RESPIRATION. 377 



D'Jelitzen proceeded as follows : At the same time that the arms 

 are carried upward in the direction of the long axis of the body, 

 the grip is transferred from the forearms to the elbows, so that the 

 elbows strike against each other above the nape of the neck, or above 

 the throat. In producing an expiration, the elbows are brought 

 against the chest by the side of the sternum, and pressure made from 

 before backwards. 



In the Laborde method rhythmical traction of the tongue is 

 made. This acts in a reflex way on the center of respiration. 



In artificial respiration a bellows may be employed in a gentle 

 manner so as not to rupture the lung. 



Modified Respiratory Movements. Since to breathe is to live, 

 the modes of breathing indicate the modes of life. We see unfolded 

 in a series of modifications of the respiratory act many of the sensa- 

 tions and emotions which man experiences in the course of his exist- 

 ence. His birth is announced by a cry, which seems the expression of 

 a first pain ; his death is revealed by a sigh, in which his last suffer- 

 ing is breathed out. In the number of his days there are very few 

 devoted to laughter. There are more for sobs. Yawning often ex- 

 presses his weariness; straining, the severity of his labor; sneezing, 

 coughing, and expectoration are so many means that Nature employs 

 to struggle against uncomfortable or painful sensations. All of 

 these result from modifications of respiration. Hiccough is only 

 manifested with their aid. Voice or speech, the supreme attribute of 

 man, is only a particular mode of respiration. 



SIGHING. A large inspiration, slowly executed and followed by a 

 rapid and sonorous expiration, constitutes the sigh. In normal condi- 

 tions of respiration, in about every five or six inspirations there is one 

 which is longer than the others; it is really a slight sigh. It is sup- 

 posed that this longer inspiration supervenes whenever oxidation of 

 blood needs to be accelerated. It takes place without participation of 

 the will; in fact, it is one of those movements called reflex. The 

 nervous center reacts spontaneously by reason of a painful impression 

 received because of the accumulation of the venous blood in the right 

 cavities of the heart. The unpleasant effect of sad emotions upon 

 oxidation of the blood explains why sighs are given at such times. 

 Their contagious nature is due entirely to sympathy. 



THE YAWN differs from the sigh more by its mechanism than 

 by its causes or effects. The needs of oxidation of blood call it forth, 

 in the same manner as the sigh is elicited. But, whereas the sigh may 

 be voluntary, the yawn is always involuntary. It is not easy of imita- 



