The Voice and its Modifications. 83 
formation of ventriloquists is different from other men, but that the 
control they possess over the functions of respiration, is greater than 
is usually found in others. ‘That this faculty produces a greater de- 
velopment of some muscles cannot be questioned, and it may be 
discovered that the nerves over which the will presides have some 
different and nicer distribution. He that attentively inspects a ven- 
triloguist will notice the fixed position of the mouth and the action of 
the muscles of the throat in altering the situation, diameter and ex- 
tent of the larynx 5 he will be struck with the different hue of the 
countenance, from obstructed respiration: he will feel the diaphragm 
acting with a vigor and under a control not common to the gene- 
rality of men, and this, combined with the action of the muscles 
of expiration must exert a great influence in increasing the action 
of the bellows (to which I compare the thorax,) and from thence is 
derived the volume and force of the air that escapes by the larynx. 
To prove the action of the diaphragm, I would refer the reader to 
the American ventriloquist, Mr. Nichols, in whom the midriff acts 
so powerfully on the ensiform cartilage to which it is attached, that it 
is not a little surprising to see the action that the xiphoid appendage 
possesses, and what a wonderful power it has in compressing the pleu- 
ra and lungs, and also in protruding externally, and thereby increa- 
sing the volume of the the thorax, in the direction of the sternum. 
All ventriloquists complain of the pain attending their efforts, and this 
could not proceed from the exertions of the larynx alone for the un- 
easiness is not there, but in the chest and it can be accounted for by the 
action of the muscles of expiration, and the diaphragm, and sometimes 
from the pressure of the ensiform cartilage, which is attached to the 
breast bone, and united to the midriff; and moreover the uneasiness 
is enhanced by the retention of air in the bronchial cells. This last 
circumstance can be proved by the appearance of the face. 
I think it strange, that the muscles of respiration have not hitherto 
been considered, in explaining ventriloquism, and that the quantity and 
force of the air which depends so much on the diaphragm, have not 
been objects of attention. Surgeons all know, that in case of a frac- 
ture of the ribs of the thorax, respiration is carried on solely by the 
midriff, and this proves its use in the animal economy. I deny the 
position of Good and others that this art can be perfected in all per- 
sons by practice ; although most men possess the faculty of attaining 
to some progress in the art. ‘That circumstances and not experi- 
mental efforts have in some instances convinced a man of his pos- 
session of the faculty is sufficient to establish this assertion. 
