The third finger is the only recognised ring-finger. Hence all who wear rings ex officio, wear them on that finger. Cardinals, bishops, doctors, abbots, &c., wear their ring on the third finger. The reason is that it is the first vacant finger. The thumb and the first two fingers have always been reserved as symbols of the three persons of the Blessed Trinity. When a bishop gives his blessing, he blesses with the thumb and first two fingers. Our brasses and sepulchral slabs bear witness to this fact. And at the marriage ceremony, the ring is put on to the thumb and the first two fingers, whilst the names of "The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost" are pronounced. Thus the third is the first vacant finger, and the ring-finger. The wedding-ring is worn on the left hand to signify the subjection of the wife to her husband. The right hand signifies power, independence, authority; according to the words:
"The salvation of his right hand is in powers."
Psalm xx. 6.
"The change of the right hand of the Most High."
Psalm lxxvii. 10.
The left hand signifies dependence or subjection. Married women, then, wear the wedding-ring on the third finger of the left hand, because they are subject to their husbands.
Bishops, because they have ecclesiastical authority, and doctors, because they have authority to teach, wear the ring on the ring-finger of the right hand.
CEYREP.
Count Königsmark (Vol. v., p. 78.).
—The Queries put by MR. MARKLAND will be found solved in that excellent book, The English Causes Célèbres, edited by Mr. Craik, and published in 1840. It is a great pity that Mr. Craik's undertaking was not prosecuted beyond vol. i.