This power is, perhaps, given by nature, but is doubtless improvable, if not acquirable, by art.

It may, possibly, consist in an unusual flexibility or exertion of the bottom of the tongue and the uvula.

That speech is producible by these alone must be granted, since anatomists mention two instances of persons speaking without a tongue.

In one case, the organ was originally wanting, but its place was supplied by a small tubercle, and the uvula was perfect.

In the other, the tongue was destroyed by disease, but probably a small part of it remained.
This power is difficult to explain, but the fact is undeniable.