(Vol. i., p. 366.; Vol. ii., pp. 165. 467.; Vol. v., p. 102.).
MR. SINGER'S explanation (Vol. ii., p. 165.) is simple, and, I believe,
correct. The covered hands might be considered as discourteous as a
covered head: but why should uncovering either be a mark of respect? The
solution of this question seems to me of some curiosity, and may perhaps
be to many of your readers of some novelty. These and most other modern
forms of salutation and civility are derived from chivalry, or at least
from war, and they all betoken some deference, as from a conquered
person to the conqueror; just as in private life we still continue to
sign ourselves the "very humble servants" of our correspondent.
The _uncovered_ head was simply the head _unarmed_; the helmet being
removed, the party was at mercy. So the hand _ungloved_ was the hand
_ungauntleted_, and to this day it is an incivility to shake hands with
gloves on. Shaking hands itself was but a token of truce, in which the
parties took hold each of the other's _weapon-hand_, to make sure
against treachery. So also a gentleman's _bow_ is but an offer of the
neck to the stroke of the adversary: so the lady's _curtsey_ is but the
form of going _on her knees_ for mercy. This general principle is
marked, as it ought naturally to be, still more strongly in the case of
military salutes. Why is a discharge of guns a _salute_? Because it
leaves the guns empty, and at the mercy of the opponent. And this is so
true, that the saluting with blank cartridge is a modern invention.
Formerly salutes were fired by discharging the cannonballs, and there
have been instances in which the compliment has been nearly fatal to the
visitor whom it meant to honour. When the _officer_ salutes, he points
his drawn sword to the ground; and the salute of the troops is, even at
this day, called "_presenting arms_,"--that is, presenting them to be
taken.
There are several other details both of social and military salutation
of all countries which might be produced; but I have said enough to
indicate the principle.