ginates from pain, or uncomfortable
sensations, for those who are apt to imagine that such causes must
_always_ operate on the body of an infant, are egregiously mistaken;
inasmuch as they conceive that the physical condition, together with
the method of expressing sensations, is the same in infants and adults.

2041. Difference.

It requires, however, no demonstration to prove that the state of the
former is essentially different from that of the latter.

2042. Power.

In the First Year of Infancy, many expressions of the tender organs
are to be considered only as efforts of manifestations of power.

2043. Exertions.

We observe, for instance, that a child, as soon as it is undressed, or
disencumbered from swaddling clothes, moves its arms and legs, and
often makes a variety of strong exertions; yet no reasonable person
would suppose that such attempts arise from a preternatural or
oppressive state of the little agent.

2044. Exercise.

It is therefore equally absurd to draw an unfavourable inference from
every inarticulate cry; because, in most instances, these vociferating
sounds imply the effort which children necessarily make to display the
strength of their lungs, and exercise the organs of respiration.

[HASTE MAKES WASTE.]

2045. Functions.

Nature has wisely ordained that by these very efforts the power and
utility of functions so essential to life should be developed, and
rendered more perfect with every inspiration.

2046. Development of the Breast.

Hence it follows, that those over-anxious parents or nurses, who
continually endeavour to prevent infants crying do them a material
injury; for, by such imprudent management, their children seldom or
never acquire a perfect form of the breast, while the foundation is
laid in the pectoral vessels for obstructions and other diseases.

2047. Independent.

Independently of any particular causes, the cries of children, with
regard to their general effects, are highly beneficial and necessary.

2048. Sole Exercises.

In the First Period of Life, such exertions are almost the only
exercises of the infant; thus the circulation of the blood, and all
the other fluids, is rendered more uniform; digestion, nutrition, and
the growth of the body are thereby promoted; and the different
secretions, together with the very impor