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THE HERALD OF HEALTH
Vol. 8, No. 4.]
NEW YORK, OCTOBER, 18661
[New Sebies.
PUBLISHED BY MCO., 13 & 15 LAIGHT ST.
Antral ^rtitlts.
[For The Herald of Health.]
My Creed.
BY THEODORE TILTON.
As other men have creeds, so I have mine;
I keep the holy faith in GodBiS man,
And in the angels ministrant between.
I hold to one true church ofMttjtruej^m^^H
Whose churchly seal is neither bread nor wine,
Nor laying on of hands, nor holy oil,
But only the anointing of
I hate all kings, and caste, and rank of birth;
For all the sons of man are sons
Nor limps a beggar but is nobly born
Nor wears a slave a yoke, nor czar a crown,
That makes him less or mor^^^B just a man.
I love my country, and her righteous cause ;
So dare I not keep silent of her sin:
And after Freedom may her bells ring Peace!
I love one woman with a holy fire,
Whom I revere as priestess of my house;
I stand with wondering awe before my babes,
Till they rebuke me to a nobler life.
•
I keep a faithful friendship with my friend,
Whom loyally I serve before myself;
I lock my lips too close to speak a lie;
I wash my hands too white to touch a bribe;
I owe no man a debt I can not pay,
'
Save only of the love men ought to owe.
Withal, each day, before the blessed Heaven ,
I open wide the chambers of my soul,
And pray the Holy Ghost to enter in.
Thus reads the fair confession of my faith ;;
So crossed with contradictions of my life
That now may God forgive the written lie!
KSO^HMby help of Him who helpeth men,
l|nBe two worlds and fear not life or death.
f^KtB^nead me by thy hand 1 Amen.
[Written for The Herald of Health.]
Concerning a Muscular Christian!
BY MOSES COIT TYLER.
“The views which Dr. Arnold considered invaluable
BnaamSaMMeverv case be held by those whom he trained!
to hold ideas on conviction only; points which he insisted'
on as indispensable may appear otherwise to his pupilsin their maturity; but they owe to him the power and the
conscience to think for themselves, and the earnest habit
of mind which makes their conviction a part of their
life.”—Harriet Jfartineaw.
“The sun never hides his face when the Queen,
shows hers to her people.” This legend, which
expresses the devout belief of the humbler
classes of England, and implies that the clerk
of the weather, with all his faults, is at least a
very shrewd courtier as well as a right loyal
Briton, was certainly justified by the fact,,
when, last February, on a charming day sand
wiched between two epochs of dreary wet and
cold, the Queen came forth in state to meet her
faithful Barons and Commons in Parliament
assembled. For hours before that which had
been set for Her Majesty’s arrival at Westmin
ster Palace, the streets and courts of the neigh
borhood, the highways and byways, the win!
dows, roofs and balconies, were filled with a
[Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by Millee, ‘Wood & Co., in the Clerk’s Office of
the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.]
�,146
HERALD 01” HEALTH.
multitude of all lands and tongues to witness
the splendors of the regal procession, and more
-especially to see again the face which sorrow
and the dark veil of widowhood had so long
concealed. I remember that I had a fine out
door position by one of the windows of West
minster Hall, and had been watching the car
riages of the nobility and foreign ambassadors
passing to the door of the Peers’ Entrance,
when my attention was suddenly arrested by
the sight of a gentleman on foot, in plain black
clothes, advancing rather nervously along the
sidewalk, which was being guarded by the po
lice from the encroachments of the multitude.
He was walking toward the Peers’ Entrance,
and yet he half-seemed to have lost his bearings,
and not to know precisely whether he was going
the way he wanted to. He appeared to be
rather under the middle age; of medium height,
neither slender nor stout; with a ruddy, genial,
earnest face; with lip and chin shaved, but whis
kers of sandy hue at the side; and altogether
having a look of ample health, vigor, elasticity,
kindliness, intelligence and success. Who could
it be ? Evidently he was not a nobody; else
the discriminating gentlemen in sham helmets,
whose creed seems to be that a nobody is worse
than a knave, would have pushed the audacious
intruder back among the rabble. But he can
hardly be a very great somebody: ^S^^he had
been, he would have emulated the other great
somebodies by coming in his carriage. Who
can he be ? On he goes along the sidewalk be
neath us toward the Peers’ Entrance, with a
quick step, and now a little conscious that many
eyes are upon him, and a little anxious to hurry
away out of sight. Perhaps it is one of the
new members of Parliament, and not being yet
thoroughly broken -to the intricate courses of
statesmanship, it may be thatitBahas already
lost his way and is going in by the wrong door.
But, hark! Listen to those voices of the crowd
across the street and of the crowd on this cor
ner of New Palace Yard. Wha^lMhey say ?
All this time, while you have been letting the
man go by in the fog of your own speculations
concerning him, you might have used your ears,
:and you would have instantly found without
further trouble who he was. Your last chance!
Listen sharply! As the cheer dies away, do you
not catch the words of that fellow shouting
with delighted enthusiasm, “Ji’s Tom Hughes,
■the member for Lambeth!”
Yes, glorious Tom Hughes; the new member
for Lambeth, the trusted favorite of the work
ingmen ; because, though their friend not their
attererof almost boundless popularity with
them; because, while helping them he can
frankly tell them their faults! Tom Hughes,
the pupil of Dr. Arnold, tie graduate of Ox
ford, the barrister of Lincoln’s Inn, the author
of “Tom Brown’s School-days,” the friend of
Maurice and Ruskin and Kingsley, and the
Prince of the Muscular Christians!
According to the promise of my letter a
month ago, I now proceed to give you a brief
sketch of the eminent man whom I have thus
introduced to you hastening along the sidewalk
near Westminster Hall on that fine February
afternoon.
Thomas Hughes is one whose name England
will not willingly let die ; or, if she were so
disposed, America would come to the rescue,
and carry it off from the gates of Forgetfulness. There are some men the very sight of
whom gives us a better opinion of human na
ture, rekinding our hopes, rebuildling the fabric^
of our fortitude and our faith. Thomas Hughes
is one of these men. It was said of Swedenborgj so sensitive was his organization to moral
influences, that the approach of a hypocrite
used to give him the toothache. We may be
grateful that we do not possess such a delicate
spiritual barometer; for who would like to be
continually clapping his hand to his jaw ? Yet
wha^in Swedenborg was an abnormal develop
ment, ^Mn the rest of us only the common en
dowment of Nature—a faculty of responding
IKher with pleasure or with trouble to the moral
Eo®®ions of those who approach us. Hence,
an honest man is a joy for ever! Thomas
Hughes is not a great scholar, nor a deep philosopher, nor an acute reasoner, nor an orator
at all; but he is and he has more than all that
—he bears about with him the nameless aroma
of moral reality, of downright manly virtue,
o^^fe-bright trutKi the frankness, the direct
ness, the ^fflplicit" of a child, with the courage
of an athlete and the charity of a Christian.
In a classification of mankind he would go into
the same compartment with Abraham Lincoln.
He has the same homely, quaint honesty; the
same incapacity for evasion and finesse ; the same
humor; the same uncommon gift of common
sense; the same genius for what is right and
true. Thomas Hughes presents another exam
ple of a man attaining great success in life—
fame, position, abounding usefulness—by the
sheer force of moral worth. His career is no
encouragement to that sort of ambition which
aspires to be great while forgetting to be good.
I am not going very minutely into biograph-l
ical details for several notable reasons; chiefly
for the notable reason that I have not the bio
�HEEALD OFHEALTH.
graphical details to go into. But, adopting the
good old orthodox plan of beginning with a
man’s life where Nature does—with his birth—I
may state that Thomas Hughes was born near
Kewberry, Berkshire, October 23, 1823. All
the world knows that he was educated at Rugby
under Dr. Arnold, and at Oxford University.
He was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in
1848; he gave to the world “ Tom Brown’s
School-days” in 1856, “ The Scouring of the
White Horse” in 1858, “Tom Brown at Ox
ford” in 1861. These, so far as I can learn, are
the only books he has yet published; but he
seems to have been an industrious writer for re
views and newspapers, especially for “ Macmil
lan’s Magazineand he has edited “Whitemore’s Poems” and “The Biglow Papers.”
The publication of his first book, at the age of
thirty-three, made him famous throughout the
vast domain of the English-speaking race ; and
since then, beside being an author who could
write nothing which the public could refuse to
read, he has been a man of mark in sanitary
and educational reforms, in social science, in
the volunteer movement and in politics.
Last year the time seemet^^fflv^S-ived for
his noble and useful career to meet with a fit
ting political recognition. At the General
Election, 1865, he was induced to stand as can
didate for that populous and important district
of London known as Lambeth; and the result
of his candidature may be given in two lines of
an obscure poem which contained this allusion
to him :
“ What wonder Lambeth, such a MAN to see,
Gave him her heart and made him her M. P.”
Here, then, we have a famous author, a law
yer, a member of Parliament and a^^ing states
man; one of whose special claims upon our ad
miration is his. distinguished advocacy ofiffigfl
generous and wholesome creed of physiological
piety, “Muscular Christianity.” Mr. Hughes
has both preached and practiced this noble
faith. As the child is father to the man, there
can be no doubt that the boy Tom Hughes was
as fine a specimen of an intrepid, pugnacious
and magnanimous little Muscular Christian as
ever came out of Berkshire, or handled the
gloves, or cricketed on Rugby play-ground, or
sent a boat skipping along the top of the Isis.
