11 
No. VIII.—MOTIONS. By Dr. BEDDOE, F.B.S. 
There is greater variety in the postures habitually assumed 
by different races of men than is generally known; thus the 
Tibetans are said to sleep, by preference, on an inclined plane 
with the face downwards. Nothing is more characteristic of 
the temperament than the carriage and motions of the body, 
and they should be closely observed. Should there be any 
peculiarity in the walk, it might be desirable to ascertain the 
average time and length of pace; this might be done by 
measuring off a piece of level ground over which the people 
are in the habit of walking, and counting the paces. It may be 
convenient to bear in mind that the regulation pace of the 
British infantry is 116 per minute, and the length 30 inches, 
making 96 yards 2 feet in a minute, and 3 miles 520 feet in an 
hour : this, however, is quicker and probably shorter than the 
pace of an average Englishman, and is never maintained on the 
line of march: probably the old regulation pace of 108 per 
minute is nearer the natural standard. 
1. What is the habitual posture in sleep ? 2. In standing at 
ease P 3. In micturition ? 4. In the accouchement of women? 
5. In riding ? [Swimming ?, see LXXXIX.] 6. Is the body well 
balanced in walking ? 7. In riding, walking, or running, do they 
turn the toes in or out ? 8. Is the foot firmly planted in walking ? 
or do they walk on the heels or toes ? {Note. This will in some 
degree depend on the manner in which they are shod.) 9. What 
is the average length of pace and cadence of the step in men ? 
10. In women ? 11. Is the body erect and the leg straightened ? 
or do they stand and move with the knee slightly bent? 
12. Is the gait energetic or slouching ? 13. How do they carry 
the head ? When the head is in the customary position, what 
would be the line taken by a horizontal plane drawn through 
the meatus auditorius (opening of the ear) ? 14. Do they 
swing the arm in walking? 15. Are the attitudes stiff or 
easy ? 16. Does the arm hang habitually with the palm of 
the hand to the front, rear, or side? 17. In moving any 
heavy object, do they habitually pull or push? is power gene¬ 
rally exerted from or towards the body ? and what muscles do 
they chiefly employ ? {Note. It has been found in some parts 
of India that the natives cannot use a European saw until the 
teeth are reversed so as to cut with a pulling motion.) 18. Do 
