Sneezing

a convulsive motion of the muscles of the breast whereby the air is expelled from the nose with much vehemence and noise. It is caused by the irritation of the upper membrane of the nose, occasioned by acrid substances floating in the air, or by mediciaes called sternutatory. The irritation is performed either externally, by strong smells, as marjoram, roses, . or by dust floating in the air, and taken in by inspiration; or by sharp pungent medicines, as cre es and other sternutatories, which vellicate the membrane of the nose; or internally, by theacri- SUNcle mony of the lymph a or mucus, which naturally moistens that membrane.. The matters cast forth in sneezing come primarily from the nose and throat, the pituitary membrane continually exuding a mucus thither; and, secondarily, from the breast, the trachea, and the. bronchia of the lungs. The practice of saluting the person who sneezed existed in Africa, among nations unknown to the Greeks and Romans. The accounts we haye ef Monomotapa inform us, that when the prince sneezes, all his subjects in the capital are advertised of it, that they may offer up prayers for his safety. The author of the Conquest of Peru a ures us, that the cacique of Guachoia having sneezed in presence of the Spaniards, the Indians of his train fell prostrate before him, stretched forth their hands,.and displayed to him ihe accustomed marks of respect, while they invoked the sun to enlighten him, to defend him, and to be his constant guard. 830