The right hand : $b Left-handednessWilson, Daniel, Sir
History
The right hand : $b Left-handedness
Wilson, Daniel, Sir
Left- and right-handedness
The inevitable conclusion forced on the inquirer is that the bias in
which this predominant law of dexterity originates must be traceable to
some specialty of organic structure. On this assumption one feature in
the anatomical arrangement of the most important vital organs of the
body presents such a diversity in their disposition as would seem to
offer a sufficient cause for greater energy in the limbs on one side
than on the other, if accompanied by exceptional deviations from the
normal condition corresponding to the occurrence of left-handedness;
and in this direction a solution has accordingly been sought. The
bilateral symmetry of structure, so general in animal life, seems at
first sight opposed to any inequality of action in symmetrical organs.
But anatomical research reveals the deviation of internal organic
structure from such seemingly balanced symmetry. Moreover, right or
left-handedness is not limited to the hand, but partially affects the
lower limbs, as may be seen in football, skating, in the training
of the opera-dancer, etc.; and eminent anatomists and physiologists
have affirmed the existence of a greater development throughout the
whole right side of the body. Sir Charles Bell says: “The left side
is not only the weaker, in regard to muscular strength, but also in
its vital or constitutional properties. The development of the organs
of action and motion is greatest upon the right side, as may at any
time be ascertained by measurement, or the testimony of the tailor or
shoe-maker.” He adds, indeed, “Certainly this superiority may be said
to result from the more frequent exertion of the right hand; but the
peculiarity extends to the constitution also, and disease attacks the
left extremities more frequently than the right.”
With the left-handed, the general vigour and immunity from disease
appear to be transferred to that side; and this has naturally suggested
the theory of a transposition of the viscera, and the consequent
increase of circulation thereby transferred from the one side to the
other. But the relative position of the heart is so easily determined
in the living subject, that it is surprising how much force has
been attached to this untenable theory by eminent anatomists and
physiologists. Another and more generally favoured idea traces to the
reverse development of the great arteries of the upper limbs a greater
flow of blood to the left side; while a third ascribes the greater
muscular vigour directly to the supply of nervous force dependent on
the early development of the brain on one side or the other.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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