No man could have portrayed the boy “ Tom
Brown” as he has done, without having been
such a boy as “ Tom Brown” was. Indeed, the
heartiness and muscularity of his juvenile .days
cling to him still, and often crop out in very
amusing forms in his speeches. A few weeks
Ago, in addressing his constituents on the de
147
feat of the Ministry, and charging upon the
Tories that they had not waged a fair fight, he
excited great mirth by this bit of school-boy rem
iniscence: “I know what a fair fight is. I
was taught at school to fight fair, to fall light;
if I got a licking to take it like a man, and hold
my tongue when I got my belly full.” The
celebrity of Thomas Hughes as a Muscular
Christian is certainly owing to the celebrity of
the books in which he has so magnificently ex
pounded and illustrated Muscular Christianity;
bu®|Wleed& in private, though less calculated
to swell the trump of'Eame, have been no less
earnest and useful,
connection with a fine
group of old University friends, clergymen,
barristers, authors and artists, he established
several years ago
Workingmen’s College in
Great Ormond Street, an institution on which
every year lays the garland of new triumphs
and new hopes. In this college Mr. Hughes
has been, of course, the inspirer of the gymnastic department, and with the greatest advantage
to the pupils. Once every year the members of
the college make an excursion to some pleasant
rural spot in the neighborhood of London, and
on these occasions they have an opportunity of
BMMaying their progress in muscular development. Only last week the excursion took place
for the present year. The party, which numbered two hundred, and consisted of the students, their wives, children, sisters and friends,
went to Petersham Park, near Richmond, as
sweet a spot for its rich woodland beauty as can
be found in England. They had songs and
dances and merry games, and finally sat down
to tea beneath the spreading roof of a superb
cluster of ancient lime trees. But that which
it is of immediate interest to us to know, is that
in this jubilant festival of liberated Londoners
a very important portion of the afternoon was
dSvoM^^rathlS^ sports, Mr. Hughes acting
as general director and referee. They had a
mile flat race, a two hundred yard flat race, a
mile walking race, jumping, hopping, cricket,
rounders, and a boat race on the Thames. This
list of their gymnastic contests will indicate the
nature of the muscular discipline which they
receive at the college. It will be~perceived that
it is almost entirely competitive. Mr. Hughes
seems to have little respect for any gymnastics
but those which involve that principle, and he
likes none so well as the rough old athletic
games of England. I remember a passage in
one of his books which vigorously sets forth his
views upon the subject:
“ Don’t let reformers of any sort think that
they are going really to lay hold of the work
�B8
HERALD OF HEALTH.
ing boys and young men of England by any
educational grapnel whatever which hasn’t some
bona fide equivalent for the games of the Old
Country ‘ veast’ in it; something to put in the
place of the backswording and wrestling and
racing; something to try the muscles of men’s
bodies and the endurance of their hearts, and
to make them rejoice in this strength. In all
the new-fangled, comprehensive plans which I
see this is all left out.”
Mr. Hughes is said to be an ardent admirer
of the gloves ; and that his admiration reposes
on a solid basis of knowledge will be evident
from the following amusing story that is told of
him: One evening Mr. Hughes being at the
college looked in upon the gymnastic class and
found them engaged in sparring. It appears
that a veteran was on the floor, and, instead of
treating the tyros with consideration, was knock-l
ing them about in a very ostentatious style, un
til at last they all declined to practice with
him. Mr. Hughes had been looking on in si
lence, but now stepped forward and said, in his
usual quiet way,
should like to have a 4um
with you, if you don’t mind.” “ Very happy,”
said the bully; “ have you ever had the gloves
on before ?” “ Oh, yes, two or three times,”
said Mr. Hughes. They soon stood face to face,l
and in half a second the bully lay sprawling
upon the floor. He got up angry, but Mr.
Hughes kept cool and punished him to his
heart’s content, and then told him that the
next time he had to spar with beginners he
should remember that evening and be decent,
if not generous!
When the cholera smote the metropolis a
few years ago, Mr. Hughes, declining to flee
from the breath of the pestilence, selected an
exposed district of London and personally vis
ited from house to house, to soothe the alarmed,I
to minister to the sick, and to provide sanitary
corrections to the neighborhood. If there be
in the world such a thing as chivalry, does not
this look like it ? No wonder Mr. Hughes is
the idol of the workingmen! And to show how
his character as a sanitary laborer is appreci
ated, I shall introduce a paragraph which ap
peared last year in The South London Chron
icle. I give it exactly as it stood, lest any
should suspect that my own words may be the
result of an individual enthusiasm for Mr.
Hughes:
11 The fear that cholera may come and carry
away its thousands of victims before any active
steps shall have been taken to cheok its fatal
career, gives considerable anxiety to some of the
best and most practical men in the country. In
the first rank of unselfish workers in previous
visitations was found the member for Lambeth,
Mr. Thomas Hughes, B. A., who, with Mr. J.
M. Ludlow, M. A., and Dr. Fraser, manfully
stood to his duty, as himself interpreted it, and
visited from house to house the population of
Golden Square and vicinity. We rejoice in the
possession of a Member of Parliament who,
while not a resident in the borough for which
he has been returned, accepts his position as in
volving the responsibilities of kinship with the
mass of the people; and we have good grounds
for the statement that Mr. Hughes is prepared
to do this in any thing connected with the
health as fully as in any thing affecting the pol
itics of his constituency. Very little has come
to our knowledge relative to any measures for
preventing cholera incursions contemplated in
either Lambeth or Southwark, but Mr. Hughes’
wishes are known to the leading members of
his election committees and to others beside.”
For any American it would be ungrateful,
and for me, knowing what I do of Mr. Hughes,
it would be impossible to conclude such a sketch
as this without some reference to the literary
and political sympathies of Thomas Hughes
with our own country.
In 1859 Mr. Hughes edited for English read
ers the “Biglow Papers.” I shall cull a few
choice sentences from the admirable Preface
with which he enriched that immortal book:
“ Greece had her Aristophanes; Rome her ‘Juvenal BFrance her Rabelais, her Moliere, her
Voltaire; Germany her Jean Paul, her Heine;
England her Swift, her Thackeray; and Amer
ica has her Lowell. By the side of all these
great masters of satire, the author of the 1 Big
low Papers’ holds his own place, distinct from
each and all. The man who reads the book for
the first time, and is capable of understanding
it, has received a new sensation. In Lowell, the
American mind has for the first time flowered
out into thoroughly original genius. For real
unmistakable genius, for that glorious fullness
of power which knocks a man down at a blow
for sheer admiration, and then makes him rush
into the arms of the knocker-down and swear
eternal friendship with him for sheer delight,
the ‘ Biglow Papers’ stand alone. . . It is
satisfactory, indeed, to think that Mr. Lowell’s
shafts have already, in a great measure, ceased
to be required, or would have to be aimed notf
at other bull’s eyes. The servility of the North
ern States to the South, which twelve years ago
so raised his indignation, has well nigh ceased
to be. The vital importance of the slavery
question is now thoroughly recognized by the
great Republican party, which I trust is year
by year advancing toward an assured victory.”
No American need to be told that the Eng
lishman who wrote these intelligent words
twelve months before the nomination of Abra
ham Lincoln, knew enough of our political con
dition not to take the wrong side in the mighty
strife which was eyen then rushing on to its
settlement in blood and in battle-fury. Who
is not aware that one of the first voices raised
in England to cheer us was the voice of Thomas
Hughes, and that on the platform, in the lec
�■herattd ot ”ealtk>
ture-desk, in the drawing-room, and through
the columns of the magazines, he has steadily,
bravely and powerfully sustained our cause?
And now that from the overwhelming turmoil;
now that.from the slaughter and desolation of
war, to save an empire from the death-stabs of
treason; we have been led to the task, equally
urgent, of saving a whole race from starvation
and plunder, the voice of Thomas Hughes is
still to be heard in England appealing to his
countrymen, and entreating them to seize the
“ greatest opportunity that will ever be given to
them of making stronger the bands which tie
them to the American people.”
I have already said that Mr. Hughes is no
orator, and I was about to add that he is too
honest to be one. His style is quiet, simple,
colloquial, full of market-words, not a word put
in for show. He often hesitates, stumbles, gets
into a maze and comes out backward. Yet,
speaking only because he has something to say,
or if he has nothing to say saying that, he is a
man whom the people always welcome upon
their platforms and listen to with attention.
I remember hearing him last April, at a meet
ing convened at the Westminster Palace Hotel
under the auspices of the Duke of Argyle, for
the purpose of promoting the Freedmen’s Aid
Society. John Bright was there, and Sir Thomas
Fowell Buxton, and other celebrities, and among
them I saw the bald head of Thomas Hughes,
which, like that of Thackeray’s Dr. Firman,
“glistened like a billiard-ball.” He was one
of the last speakers, and his speech was one of
the best. I shall never forget the sincere emo
tion with which he gave utterance to these no
ble words:
“ But there is another reason why we should
come forward on this occasion heartily and
warmly, and that is the extraordinary impor.tance of a cordial alliance between the two
branches of the Anglo-Saxon race to the future
of mankind. It does seem to me that two
great nations, possessing and glorying in the
same traditions and the same history, struggling
at this minute with the same trials both politi
cal and social, and animated, I trust, by the
same hopes—I say it does seem to me that two
such peoples as these, enjoying too, as they do
the freest institutions that ever have obtained in
great nations upon the face of the earth, should
go forward, not with jealousy, not with distrust
of any kind, but with a cordial and rational
wish to advance civilization and Christianity
over the whole of this earth, and, as far as
peaceful efforts can do it, to impart to all down
trodden people, and to all people who are in
need of them, the glorious ideas of freedom,
and the glorious hopes, which we who speak
the English tongue in all climates of the world
possess and enjoy—I do think that we ought to
be stirred up to great exertions in this matter.
