926. Why is the brain placed within the skull?
Because that delicate and vital organ, being the centre and the root of the nervous system, requires a position of the greatest safety.
927. Why are the bones that constitute the vertebræ (back-bone) hollowed out, so as to form a continuous groove?
Because through that groove the spinal cord passes out from the brain. Being in the centre of that column of bones, the spinal cord receives from them a similar protection to that which the brain obtains from the skull.
928. Why is the head set upon the neck?
Because in that position it obtains the freest motion, can turn in any direction, and is placed relatively to the other parts of the body, in that situation where it acquires the greatest possible advantage.
929. Why are the eyes placed in the sockets of the skull?
Because the bones of the skull afford protection to the delicate and complicated structure of the eyes, and supply points of attachment, and grooves, by which the muscles are enabled to turn the eyes freely, and thereby extend the field of vision.
"Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones, Behold I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:"