The ear consists of three principal divisions, viz. the external,
intermediate, and internal ear. The different parts of the first division,
or external ear, are described by anatomists under the name of the helix,
antihelix, tragus, antitragus, the lobe, cavitas innominata, the scapha,
and the concha. In the middle of the external ear is the meatus, or
passage, which varies in length in different individuals. The external
or outward ear is designed by nature to stand prominent, and to bear
its proportion in the symmetry of the head, but in Europe it is greatly
flattened by the pressure of the dress; it consists chiefly of elastic
cartilage, formed with different hollows, or sinuosities, all leading into
each other, and finally terminating in the concha, or immediate opening
into the tube of the ear. This form is admirably adapted for the reception
of sound, for collecting and retaining it, so that it may not pass off, or
be sent too rapidly to the seat of the impression. There have been a few
instances of men who had the power of moving the external ear in a similar
manner to that of animals; but these instances are very rare, and rather
deviations from the general structure; nor did it appear in these
instances that such individuals heard more acutely: a proof that such a
structure would be of no advantage to the human subject. With respect
to the external ear in man, whether it is completely removed either by
accident or design, deafness ensues, although its partial removal is
not attended with this inconvenience: the external ear, therefore, or
something in its form to collect sound, is a necessary part of the organ.

The next division is the intermediate ear; it consists of the tympanum,
mastoid cells, and Eustachian tube. The tympanum contains four small
delicate bones, viz. the malleus, the incus, the stapes, and the os
orbiculare, joined to the incus. The intermediate ear displays an