78 SPINE. 



he can use, will force it out of its place between 

 them. It will give way neither forward, nor back- 

 ward, nor on either side.' , 



T. And what is most impressive, here, we have a 

 structure which cannot be interpreted as a natural 

 effect. The processes of the spine are not naturally 

 produced by any motions — but they are checks to 

 hinder motion. When we endeavor to bend back- 

 ward too far — the tendency of this endeavor would 

 be to smooth away the joint, and suffer the motion to 

 be made : it would be any thing but that of forcing 

 out little spurs to prevent it. 



This admirable structure, therefore, has but one 

 conceivable explanation, — that of an original design. 

 We observe securities introduced, where the natural 

 result would have been the very opposite. We see 

 the reverse of a natural cause. We see design, and 

 that is all we perceive. Truly may we say, how evi- 

 dent the indications of his agency, whose fingers have 

 fashioned us, and in whom we live, and move, and 

 have our being. 



But you will not overlook another curiosity in this 

 wonderful part — the provision for turning the head. 



A. The plan of the spine, upon which the head 

 is supported, forbids the turning of one bone upon 

 another. Its joints are hinges, confining to one mo- 

 tion, that of stooping and bending merely. We can- 

 not turn our breasts opposite to our feet. We see 

 the wisdom of this, if only on one account, — the 

 safety of the spinal marrow, which ought evidently 

 to be spared every unnecessary motion. This is the 

 principle of the spine through an extended series of 



