104. 



ing of the lips and teeth, or the meeting of the tongue and palate, 

 admit of varieties dependent on the actions of the pharynx and 

 velum palati. The emphasis and accent given to particular syllables 

 arise from two sources : namely , the variation in the action of the 

 chest, and in the action of the pharynx. 



This minute accommodation of action evinces not merely the per- 

 fection of the organ, but also its great subordination to the will • 

 and in this respect the muscular apparatus of the throat admits of 

 comparison with the delicate adjustments in the eye. Stammering 

 arises, not from the defect in any single part, but from imperfect 

 power of combining the requisite actions. 



The author concludes by enumerating the variety of actions 

 which must be combined before a word is uttered : namely, the 

 compression of the thorax, the adjustment of the glottis, the elevation 

 or depression of the larynx, and the contraction of the pharynx. 

 He also adduces proofs of the correctness of the opinions advanced 

 in this paper, drawn from the effects of accident and of disease 

 occurring under his own observation ; and from which he draws the 

 following conclusions: — That the trachea gives out no sound of 

 itself ; that when the area of the passage is much diminished, the 

 column of air has not sufficient force to move the chordae vocales ; 

 that whatever interferes directly with the motion of the glottis re- 

 duces the voice to a whisper ; that any permanent opening or defect 

 of the velum, which prevents the distention of the pharynx and the 

 closing of the posterior nares, renders articulation defective; that 

 the obstruction or removal of the cells of the face deprives the voice 

 of its body and clearness ; and that nervous relaxation of the 

 muscles of the throat is productive of great alteration in the voice. 

 Hence the author infers the necessity of the numerous nerves which 

 are distributed to these organs. 



February 23, 1832. 



HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF SUSSEX, K.G., 

 President, in the Chair. 



The reading of a paper, entitled, " On the Inverse Ratio which 

 subsists between Respiration and Irritability in the Animal King- 

 dom ; and on Hybernation," by Marshall Hall, M.D. F.R.S.E., com- 

 municated by J. G. Children, Esq. Sec. R.S., was commenced. 



March 1, 1832. 



HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF SUSSEX, K.G., 

 President, in the Chair. 



Dr. Hall's paper was resumed, and read in continuation. 