149
I do think that when we look at the grand, the
magnificent way in which the Americans have
met their own great trial, English men’s and
women’s hearts ought to be warmed toward
them, and that we should show, as emphatically!
as we possibly can, our deep respect and rever
ence for the work which they have done, and
the way in which they have done it.”
Yes, for the sake of such glorious English
men as Thomas Hughes, let us try to forget the
words and deeds of those Englishmen who are
not like him.
May the tribe of the Muscular Christians increase^H
London, September 3, 1866.
A Natubal Appetite eob Liquob.—An
article recently appeared in the editorial columns
of The New York Times, from which we quote
the following:
“There is no doubt a universal appetite in
mankind for alcoholic excitement; against this
no wise reformer or legislator should struggle,
as aft absolute evil. His great effort should be
to lessen the inducements to an over-indulgence
of this propensity.”
What new discoveries have recently been
made in the natural history of man, by which it
has been shown that alcohol has the same relation to the humaD organism that bread, potatoes, water, and air and clothing sustain, we
are not informed. The only relation which a
true interpretation of nature shows alcohol to
have to the stomach is that of poison, and no
amount of falsification of nature can make this
relation any different. It is natural for man to
eat, to drink, to breathe, to sleep, to exercise,
and he dies if these universal instincts are not
gratified. Surely, if there was the same univer
sal appetite in mankind for alcoholic drinks, the
race could no more live without them than they
can without air. But human experience shows
coSSgisivS^I that the less it is used the better
we are off; and those who do not use it at all
not only have no craving for it—as they do for
air, food, water, sleep and exercise—but an ab
solute digust and loathing of it. ’ The unwise
editor who penned the quotation, should study
■nature from a physiological and not a perverted
pathological stand-point.—Ed. H. of H.
Boston Public Baths.—Statistics show
294,836 persons have availed themselves of the
sanitary influences of the Public Baths of the
city of Boston within the last two months.
When we record our angry feelings,
let it be on the snow, that the first beam of sun
shine may obliterate them for ever.
�150
KffEALD OF HEALTH!
[Written for The Herald of Health.]
Some of Our Faults.
It is bad enough to have faults—too bad to
have them so glaring as to attract the attention
of foreigners and give us the odor of a bad
name abroad. The other day I met an intelli
gent and observing Englishmen, who did not
scruple to speak plainly of our faults. Said he:
“ How curiously you dress in this country I
Almost every man wears black clothes, and the
thronged streets seem as though the entire pop
ulation was going to a funeral. Now and then
I see a suit of gray; some wear coats and pants
of a copper color, and I have seen a few men
dressed in white—but these are exceptions; the
funeral color is the rule; black is the fashion.
No wonder one of our authors said you looked
like a nation of undertakers.”
I said as coolly as possible, that blacVwas a
becoming color, suited to all complexions and
seasons, and that this was a free country; I also
added something about bare feet when shoes are
scarce.
He was one of those lights (gas-lights) who
would not be snuffed out with my cool extin
guisher; so he continued:
“ And now look for a moment at your fashions.
They are as odious as your taste in colors is repul
sive. Look at the short jackets which barely
reach to the hips, and are constantly tempting
a man who hates the display to lift his foot and
kick the wearer. Such coats do well enough
for boys who have just reached their teens, but
they make full grown men appear very ridicu
lous. Those who wear such garments should
never say a word about the short dresses of the
ladies. As for the American ladies, they over
dress. I have noticed red, hard hands, that
must work for a living, hooped with cheap jewelry; and servant-girls often dress as well as
their mistresses, and more gorgeously, showing
plainly that they exhaust their income to please
their vanity. Now, our English ladies dress
richly but plainly. The higher classes seldom
show much jewelry ; indeed, it is considered
vulgar for ladies in polite circles to^ make a
grand exhibition of trinkets, as though their
husbands and fathers were all in the jewelry
trade. Lady Napier, one of the highest born
of the aristocracy, never wears any gold about
her person save her wedding-ring.”
I could only reply by saying, that our
coats were not so short as we desired the
visits of fault-finding strangers to be; as for
our ladies, they had exquisite taste, and whether
their dresses were long or short, masculine or
feminine, they were lovely in our eyes; and
servant-girls, who worked hard for their money,
had a perfect right to spend it as they pleased',
so long as they did no harm to others. In this
country we acknowledged no aristocracy, save
that of moral and intellectual excellence; that
here every man was a king and every woman a
queen, whether she played on the piano or the
wash-tub, folded newspapers or “flirted” a fan
at Saratoga.
“ You have no aristocracy, that is evident,”
said he; “ but you would like to have even that
distinction. When a live lord makes his ap
pearance on your shores the people turn out en
masse to see him, and, if he be young and un
married, scores of families in which there are
marriageable young women covet his company
and invite him to accept their hospitality. He
is sure to turn the heads and hearts of all the
silly girls who dance with him. See what fools
you made of yourselves when that coffee-colored
chap from Japan came here. He received a
peck of letters a day. What did the simple
darlings care about his habits of eating rat
soup and dog cutlet ? He had a title ; he was
almost a ‘ Black Prince,’ and that was enough
for them. Then, look at the list of your titled
men. Why, you have mere men with handles
Ito their names than we have, ten times over.
Look at the armies of captains, colonels, gen
erals, squires and majors. Why, if a man
crossed the Hudson in a scow he would get the
title of captain for life, and his child would be
known as the captain’s son. I’ll wager the
price of a new hat that every tenth man you
meet on Broadway has a title to his name.”
I gave him a piece of my mind, and told him
square to his face that our officers were the true
nobility, and had won their honors with their
swords; that when we honored his master, the
Prince of Wales, it was not because the boy had
royal blood in his veins, but because he was the
son of a good mother. We are a gallant peo
ple, and never lose an opportunity to show our
respect for woman. Queen Victoria was one of
our favorites, not because she sat upon a throne,
but because she was a good, true woman.
Now, if he had been a Frenchman, the com
pliment paid to his sovereign would have soft
ened his criticism, and he would have found
some kind word to have said of us ; but he was a
plain John Bull, and proceeded in the same
strain, but with a more provoking personality.
He continued:
“ Your habits at the table are not always re
fined. I often see men and women shovel their
peas into their mouths with their knives. I
�ilerald op health.
TO
I said, with considerable emphasis, that the
have seen them pick their teeth with the prongs
of their forks. At a Wbstern hotel I saw a man United States was the birthplace of the Temper
take a quid of tobacco from his mouth and put ance Reform; that we had four or five millions of
it on the table-cloth alongside of his plate until signatures to the total abstinence pledge, and that
he had finished his dinner. By-the-by, your our Temperance literature was scattered like
g. w. b.
habits of chewing and smoking tobacco are snow-flakes over the land.
shameful. Old and young, rich and poor, the
Sugar Candy.—One of the evil results
educated and the illiterate, chew and smoke to
bacco.
Cigar-stumps and tobacco-stains are of perverted tastes is seen in the great demand
seen everywhere. The appetite for the nasty for sugar candy. We have often pointed"out
weed seems to have grown into a passion; even the evils resulting from feeding it to children,
well-dressed men, who claim to be cleanly in but it will be a hundred years or more before
their habits, will roll the quid like a sweet mor all parents will learn that candies are poisonous,
sel under their tongues, making their breath and should not be allowed to the dear little ones
fetid, discoloring their teeth and soiling their they love and wish to bring up with fine health
linen. Why, I can smell a tobacco-chewer at and perfect physical systems. To such parents
the distance of a rod, and his odor never fails as feed their children on confectionery, the folto bring a sickening sensation. How delicate I lowing, by a well posted writer, will be found
and sensitive young ladies can endure the pres instructive:
ence of a tobacco-chewer—how they can receive
“The adulteration of sugars, candies and
trade largely and regularly carried on
his caresses without utter loathing and dis
gust, is something unaccountable to me. Then injK’HESI Instead of plaster, which till lately
entered so largely into the manufacture of conmen who pretend to be gentlemen will iBBhes- fectionery, in place of sugars, a new article has
itate to smoke all about the house. Having been discovered called terra alba, or white earth.
smoked their own faces to the color of smoked It comes from Ireland, and costs by the barrel
ham, they convert every room to which they aboSTtwo and .a half cents a pound, while loaf
sugar costs seventeen cents. The body of can
have access into a smoke-house. To the credit dies, the coating of almonds and lozenges are
of railroad companion be it spoken, they have made from this earthy material. It is whiter
than plaster, and is much used in the adulterprovided special cars where these human
motives can puff out twenty miles of smoke an , ation of flour sold in this market. A glue, paint
and oil manufacturer of New York has sent
hour; now they should provide disinfectants, round his annual circular, which I have seen, to
so that the smoking and smoked passengers can the principal confectioners, calling attention to
not sicken tidy men and women who do nSSm- a fresh arrival of this white earth. I have seen
. dulge in such disgusting habits. I was looking an ounce of lozenges dissolved in water, in which
two-thirds of an ounce was of terra alba, and
out of a car window the other day, when the not a particle of sugar in the lot. The common
wind blew into my face the spray of tobacco method of flavoring candies, almonds, sugar
juice from the lips of a fellow-passenger who plums, etc., is with deleterious substances. The
sat in front of me. My first impulse was to pineSpffl flaws the banana and the peach are
made from fusil oils, which are very poisonous.
take him by the collar and pitch him out of the Bitter almond flavor is made from prussic acid
window, but he disarmed me with an apology, BfnadnglSjSed. Pineapple flavor is also obtained
while the tobacco-tears trickled down from the from rotten cheese — very rotten — and nitric
corners of his mouth and formed a liquid brooch acid. Gum arabic for pure gum drops is costly.
