76 SPINE/ 



which bends with an elastic curve instead of a hinge, 

 is the only one where a hinge would be dangerous. 

 Every one knows that his back is composed of little 

 bones ; but few, probably, are aware how much wis- 

 dom it exhibits and that their lives would have been 

 in danger every moment, upon any other construc- 

 tion. Still, it would seem that a bone composed of 

 so many little rings, must be very liable to be slipped 

 apart, especially, when we consider what violent mo- 

 tions we sometimes have occasion to make with it. 



T. Do we discover any evidence of intentional 

 precaution against this accident ? 



A. We behold a wonderful structure, having an 

 immediate respect to this very .danger. The bone is 

 as skillfully secured, as the substance entrusted to it 

 is vital and tender. It is as safe, as we might sup- 

 pose it dangerous. Notwithstanding all the sudden 

 and violent motions to which this part is subject 9 

 there is no injury to the body perhaps which is more 

 infrequent than disuniting or displacing any of the 

 bones of the spine. Although the bones are in such 

 constant motion upon one another, the hollows of the 

 rings perfectly agree ; so that the hole in one bone 

 corresponds exactly with the holes in the two bones 

 contiguous to it — else it would produce a break in 

 the spinal marrow. They always form one close, un- 

 interrupted channel. Bend the spine as we please, 

 practise all the contortions upon it we can, not one of 

 the little bones can be made to project upon the inte- 

 rior cavity, so as to injure the smoothness of the bore. 

 Let an artist be requested to execute a similar piece 

 of work. Bespeak a hollow cane of twenty-four 



