George Catlin
Published: 2013-09
Total Pages: 22
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1870 edition. Excerpt: ... blocks of wood or of stone, provided they elevate the head to the required position. With the Civilized Races, where everything is progressive, and luxuries especially so, pillows have increased in longitudinal dimensions until they too often form a support for the shoulders as well as the head, thereby annulling the object for which they were originally intended, and for which, alone, they should be used. All animals lower the head in sleep; and mankind, with a small support under it, inclining it a little forward, assume for it a similar position. This elderly and excellent Gentleman, from a long dinner, in the attitude which he is contented to believe is the most luxurious that can be devised; whilst any one can discover that he is very far from the actual enjoyment which he might feel, and the more agreeableness of aspect which he might present to his surrounding friends, if his invention had carried him a little further, and suggested the introduction of a small cushion behind his head, advancing it a little forward, above the level of his spine. The gastric juices commence their work upon the fresh contents of a stomach, on the arrival of a good dinner, with a much slighter jar upon the digestive and nervous systems, when the soothing and delectable compound is not shocked by the unwelcome inhalations of chilling atmosphere. And this tender and affectionate Mother, blessing of sleep! how much might she increase her own enjoyment with her pillow under her head, instead of having it under her shoulders; and that of her little gasping innocents, if she had placed them in cribs, and with pillows under their heads, from which they could not escape. herself and her flock of little ones with the pleasures The contrast between the...