230 aiGHTHANDEDNESS. 



convinces me that a similar and more general bias in an opposite direc- 

 tion has its origin in organic structure. 



The dexterity occasionally manifested by left-handed performers is 

 sometimes regarded with surprise, as though it were accomplished 

 under unusual disadvantages. But such skill as that of the left-handed 

 slingers of the tribe of Benjamin is in no way exceptional. All truly 

 left-handed, as well as all truly right-handed persons, are more likely 

 to be dextrous than those who 'are unconscious of any strong impulse 

 to the use of either hand. The bias, whether to the right or the left, 

 is the result of special organic aptitude. With the majority no well- 

 defined bias betrays any unwonted power, and they merely follow in 

 this, as in so much else, the practice of the greater number. But 

 there is no such difference between the two hands as to justify the 

 extent to which, with the great majority, one is allowed to become a 

 passive and nearly useless member. The left hand ought to be educated 

 from the first no less than the right, instead of leaving its training 

 to be effected, imperfectly and with great effort, in later life, to meet 

 some felt necessity. In certain arts and professions, both hands are 

 necessarily called into play. The skilful surgeon finds an enormous 

 advantage in being able to transfer his instrument from one hand to 

 the other. The acoucheur is no less indebted in critical cases to the 

 prompt command of the left hand. The dentist has to multiply 

 instruments to make up for the lack of such acquired power. The 

 turner, the cabinet-maker, the chacer and die-cutter, who have mas- 

 tered the same ambidexterity, all experience thereby greater facility in 

 executing some portions of their work. The boxer has to learn the 

 free use of his left hand. The fencer who can transfer his weapon to 

 it, places his adversary at great disadvantage. The lumberer finds the 

 operations of his wood-craft facilitated by learning to chop timber 

 right and left-handed ; and the carpenter may be frequently seen using 

 the saw and hammer in either hand, and thereby not only resting his 

 arm, but greatly facilitating his work. In all the fine arts the mastery 

 of both hands is advantageous. The sculptor, the carver, and drafts- 

 man, the engraver, and cameo-cutter, each has recourse at times to the 

 left hand for special manipulative dexterity; the pianist depends little 

 less on the left hand than the right; and as for the organist, with the 

 numerous pedals and stops of the modern grand organ, a quadrumanous 

 musician would still find reason to envy the ampler scope which 

 Briareus could command. 



