Handedness History

There are many theories regarding handedness and the reasoning behind hand-dominance. Some scientists believe that the dominance of the right hand can be traced back to early warfare when fighting was conducted with a sword and shield. Naturally, the swordsman would want to protect his heart by holding the shield in the left hand while honing his fighting skills with the right. Through time, this could cause the right hand to become more skilled and agile than its sister appendage who simply held the shield. Other theories have included neonatal brain damage, birth defects, and witchcraft.

Many famous scientists have studied and written about handedness throughout history, yet the cause of left handedness would still be considered idiopathic. Scientific writers such as Charles Darwin and Benjamin Franklin have covered the subject and discussed and debated why hand dominance occurs (see sidebar) but there is still much debate about cause and effect.

One thing is for certain. Modern society is much more tolerant of left-handedness than it was at one time. In the past, left handedness would try to be "taught out" of individuals by various means including restricting the left hand so a young student would be forced to use his or her right hand regardless of dominance. Left handed individuals have been regarded as evil, rebellious, psychopathic and mentally retarded.

Fortunately, we can see in our national leadership that we have overcome any handedness bias, as four of our last five presidents have been left-handed.

Resources:

http://www.lefthandersday.com/tour4.html

Coren, Stanley. The Left Handed Syndrome: The Causes and Consequences of Left Handedness. New York: Vintage Books, 1993.

Great report about lefties in office:

...continued from sidebar   

It is true, my sister associated me with her upon some occasions; but she always made a point of taking the lead, calling upon me only from necessity, or to figure by her side.  But conceive not, Sirs, that my complaints are instigated merely by vanity.  No; my uneasiness is occasioned by an object much more serious.  It is the practice in our family, that the whole business of providing for its subsistence falls upon my sister and myself.  If any indisposition should attack my sister, -- and I mention it in confidence upon this occasion, that she is subject to the gout, the rheumatism, and cramp, without making mention of other accidents, -- what would be the fate of our poor family?  Must not the regret of our parents be excessive, at having placed so great a difference between sisters who are so perfectly equal?  Alas! we must perish from distress; for it would not be in my power even to scrawl a suppliant petition for relief, having been obliged to employ the hand of another in transcribing the request which I have now the honour to prefer to you.          Condescend, Sirs, to make my parents sensible of the injustice of an exclusive tenderness, and of the necessity of distributing their care and affection among all their children equally.  I am, with a profound respect, Sirs, your obedient servant,

THE LEFT HAND.