14 STRUCTURES OF THE BODY. 



latter ; although no difiference in conformation, or in develop- 

 ment of muscle, may be perceptible. Not alone does the 

 amount of nervous force differ much among animals of the 

 same kind ; but some individuals of the same species can 

 stimulate their muscles by means of their nerves quicker than 

 their fellows. We see this well exemplified in adepts at 

 fencing, cricket, boxing, and other kindred sports ; at which, 

 so-called quickness of eye is all-essential. I may mention 

 that the brilliant bat, or accomplished mattre d'armes, apart 

 from the possession of the necessary amount of knowledge, 

 judgment, and physique, excels because he has the gift of 

 moving his muscles, in response to the stimulus received 

 by the nerves of his eyes, quicker, as well as in more 

 accurately regulated style, than ordinary men. This asser- 

 tion is in no way based on mere theory ; for we find that 

 among men whose duty it is to record (as in observatories) 

 the exact moment at which they see certain phenomena 

 occur, it is necessary, in order to avoid error, to allow for the 

 difference in time these men, respectively, take ; although 

 it may only be a fraction of a second. To do this, it is 

 requisite to obtain, for each man, his '* personal equation,'' 

 as it is termed. We can, therefore, conclude that speed and 

 strength are as dependent on the nature and quality of the 

 nervous system as they are on conformation and muscular 

 development. It also goes without saying that a horse may 

 possess every physical excellence, and yet be worthless on 

 account of having a '*soft heart," or bad temper. 



