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Though the subject has as yet received too little scien-
tific attention, there can be no doubt that the hair generally
has a further important function to perform in regulating
the electricity which is so intimately connected with the
condition of the nerves.
I have reserved to the last the curious fact, which in
itself is perfectly conclusive as to the protecting office of
the Beard, and explains why its hair has additional provi-
sion for its nourishment; and this fact is, that while the
hair of the head usually falls off with the approach of age,
that of the Beard, on the contrary, continues to grow and
thicken to the latest period of life. He must be indeed in-
sensible to all evidence of design, who does not acknow-
ledge in this a wise and beneficent provision, especially
when he connects with it the other well-known fact, that
the skull becomes denser, and the brain less sensitive, while
the parts shielded by the Beard are more susceptible than
ever, and have less vitality to contend with prejudicial
influences.
Before proceeding further it may be as well briefly to
answer the question, why, if Beards be so necessary for
men, women have no provision of the kind ? The reason I
take to be this, that they are women, and were consequently
never intended to be exposed to the hardships and diffi-
culties men are called upon to undergo. Woman was made
a help meet for man, and it was designed that man should
