elevate the head, and so give an unnatural position to 

 the spine. For the pads between the vertebrae to assume their 

 proper shape during the night they should be relieved of all 

 pressure. 



11. Is a stooping posture a healthy position ? 



No. Such a posture, made habitual, contracts the chest, 

 changes the outline of the spine, and diminishes the vitality 

 of the system. 



12. Ought a boot to have a heel-piece ? 



A low and broad heel-piece probably aids in walking ; a 

 narrow or high one weakens and enlarges the ankle, produces 

 bunions, corns, etc., by throwing the weight forward upon the 

 toes, and makes the gait exceedingly ungraceful. 



13. Why should one always sit and walk erect ? 



Because then all the organs are in their natural position. 

 An erect carriage is as conducive to health as to beauty. 



14. Why does a young child creep rather than walk ? 



(See Physiology, p. 50.) 



Its bones not yet being fully ossified, nature teaches it not 

 to bear its weight upon them. Besides, it has not yet learned 

 the difficult art of balancing itself. 