An article has been invented of the most beau
upon his shirt-bosom. I merely said, Never tiful appearance,is used instead of the gum.
mind, I will spit on you some time when I have THpa very cheap and very poisonous. In pure
I
dvlShineal is used to color red and saffron
something disagreeable in my mouth.”
But in the common
poison
I replied that, although I did not use tobacco for yellow. is put, the same that candies to color
ous coloring
is used
myself, I had great respect for many persons wines and liquors. One of the most common is
who did; yet the respect was not for the habit, calledBcarlot,’ into which arsenic largely en
ters. A few grains of the substance will color
but in spite of it.
wine.
for
“ Hold!” he said, before I could crowd an a cask of of poor Liquorice dropsglue the ‘trade’
are made
brown sugar,
and lampother word into the conversation; “we drink black, flavored with liquorice. And. for the
beer, so do you; but our beer is made of Western trade much of this vile stuff is packed
malt and hops, while yours is a poisonous in barrels, and sent West to be put up in boxes
compound not fit for swine to drink; besides, to suit the market, of which from seventy-five
to ninety per cent, is terra alba. This material
you drink whisky and gin and rum and also enters largely into the common chocolates
brandy, and stuff made of logwood and whisky, and spices. Much of the cream of tartar used
for bread is made of terra alba and tartaric acid.”
and other d’ye-stuffs, and call it wine.”
�152
HERALD OF HEAL TtM
[Written for The Herald of Health.]
The short skirts, although in importance to
health the least vital of these three changes, is
nevertheless very important. The skirt should
BY DIO LEWIS, M. D.
fall a little below the knee. The pants should
This subject is vitally important. Beside it, be the large Turkish pants, which, made long
diet, exercise and baths sink into insignificance. enough to fall to the ankle, and fastened at the
My pale-faced countrywomen are dying for lack bottom by being drawn close about the ankle
of room, freedom; they are being stifled.
•with a slight elastic cord, should then be drawn
Dress Reformers proclaim short skirts as the up to the place usually occupied by the garter,
remedy. This is well. The short skirt is an and pulled down to the middle, or a little below
improvement—a movement upward, but of no the middle of the calf of the leg. When going
consequence compared with the readjustment out into the cold air the exposed part of the
of the dress about the middle of the bodJa leg should be covered with a patent-leather ank
That part contains the vital organs. Is a man let, and during the cold season of the year that
strong ? it is because the middle of his body is part of the leg should be covered with two
strong. Is a woman vigorous ? it is because the thicknesses of woolen. While all this peculiar
middle of her body is developed and active.
arrangement is, in point of convenience and
The changes needed in woman’s dress are the protection, less satisfactory than the straight
following, and I believe their importance is in pants, such as gentlemen wear, I nevertheless
the order named:
advise it, because it is very easy to introduce
1. The dress about the waist is Mbe very lEB short dress with these pants, and very diffiloose, without whalebones o^jother stiffening, I cult to introduce what is known as the Bloomer
and the skirts carried with suspenders over the costume. For example : In my school at Lexshoulders.
ington, Mass., I had more than a hundred fash
2. The arms and legs are to be so warmly ionable young ladies last winter, all of whom
dressed as to maintain a healthy circulation.
wore constantly during the school year the short
3. The skirts to fall to the knee,
K|gg3, the gymnastic costume, while all the fashI have said that the importance of these sev ionable ladies of the village outside of the ineral changes is in the order named. The lungs, stitution adopted the same dress. Indeed, it is
heart, liver and stomach, which together make almost rare to see in Lexington a lady with a
up the fountain of life, must have ro’om, or the long dress. An attempt to introduce the
vital forces must halt. With the corset and Bloomer costume, I am sure, would have proved
tight-lacing, these organs are reduced one-third a failure, not in our own house, perhaps, but in
in size and two-thirds in motion.
its influence outside. All through our part of
Health and equilibrium of circulation are in the country, when we go out to ride, we see laterchangeable terms. Whoever, whatever liv dies in the short dress. Indeed, some of the
ing thing, either animal or vegetable, has a per clergymen, who observed that our young ladies
fect circulation has perfect health. Whoever, changed for the long dress on going to church,
whatever living thing has defective circulation came to me to say that they hoped E would alhas defective health. Flannels, cotton padding, lowKWm to come in their short dresses, for they
thick shawls, cloaks and furs piled upon the liked very much to see them. A single lady
chest, while the legs are covered with a single appearing in the streets of Boston in the regu
thickness of cotton cloth surrounded by a bal lar Bloomer costume attracts a crowd of boys,
loon in the shape of a hoop, steams the chest while twenty of our young ladies can go into
and freezes the legs. The legs and arms, sepa Boston without remark or notice. The fact is,
rated so far from the center of the body, sur we men and boys are very jealous of our
rounded by the cold air, need, to say thlr least, breeches, but the gymnastic costume does not
as much clothing as the body, and ought to involve that garment, and so we lords of cre
have one or, in cold weather in this climate, two ation give our consent to its adoption by our
thicknesses of knit woolen. Wbmen complain sisters.
to me of headache, tell me their blood is all in
their head and chest, while their feet are as cold
Modesty depends upon good manners;
as ice. With the fashionable dress how can it happiness on security; good society on good ed- '
be otherwise ? Let them cover the limbs with ucation; wisdom on experience; and, for the
one or two thicknesses of warm flannel, and the safety or protection of a country, a tried man is
feet with a warm dress, and the head and chest often much more valuable than a renowned
will be immediately relieved.
warrior.
Female Dress.
�herald
of healmJ
{Written for The Herald of Health.!
[■Written for The Herald of Health.]
October Woods and Flowers.
153
Patient Waiting^
BY GEORGE W. BUNGAY.
BY REV. HENRY WARD BEECHER.
DEDICATED TO MBS.
MABY TBBAT.
Beneath my feet the grass looks up
To greet the cloud. Long had it prayed
For rain, till heaven held out the cup
To every parched and fainting blade.
The thistle, with its head upraised,
Like genius bearing noble deeds,
Though coarsely clad and seldom praised,
Sends on white wings afar its seeds.
The modest daisy, in its bloom,
Here gaily wore its satin frill;
A lonely mourner at its tomb,
The gentian, bows upon the hill.
Sad thoughts flit through my restless mind,
And die unspoken and unsung,
As leaves, touched by the autumn wind,
Fall from the twigs to which they clung.
The wood-birds nest upon the bough
Is like my stricken heart, which grieves ;
’T was full of music once, but now
Deserted hangs and filled with leaves.
But why should I, alas ! he sad,
Amid the light of such a scene—
Up to the hills the clouds are clad
In gayest hues of gold and green.
Here, like the patriarch in his dream,
I see the ladder angels trod;
These mountains to my vision seem
To lift earth’s sacrifice to God.
Alas! I’m seeking for the flowers
Which sleep beneath the leaves that fell |
They’ re kindred to the friends of ours
Who rest in peace where all is well.
The tint upon the maple tree,
So soft, is like the crimson hue
Upon my darling’s cheek. I see
In her soft eyes the heavenly blue,
On her pure face Hope’s blossomings.
The sky stoops near the earth to-day,
- And we can hear the sweep of wings
Of angels on their upward way.
Voltaire related to Mr. Sherlock an
anecdote of Swift. Lady Carteret, wife of the
Lord-Lieutenant, said to Swift: “ The air of
Ireland is very excellent and healthy.” “ For
God’s sake, madam,” said Swift, “don’t say so
in England, for if you do they will certainly
tax it.”
The love of exertion is a sign bf health and
manliness. Languor, the love of ease, the va
rious forms of indolence, mark a kind of physi
cal degeneration—a want of circulation; a want
of nerve; lowness of organization; imperfection of sensibility. It is sometimes the prelim
inary stage of disintegration and precedes utter
waste.
Wo®Hindicates a preparation for working.
The love of work indicates a high state of
health. This love of work arises partly from
the pleasure inherent in the healthful exercise
of our powers ; partly it arises from the excitemeffl whic^H)ring up during the plannings and
excitements of enterprise; and it arises partly
from a natural and proper pride and satisfaction
in the results wM we secure by intelligent activity. We can scarcely conceive of happiness
in one whoKH not generously active. We can
hardly imagine unhappiness when one has congenial occupation, vigorous health and daily activity. For, appropriate work which we love
covers up sensibility, takes away temptation,
withdraws the mind from morbid cares and
fears, and gives it wholesome employment. It
is a good thing to work because you love to. If
you do not love to woj|M8| is a good thing to
work because you
to.
While people are young, or strong, or pros
perous, ^^SthinkBEHfe of that great army with
muffled banners that is silently walking amid
troubles and disappointments day by day, un
able to do or achieve.
There is peculiar grace required to' maintain
patience and Contentment where one is placed
socially in such a position that all the stronger
an||mM natural actsSties are kept useless, as
is the case not unfrequently; for men are not
always, by any means, matched to their appro
priate work nor joined to their appropriate
place in socie^S There is neither principle, nor
law, nor experience, by which we can always
sort our children and connect them with the
thing for which they are best adapted in their
outward nature. Beside all that, however well
a man may be placed, and however well adapted
his education and faculties may be to his posi
tion, there are these upheavings, these ruptures .
of society, and these sweepings of Providence,
that dislocate men, and scatter them up and
down in the community, so that there are in so
ciety at large thousands and thousands of per
�154
HERALD OF HEALTH.
sons who are admirably adapted to some things,
but unable to reach them. They are not well
adapted to other things, but they are put to do
ing them.
