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What they had in common Leonardo Da Vinci, Judy Garland and Nikola Tesla? Besides being famous, the three belonged to a particular minority: the lefties. Of ten people, one uses the left hand to paint, take a knife. Although most animals have a preference for one of its claws or hands, only humans show a predilection particular: when signing a contract, throwing an ashtray or touch the violon, 90 percent of humanity is inclined to the right.'''

One hand on heart

In the late nineteenth century, the English historian Thomas Carlyle had proposed an outlandish theory that explains why the number of righties is so superior to lefties. Carlyle postulated that in the Middle Ages, skilled knights had a big advantage: to take the sword in his right hand, could hold the shield to the left and better protect your heart. Scientifically speaking, were more likely to survive and leave offspring. Sure Carlyle hypothesis has neither head nor tail. Actually, the writer had the sole intention of making fun of Darwin, who had no great affection.

The gene of dexterity

In the National Cancer Institute in New York, Inidan geneticist Amar Klar just outlined a theory of "handedness" much more serious than that of Carlyle. The researcher noted that for him it is all due to genes or, rather, to a gene:

''Humans have a gene that, when activated, would determine that the person is right-handed. In 20 percent of the population who have that gene off, the probability of being right or left handed would be the same, ie 50 percent.''

Life sinister

Beyond any theory, lefties have some specific difficulties: there are many products, such as scissors, sharpeners, can openers, the peeler, corkscrews, closures pants, computer keyboards and fountain pens that are designed for righties. So there is a left-handed club in the United States, working to increase the number of companies that manufacture products for this sizeable minority. As part of its battle plan, the 13 August 2002 the club members gathered for the tenth consecutive year the "International Day of the Left".

Famous left-handers

Myths and legends

Dr Jekyll and Mister Hide