Thus, a man may be eloquent in the French
language; but if by stress of weather he is
thrown upon our shores, what does all his elo
quence in his mother tongue avail him here,
where he is obliged to gain his livelihood from
day to day by stammering bad English ? A
man may have potency in his mother tongue ;
but let him travel in Europe, where he passes
from the English to the French, from the French
to the Spanish, and from the Spanish to the
German, and see how his power of language is
shut up in his mouth. If a man feels proud at
home, I would advise him to go abroad a month
or two and learn how insignificant he is. A
man traveling in a land of whose language he
is ignorant, is like a man swimming in the At
lantic. He is shorn of those ten thousand com
prehensive ways which at home made him vital,
sympathetic and useful, but which, being taken
from him, leave him almost as a dead man.
These are strong Instances projected out of
the ordinary course of things; but our houses,
our streets, our villages, our cities, are filled
with persons who are dislocated and out of
place'in society. As there are multitudes of
men that are attempting poorly to discharge
functions a great deal higher than their powers
fit them for, in every branch of public service;
so in lower departments there are many persons
who are competent to discharge higher trusts,
but can not get up to them. We can not see
how one and another person got there, but so
ciety is full of persons who are below their ap
propriate level. Where this occurs in youth it
is right, because young persons can press their
way up. They are like young and vigorous
plants that draw an abundant supply of food
for growth through the roots below; but when
men pass the climax of life, and with discour
aged spirit are thrown down below their level,
it is not so easy for them to obtain nourishment,
since the root itself is impaired; and when they
are transplanted they can scarcely get hold
again to grow. And they are obliged to wait,
holding their best faculties inactive, doing work
which requires but little thought, and to which
they are not adapted, and remitting intellectual
labors for which they are conscious of being
well qualified.
This is more the case with women, I think,
than with men, for the simple reason that, for
the largest part, woman’s happiness in life is
made to depend upon her social connections and
family estate. Largely, women do not enter
into the social state; but when they are once in
it, it is built of glass, and some side-long blow
may shiver it in a moment. And such is the
uncivilized condition of society that there are
but few alternatives for a woman. Women
that are broken off from their relations to the
domestic circle, find but few channels in which
they can employ thought, and taste, and fidel
ity, and affection, and stand independently in
the community. So that you see on every
hand among women instances the most marked
of persons who are fitted for higher places than
they occupy. And there are not a few of these
instances in which patient waiting for a better
day is rendered more beautiful than in almost,
any others.
Are there not multitudes of persons whose
minds are stored with valuable information,
who have fineness of taste that indicates much
of the artist nature, and who have been trained
to nice moral distinctions—are there not multi
Hudes of such persons that ply the needle; that
teach in the lowest schools; that spend their
energies, in the meaner walks of life? Are
there not multitudes of such persons that are
conscious that the greatest part of their inward
nature is buried and has no function ? Are
there not multitudes of such persons who, al
though there are a few things on which they
can bring the power of their mind to bear in its
higher ranges, are conscious that they are carrying the great orb of their being in obscuration, veiled and darkling ?
Out of this, which in some sense is unnatural,
and which springs largely from the infelicities
of society, but somewhat, also, from peculiarities of individual history and disposition, there
may and there do break forth morbid tenden
cies. Much of vice and crime springs from
morbidity, which springs from minds not prop
erly joined to their functions. And among the
mischiefs of want of liberty to use that which
is strong in us is this : that it disorganizes many
and [many n nature. There are nurses and
teachers of little children who are capable of
rising to higher positions than they occupy.
Not that teaching little children is to be de
spised ; not that it is not itself a noble work;
but there are many doing this work under re
strictions and circumstances which keep them
far below that for which they are fitted by their
capacity. Many persons, by change of fortune,
have fallen from position in society. They are
not adorning the circles that they might. I
think some of the noblest natures walk mostly
in disguise. In a society like ours, where there"
�Wraw of health)
is so much enterprise, where there is such rapid
growth, and where the tides of speculation so
frequently rise and fall, in the course of ten
years there are hundreds and thousands that
are overtaken by such a change of fortune, and
such a change of position in consequence, that
they are quite out of their place, and are obliged
to say that they find little use for that part of
themselves which is most to them. And so we
find men strangely situated. .We find men, for
instance, in factories, that are competent to
plead at the bar.
I remember that I once found breaking stone
near Cincinnati a University man from Ger
many, who had held one of the very highest
positions under the Governments the manage
ment of schools. He came to this country by
emigration, and, finding little to do, accS&teM
whatever it was. Being able to get his bread
and beer by breaking stone, he was willing to
engage in that humble calling, though the
strongest part of him was his head, and not his
hands.
When the Hungarians came here they scorned
charity, and as a means of maintaining them
selves resorted to various physical occupations.
One that I knew learned the carpenter’s trade.
Another that I knew learned saddle-and-harness making. And another that I knew turned
to making soap and candles, as Garibaldi did in
this land.. Others went to farming. And men
of the highest culture and refinement, men of
the best intellectual education, men
leaders of the people in their own country, when
in the providence of God they were thrown on
these shores, and they found, that they could
not use that which they possessed of talent, ac
cepted lower positions than many which they
were qualified to fill. And one could not iH|
feel that the most that was in those men had to
wait. They ought to have labored as they did;
it was noble in them; but, after all, they had no
sphere for their stores of knowledge. The
power that they had in their own country was
gone from them, and they were buried alive
while they lived, in some respects.
God deliver me from being an exile—from
being a stranger in a strange land, out of the
reach of my mother tongue. Send me to prison;
give me quicker dismission by the halter; let
the bullet do its work on me ; but of all that
God could send me of misfortune and trouble,
that would be the worst which should place me
iamong a strange people, speaking a strange
tongue, to walk up and down without a position,
a function, a home, a country, or friends.
The condition of thousands who have been
155
disrupted and broken down, brings their case
within the sphere of waiting of which I have
spoken. There are multitudes to-day that see
the world going by them conscious that they
have powers equal to any that are in exercise.
There are many who are deriving their pit
tance of bread from men whom they greatly
surpass. I remember that once, on going into
my father’s kitchen, in Ohio, to speak to
Charles, our hostler and gardener, I found him
reading a book in which I thought I perceived
mathelafflftal diagrams. On examining it, I
found it to bo a scientific treatise on geography,
in which all the astronomical problems were
wrought out; and as I had seen him from night
to night with his tallow candle poring over this
book as though it were the last newDovel in the
hand of beauty (though he was not beautiful),
I asked him Mihe understood what he read.
“ Certainly,” said he, “ most certainly.” I saw
that there was some Latin in the book, and I
asked him if he could read that. Oh, yes, he could
read Latin, and he talked it. It put my col
lege‘h»ors somewhat in peril, and I feared that
he migl®|^®lking to me in Latin ! “ Do you
understand Greek ?” I said. “ Oh, no ; I can
only read it—I can not speak it.”
There was that man deriving his small
monthly wages from my hand, and he was my
master, probably, in every walk of science and
literature. I was rising and prospering. He
was faithfully and humbly occupying the- posiE|Sn of hBHer^Sd gardener. And do you not
suppose he had thoughts about me as well as I
aboT®fi|ii®| Do you not suppose there are men
that have in some strange way been thrown out
o« counting-offic^the bank, the professor’s
chair, places of honor and trust, who cannot
get back, and who are walking day by day
where they are denied the opportunity of en
gaging in affairs that they see carried on by
men that are far less competent than themselves ?
Do you not suppose there are such men that are
obliged to stand down low and see men that are
pigmies compared with them getting upward
and onward? It may be very easy, if you are
prosperous, to say that such men ought to wait;
that they ought to clothe themselves with pa
tience ; that they ought to substitute large-mind
edness for a narrow, complaining disposition;
but did you ever walk where they are called to
walk ? Will you change places with them, and
see how easy their lot is to bear ?
Nevertheless, your advice is good. I, too,
think that men who are thrown into circum-j
stances where they are obliged to derive their
very life, not from outw ard success, not from
�156
HERALD OF HEALTH.
attritions and collisions with, their fellow-men,
not from the remunerations of pride, hut from
deeper sources—from faith, and hope, and trust
in God, and the resplendent horizon of the fu
ture life, which shall never he marred by cir
cumstances—I, too, think that they should
have royalty of disposition, and should wait
patiently. But it is not easy to give them ad
vice, nor to blame them when our advice is not
readily taken by them.
There is also a sphere of waiting by reason
of sickness, weakness, age, and the remission of
labor in consequence. Where idleness is of a
transient nature, we look hopefully forward to
being restored again to vigor; but where weak
ness becomes our daily attendant, our hope dies
away. Moreover, long-continued sickness ceases
to excite sympathy, because it has not alarm in
it. For we sympathize with our friends in pro
portion as we think they are in danger. Our
sympathy for a man that has the tooth®Se is
nil. If a man has the cholera, or a fever, or
any disease that imperils his life, then we sym
pathize with him. We sympathize [with men,
not according to the measure of their sufferin^l
but according to the measure of their danger j
and yet a man may suffer more, a thousswKMJ
every day, than it takes to kill scores of other
men.
Where men have sickness in the form of
weariness; where men do not suffer from vio
lent pains, but where theyMsaL'so fragile that
they break down under almost every stress, and
find it impossible to
at any rate, to
achieve in life; where men are obliged, day by
day, to ask leave of their brain to think, and to
ask leave of their foot to walk; where men are
prisoners, and every member of their body is a
jailor, and they feel that this condition is to
continue, not for a week, or a day, or a month,
or a year, but as long as they live, and that
their life is to be shortened by it; where men
are obliged to carry th® body of death with
all its infirmities, and to walk in obscurity, and
to be for ever pensioners upon the doctor—under
such circumstances it is„not easy for them to
patiently wait. And yet here is a sphere of
waiting—that kind of moral waiting in which
a man measures his condition, and then clothes
himself with a manly grace which enables him
to accept the lot to which in the providence of
God he is appointed, and lift up his head in
wardly, if not outwardly.
There are many men that we turn rudely
from our door with censure whom God does not
blame. There are many men that we call shift
less who are like a bag that stands up when it
is full and collapses when it is empty. There
are many men that, as long as you are helping
them, get along very well, but that the momenta
you leave them to themselves do not get along
at all, and we get tired of them and say that
they are lazy. But, in many cases, the trouble
is not that they are lazy, but that they are
physically incapacitated. It is not that their
will is not good, but that they lack strength of
bone and muscle. Do you sleep well ? There
is many a man that dozes more hours than he
rests. Have you a good appetite and thorough
digestion? There is many a man that has
slender digestion, and can not eat enough to
keep his body in "repair and health. Are you
vigorous ? There is many a man that is almost
entirely wanting in vigor. Many a man inherits'a good constitution, and comes out in life
with a broad prospect [in himself; while many
others inherit such feebleness that they are liable, under almost any pressure, to break down.
And these last ought not to [be blamed. They
were made feeble; and let us hope that there is
a better chance awaiting them in the other
world.
It might, perhaps,, not do any of us harm if
we were to suffer>some from sickness. I think
we grow more humane, more compassionate,
more considerate for others, when they are
brought into a felSMition of suffering like that
which we are in, or have been in. And let us
ngjlforget to have forbearance with those who
are obliged to [walk through life in perpetual
sickness, that impairs courage and cripples every exertion. FoWt requires“rare grace to endure and piously wait on God under such oircumstanc®.
This may be applied to mothers who are rear
ing families. It ESoften the case that those
who»a«T up amiable, sweet and obliging
women, wheffiflEFare brought into family reIsWSMa^MH sickness, by necessary suffering
in child-bearing, and by their household cafes,
gr^My taxed and tasked in their nervous sys
tem, ®o that they become acutely sensitive and
mw^lR^as well as more feeble and less hope
ful® So great is the strain upon them, that they
e^ehTfose self-respect, in some cases. And fre
quently they are blamed by their parents, won
dered at by their friends, and harshly dealt with
by their husbands and their children. And
much consideration is to be accorded to mothers
whose sharpness and impatience are often in the
ratio of that which they have suffered for oth
ers.
We are to remember, too, that upon the
woman comes the greatest weight of sorrow in
�HER ALB 0 F H E A LTH.
all afflictions. It is rare that a man suffers as
much as a woman from death in the household,
g^on her comes the duty of patient waiting
with the sick. She it is that has hand-to-hand
conflicts with Death. And at last, in the charge
by which the feeble structure is overthrown,
she is found confronting the dread enemy face
to face. And after the struggle is over, in which
Death has been victorious, she is the greatest
mourner. At the Cross last, and at the Sepul
chre first, were the women; and by them more
tears were shed and more sufferings were felt
than by all the other disciples. And that is
typical of woman’s lot in the household the
world over. And women need, perhaps, more
than any others, the love of patient Christian
waiting.
At the same time, there are many men who
are obliged to fight a battle through life, /or
life, and who need this love. Indeed, it is that
which we aft need in some of our earthly rela
tions and experiences, and which we shall all do
well diligently to seek and cultivate.
What they Eat at Xenia.—The “Fat
Contributor” gives the following experience of
endeavoring to get'dinner at Xenia on the Little
Miami Railroad:
“ Twenty minutes for dinner,” shouted the
brakesman as we approached Xenia.
Arrived there, I entered the dining-room' and
inquired of a waiter,
“ What do you have for dinner ?”
“ Twenty minutes,” was the hurried reply.
I told him I would try half a dozen minutes,
raw, on the half-shell, just to see how they went.
Told him to make a minute of it on his books.
He scratched his head trying to comprehend the
order, but finally gave it up and waited upon
some one else.
I approached a man who stood near the door
with a roll of money in his hand.
“What do you have for dinner?”
“ Half a dollar,” says he.
I told him that I would take half a dollar well
done. I asked him if he couldn’t send me, in
addition, a boiled pocket-book stuffed with
greenbacks, and some seven-thirties, garnished
with postage stamps and ten cent script. Also,
a Confederate bond, done brown, with lettuce
alone (let us alone). I would like to wash my
dinner down with National Bank Notes, on
J*draft. ”
1
He said they were out of every thing but the
bank notes, and he then ordered a waiter to go
to the bank and “draw” some.—Ak.
®57
["Written for The Herald of Health.]
Overwork and Underwork.
BY A. L. WOOD, M. D.
It is a law of Nature that all living things
possess within themselves the power of mo
tion, upon the exercise of which their exist
ence, as living entities, depends. Their life com
mences with action, action constitutes their
life, and when action ceases their life has de
parted for ever. Everywhere we find that
action is life and inaction death. In thus
speaking of action I do not mean mechanical
action or chemical action, but vital action-—
that which is inherent in all organized, living
things.
Look at that blade of grass, that flower,
that tree. The elements of which they are
composed are drawn from air, earth and water,
and transformed, by a power existing within
themselves, into the substance of their own
beings. When this force ceases to act death
ensues. As it is in the vegetable world so it
is in the animal kingdom, in man—only to a
far greater extent in the latter. As we pro
gress upward in the scale of life the operation
of this power becomes more extended and di
versified. In the plant its action is limited to
formation and growth. The plant has no
power of moving itself from place to place.
In the animal it not only produces develop
ment growth and constant change, but gives
the power of external, voluntary motion,
which is indispensable to the proper perform
ance of the vital functions of animal life.
A large proportion of the solids of the body
are composed of simple tubes, as the arteries,
veins, capillaries, lymphatics, etc., which are
filled with fluids of various kinds, through
the agency of which all the vital processes are
performed. These fluids constitute, by weight,
more than four-fifths of the body, and they,
as well as the solids, require to be undergoing
constant change. This change can only be ef
fected by having them kept in constant motion.
This motion can only be fully secured by ex
ercise or voluntary action of the entire muscu
lar system. The muscles constitute more
than one-half of the bulk of the body, and
upon their healthful condition the health of the
whole system depends.
It is a law of our nature that if any organ
or faculty is kept from the exercise of its
�158
•HERALD OFHEALTHl
proper function, that organ or faculty becomes
weak, withers away and dies. Each and every part of the body requires to be used in its
proper and legitimate manner in order to main
tain its integrity. The natural action of the
muscular system is to contract. By this con
traction motion is produced. Proper muscular
contraction directly secures the health and de
velopment of the entire muscular system, and
indirectly aids in securing the normal and
healthful action of every organ of the body!
It greatly promotes the circulation of the
blood, thus facilitating the vital processes of
digestion, absorption, assimilation, secretion
and depuration, and increasing the health and
strength of the organs engaged in the perform
ance of these functions. It largely promotes
respiration, causing full and deep inspirations
of air and a vigorous action of the lungs, thus
strengthening these important organs and im
parting vigor and activity to all the others. It
gives strength, endurance, agility, elasticity
■and grace to the body, and energy and activity
to the mind. In short, it develops every or
gan, strengthens every function, and aids in
securing the healthful and harmonious devel
opment of the entire man.
While a certain amount of exercise is neces
sary to maintain the health and secure a proper
development of the different organs of the body
and faculties of the mind, an excessive amount
as surely produces weakness, disease and un
due vital exhaustion. The following remarks
of Dr. Tyler of Boston, in his Report of the
McLean Insane Asylum, presents the subSB
in its true light:
“With the opportunities of observation
which my position gives me, I shall scarcely
be faithful to duty without briefly referring to
one ‘ error of the times,’ which is shortening
many a life, and bringing many to our hospi
tals in a state of incurable bSgi disease. I
refer to the intense and unceasing activity, dis
played chiefly in business, but extending to
almost every other pursuit. Every hour of
every day is given up to an unflinching and
persistent devotion to whatever interests the
individual. Nights and Sundays can scarcely
be spared from labor, and are compressed into
such small periods as shall just suffice to ap
pease a weary frame and a very moderate con
science. No time is taken for recreation and
little for meals, and that little in a very irreg
ular way. Every moment not spent in the
keen drive of business is looked upon as lost.
Every nerve is strained to accomplish just as
much as is possible to unremitting exertion.
Every thing is done rapidly, or, in the lan
guage of the day, ‘ with a rush.’ Every man
has a given amount of vital force to live with
and work with. His capacity for any kind of
labor, whatever it may be and however it may
compare with that of another, has its limit.
It never can be over-drawn upon without se
rious damage. So much of this force as he
wastes, or so much as he turns in any one di
rection, so much less has he for any other. If
he overworks his brain, his body will suffer.
If he overworks his body, his brain will suffer.
He may overwork one set of organs, or invig
orate them, as he says, at the expense of another set. An illustration of this is evident in
those who give their chief attention to the development of muscle, as boxers and members
of boat-clubs do. Their regimen and diet tend
to keep the digestive organs in good order and
develop the muscular system. This is fre
quent carried to an excess, and when it is,
the individual for a time can show an athletic
figure, great strength, and an external appear
ance of high health; but in a little while it is
plain that he has diverted his vital force from
other organs—say the lungs—which have been
insufficiently nourished : they fail him and he
dies of con»mption. To keep one in the
best working order, this vital force, must be
properly distributed to every organ, and to the
digestive and respiratory organs in full share,
to keep them active, else its supply will be di
minished. What is lost by use and waste
must be regained by regular bodily nourishment and refreshment, that is, by food and re
po®. Its use must be regular, must never be
excessive, and mu^alternate with rest. Each
person will accomplish the greatest amount
that is possible for
by working regularly
for a given number of hours, and by taking
time at regularly returning periods sufficient
for food, rest and recreation. The consequences of overwork may not appear at once,
but they are inevitable and destructive. Over
work® deceive themselves by the belief that
they can bear more than others, or that they
can bear what they are doing because they
have so long borne it without breaking down.”
The
[stock-grower, who is accus
tomed to raising horses, knows very well that
if he puts a young colt at long-continued hard
work it will not attain the strength and size
which it would acquire were it left to gambol
in the pastures at its own free will. He
knows that if the vitality of the animal is ex
pended in bard labor it can not be used to form
nerve and bone and muscle, and that the colt
can never become the perfect horse which it
otherwise might, but will always be small,
weak and inferior.
—
The stock-grower knows all this and lets |
his colts roam the pasture free, or only re
�HERETO
OF HEALTH.
159
But a new era in education is dawning upon
quires of them the lightest labors, while his
growing sons he sends into the field at early the land, and there are a few that have learned
morn, and through all the day requires them the lesson that children have bodies as well as
to perform the hardest labor their strength minds; that the one requires care and culture
will allow. The effects are the same with the as much as the other, and that forced culture
boy as with the colt, only in a more marked of either produces weakness and injury to
degree, for the higher in the scale of life and both.
While overwork is a great evil from which
the more refined the violater of Nature’s laws
one class of society suffers, another class suf
the greater the suffering.
The stock-grower perceives the operation of fers still more from underwork or idleness.
this law upon his colts but not upon his sons, Better wear out than rust out, if it is done in
and the result is that he raises beautiful, sym a good cause ; for then some good will be acmetrical and finely-developed horses, and complished, and humanity will be “ the better
small, deformed, weak and unhealthy men. forlfflSja But the true course is to avoid both
When men learn to bestow as much care and extremes and pursue the even tenor of a happy
attention upon the raising of fine and healthy medium. By so doing a far greater amount
specimens of their own species as they do to of labor can be accomplished, at less expense
raising fine horses and cattle, humanity will of health, strength and vitality.
An idle man 1 What is he ? Of what use
have taken a long stride forward upon the
is he to himself or to the world ? He is an
road of progression.
The same law that applies to overwork of imperfect, undeveloped being, a drone, a bur
the young body applies with still greater force den to himself and a disgrace to humanity.
to overwork of the young brain, for the brain Shakspeare says:
“What is a man,
is higher and more refined than the body.
Knowing this, what can we expect from the If m®Hgigood and market of his time
Be but to Seep and feed ?—a beast, no more !”
present forced, hot-bed system of mental ed
The great poet wrongs the beast by degrad
ucation for the young and growing brain ?
The child of three or four summers is sent to ing KH^tne level of a lazy man. The animal
school, and then commences the process of was created lower than man, it is true, but it
cramming, of urging the weak and immature acSmMHies Bthe object of its existence.
brain to perform tasks beyond its strength to What more can be expected of it ? How is it
accomplish, without the expenditure of vital with the idle man ? He has higher powers and
ity which should be used in strengthening and more exalted faculties, but what do they avail
developing it, together with its servant, the him ? He makes no use of them except, it
body. This process is continued through may be, to plot mischief and practice vices
the growing period of youth, and, unless the which the most degraded animal on earth
young student rebels, fails to perform the tasks would never be guilty of. It is said, and
idle man’s brain is the Devil’s
assigned him, and obeys the instincts of his na
ture and plays and frolics with his companions workshop.” The old philosopher, Burton,
under the greenwood tree or by the running says
stream, the chances are that, if he survives the
“ Idleness is the badge of gentry; the bane
ordeal, he will graduate with due academic QMMgygnd mind ; the nurse of naughtiness ;
chief author of all mischief; one of the
honors; a small, weakly body; loose, flabby
seven deadly sins ; the cushion upon which
muscles ; a dyspeptic stomach; feeble lungs ; a the Devil chiefly reposes, and a great cause not
small stock of vitality ; and a contracted, ner only of melancholy, but of many other dis
vously active and excitable mind, which can eases.”
plod along very well for a time in the wellworn ruts of custom, but which is utterly in
“ The last, best fruit which comes to
capable of bold, vigorous and manly thought late perfection, even in the kindliest soul, is
upon any great, new and important subject. tenderness toward the hard, forbearance toward
Such are the results of the present system of the unforbearing, warmth of heart toward
education of the young, which constantly over- the cold, philanthropy toward the misan
^jv.orks the brain and neglects the body.
thropic.”
�HEEA1D op healthI
160
[“Written for The Herald of Health.]
A True Life.
BY
HORACE
GREELEY.
There is, even on this side of the grave, a
haven where the storms of life break not, or are
but in gentle undulations of the unrippled and
mirroring waters—an oasis, not in the desert,
but beyond it; a rest, profound and blissful as
that of the soldier returned for ever from the
hardships, the dangers and the turmoils of war,
to the bosom of that dear domestic circle whose
blessings he never prized at half their worth
until he lost them.
This haven, this rest, this oasis, is a serene
old age. The tired traveler has abandoned the
dusty, crowded and jostling highway of life for
one of its shadiest and least-noted by-lanes.
The din of traffic and of worldly strife has no
longer magic for his ear; the myriad foot-fall
on the city’s stony walk is but noise or nothing
to him now. He has rim his race of toil, or
trade, or ambition. His day’s work is accom
plished, and he has come "home to enjoy, tran
quil and unharassed, the splendor of the sunset,
the milder glories of late evening. Ask not
whether he has or has not been successful, ac
cording to the vulgar standard of success.
What matters it now whether the multitude has
dragged his chariot, rending the air with idol
izing acclamations, or howled like wolves upon
his track, as he fled by night from the fury of
those he had wasted his vigor to serve ? What
avails it that broad lands have rewarded his
toil, or that all has at the last moment been
stricken from his grasp ? Ask not whether he
brings into retirement the wealth of the Indies
or the poverty of the bankrupt; whether his
couch be of down or of rushes; his dwelling a
hut or a mansion. He has lived to little pur
pose, indeed, if he has not long since realized
that wealth and renown are the true ends of ex
ertion, nor their absence the conclusive proof of
ill fortune. Whoever seeks to know if his
career has been prosperous and brightening
from its outset to its close, if the evening of his
days shall be genial and blissful, should ask not
for broad acres, nor towering edifices, nor laden
coffers. Perverted old age may grasp these
with the unyielding clutch of insanity, but they
add to his cares and anxieties, not to his enjoy
ments. Ask rather : Has he mastered and har
monized his erring passions ? Has he lived a
true life ?
A true life! Of how many lives dees each
hour knell the conclusion, and how few of them
are true ones. The poor child of sin and shame
and crime, who terminates her clouded being in
the early morning of her scarce budded yet
blighted existence; the desperate felon, whose
blood is shed by the community as the dread
penalty of its violated laws; the miserable de
bauchee, who totters down to his loathsome
grave in the spring-time of his years, but the
fullness of his feasting iniquities—these the
world valiantly affirms have not lived true
lives! Fearless and righteous world, how pro
found and how .discriminating are thy judg
ments ! But the base idolater of self, who de
votes all his moments, his energies, his thoughts,
to schemes which begin and end in personal ad
vantage »the grasper of gold and lands and
tenements; the devotee of pleasure; the man of
ignoble and sinister ambition; the woman of
frivolity, extravagance and fashion; the idler;
the gambler; the voluptuary—on all these and
their myriad compeers, while borne on the crest
of the advancing billow, how gentle is the re
proof, how charitable the judgment of the
world! Nay, does it not pick its way daintily,
cautiously and inoffensively through the midst of
drunkard-making and national faith-breaking ?
A true life must be simple in all its elements.
Animated by one grand and ennobling impulse,
all lesser aspirations find their proper places in
harmonious subservience; simplicity in taste, in
appetite, in habits of life, with a corresponding
indifference to worldly honors and aggrandize
ment, is the natural result of the predominence
of a divine and unselfish idea. Under the guid
ance of such a sentiment, virtue is not an ef
fort but a law of Nature, like gravitation. It
is vice alone that seems unaccountable, mon
strous, almost miraculous. Purity is felt to be
as necessary to the mind as health to the body,
and its absence alike the inevitable source of
pain. A true life must be calm. We wear out
our energies in strife for gold or fame, and then
wonder alike at the cost and the worthlessness
of the meed. How sloth is jostled by gluttony,
and pride wrestled by avarice, and ostentation
bearded by meanness! The soul which is not
large enough for the indwelling of one virtue,
affords lodgment and scope and arena for a
hundred vices; but their warfare can not be in
dulged with impunity. Agitation and wretch
edness are the inevitable consequences, in the
midst of which the flame of life burns flaringly
and swiftly to its close.
A true life must be genial and joyous. Tell
me not, pale anchorite, of your ceaseless vigils,
your fastings, your scourgings. The man who
is not happy in the path he has chosen, has
chosen amiss.
�HERAjTd ^t)F HEALTH.
[■Written for The Herald of Health.]
161
The former receive and propel the venous
The Study of Physiology—No, III. blood to the lungs, and the latter receive and
BY RUFUS KING BROWNE, M. D.,
(FORMERLY) PROFESSOR OF EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
AND MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY AT THE NEW YORK MED
ICAL COLLEGE,
HEART—CIRCULATION—LUNGS—RESPIRATION.
We have already seen that the blood is the
source from which all the materials which sus
tain the tissues and replenish the waste is de
rived.
We have next to understand that upon the
regularity of the circulation of this fluid depends
all the phenomena of a systemic character in
our bodies, so that all these phenomena j?re-suppose the existence of both this fluid and an ap
paratus by means of which it is incessantly
kept in motion from the center to the periphery
of the body.
This apparatus, called the circulatory appa
ratus or the “ vascular system,” consists of three
sets of continuous muscular and fibrous tubes,
and a central organ of impulsion, the heart.
Now, although this latter does not constitute
the sole means of propelling the blood through
the vascular system or blood channels, it is by
far the most important of all; for, although the
circulation in limited points of the system may
be arrested, if the heart suspends its incessant
action for a single moment the anima.! organism
can never again be »®-animated.
The heart is nothing more than a hollow,
muscular organ, the hollows of which are con
tinuous with those of the arteries, capillaries
and veins. Its motions are the pulsations, and
it differs from the other organs of the circula
tory apparatus in being provided with valves to
regulate the flow of blood, and to giv^t the
proper direction. It has been aptly likened to
a double forcing pump, situated between the
veins, on the one hand, and the arteries on the
other, these valves being so arranged as to open
in a forward and shut in a backward direction.
The capillaries are the minute tubes which
extend from the arteries to the veins, and it is
they from which the blood issues whenever the
surface of the flesh anywhere is pierced or
broken.
In the mammalia the heart is divided into
four cavities, which are continuous on the one
side with the veins and on the other with the ar
teries.
It consists, therefore, of the two cavities con
stituting the right side—namely, the right au
ricle and ventricle, and on the left side, the left
auricle and ventricle.
transmit the arterial blood from the lungs.
The lungs are therefore the compound or
double organ, in which the blood, being trans
mitted through their capillaries, is converted,
during the passage, from venous into arterial.
They, therefore, have a distinct circulatory ap
paratus, different from that which is common to
the whole of the other parts of the circulation ;
because, while passing through by a short route
to and from the heart, the blood, which is dark
or venous on reaching them, becomes arterialized on its return to the heart.
The auricles are that part of the heart which
is uppermost, and are the receiving cavities,
while the ventricles are the lower part of the
organ and are the discharging cavities.
Now, it has been only recently understood
what the exact character of the phenomena in
volved in the passage of the blood through
these cavities is.
Both the smaller muscular chambers of the
heart, the auricles, are receptacles—the one right
and the other left.
These are, therefore, first occupied by the
blood coming from the veins. The blood then
passes on the right side from the'auricle into the.
ventricle in a downward direction, but on reach
ing the bottom of the right ventricle it changes
its course. It makes a turn upon itself, and in
stead of passing from above downward, contin
ues to pass from below upward, but from right
to left.
This is the change in the course of the venous
blood. This is the character of the passage,
through the right side of the heart, of the dark
or venous blood.
On the other hand and simultaneously, theblood as it comes from the lungs passes into the
left auricle downward into the left ventricle.
Arriving at the bottom of the ventricle this
stream changes its course, and passes from be
low upward, and from left to right.
This
course is the reverse of the change of direction
on the left side of the heart.
This, then, is the course of the arterial
blood.
There is accordingly, simultaneously and at
given moments during life, in the heart, two,
streams of blood, both of them making their
way, in the right and left sets of cavities, first
from above downward and next from below up
ward.
Between these cavities and the streams occu
pying them we must remember there is a thick,
muscular wall,
�562
HERALD OF HEALTH!
The latter force the blood in a different di
These two streams, the one red or arterial and
the other dark or venous, separated hy a thick rection, through the orifices leading to the lungs
wall of muscular tissue, which partitions the and the general system, and past the valves at
heart into right and left halves, take a crossed those orifices, which immediately contract upon
direction in the cavities, and emerge from it at the just emptied ventricles.
As the contraction of the two first valves is
different orifices and in different directions.
The valves are those fleshy curtains situated simultaneous, so that of the two last is simulta
at the line of junction of the right auricle and neous, but they are successive to each other’s con
ventricle on one side, and left auricle and ven traction.
Let us now direct our attention to the im
tricle on the other side.
They interrupt from moment to moment the portant changes which take place in the blood
continued current of the hlood from the one to during its passage through the lungs, from one
the other,' when the latter has become filled and side of the heart back to the other.
The right auricle contains the blood just ar
is about contracting to discharge.
Both these, then, alternately relax and con riving from the general system by the veins,
tract, but while the auricles of either side con which terminate in it. This is venous blood.
tract simultaneously, the ventricles contract in If the auricle be looked at it plainly shows the
stantly afterward, and it is precisely at the mo dark color of the venous blood. On the oppo
ment between the two contractions that the site side of the heart, in a corresponding situvalves previously dependent as festoons, raise ation, is the left auricle, which contains the
and form a momentary partition in the auricSE- blood arriving from the lungs.
The color of this blood, as seen through the
ventricular cavity.
Then comes the contraction of the ventricles, walls of the auricle, is of a brilliant scarlet,
which react instantly from their relaxile state strongly contrasting with that on the opposite
after the contraction of the auricle. This clo side.
We see, then, the change of color which
sure of the valve prevents the blood from re
turning into the auricle, when the ventricle con characterizes the arterial and venous bloods,
tracts upon its contents and forces it in a side and at the same time we are enabled to distin
guish the exact point in the circulatory system
direction.
Now, as the two auricles contract simultane where this change takes place.
The blood before its entrance into the lungs
ously, so the two ventricles at one contraction
i-nRt.ant.1y follow (contract simultaneously™ and is bluish. Immediately after leaving them it is
the volume of blood which occupies the latter red, and this change is incessantly continued as
is thrown out at separate orifices, each of which fresh portions of the blood arrive at the right
auricle and ventricle, pass through the pulmo
is provided with valves.
And as the blood passes the first set of valves, nary ^^Hilation, and return to the left cavities
which are relaxed and open until the ventricles of the heart.
We see, therefore, that the blood in different
are filled, so the blood from the latter passes out
through these two orifices, when the latter set parts of the system, although a continuous vol
of valves also contract and close them, to pre ume, is not preSSgm the same hlood.
Let us now consider the course of the blood
vent the blood returning into the cavities of the
as it leaves the heart and is distributed to other
heart.
"We have thus briefly but plainly described parts of the body.
It enters the arteries, whose pulsations are
the circulation of the heart, but, to repeat, the
but an extension of the pulsatile movements of
.course of the phenomena is as follows:
The blood flows from the veins into the au the heart.
It
transmitted in an unbroken stream
ricles and into the wide-open orifice between
that and the ventricles (these two, on either through these into the capillaries, and through
side, being only apartments of the heart, each those into the veins. In the first, the blood is
two chambers, having a continuous hollow); im red from the lungs and the stream is rapid. In
mediately the auricle contracts completes the the last, it is again dark and the stream slug
filling of the corresponding ventricle, and at the gish.
In the arteries it is carried forward by their
same instant the valves close and thus shut the
propulsive movements, but in the veins it moves
blood into their ventricles.
Then comes the contraction of the ventricles, slowly, and is pushed forward by the current
which instantly follows the shutting of the from behind.
Between these are the minute tubes called the
waives.
�HERALD OF HEALTH.
capillaries. These have extremely attenuate
walls, and it is through them that certain ele
ment^ of the blood transude to replenish the
constantly occurring waste of the tissues they
penetrate.
These capillaries are found in every district
of the human system, and they are the chan
nels through which all the waste of the hody is
supplied.
They contain the blood in its proper state of
distribution for nutrition.
They supply the material by which all the
products of the various organs of secretion are
elaborated.
From their contents is formed all the various
substances which take part in the phenomena of
digestion and digestive absorption.
Forming in their ramifications by far the
greater part of the substance of every organ,
and containing in their hollows by far the most
active elements taking part in the function of
every organ, they are really the nutrifying
organs, supplying the pabulum which sustains
the |body and from which its products are
evolved. From their contents are replenished
all the fluids and the solids.
If the pancreas is to produce its characteristic
secretion, it is the capillaries of the organ which
supply the needed material for the work of elab
oration.
If the bile is to be produced, it is the capilla
ries of its structure which furnish the substance
which the liver transforms into bile.
If the gastric juice is needed for the digestion
of the food in the stomach, it is the capillaries
which transude the materials composing it.
But, further than this, the capillaries not only
furnish these materials to be elaborated, but
they perform the equally important service of
reabsorbing the materials they had already sup
plied, together with those parts of the food that
have been changed by the gastric juice and are
fitted for assimilation.
Thus the capillaries furnish the materials
which have transformed the food, and again
possess themselves of the resulting combination
of the food and their own previous substances.
They are not, therefore, the mere channels of
the nutrient substances, but ai^also the seat of
the great changes which occur in the blood it
self.
The study of the capillaries) and what occurs
within and immediately without them, is in
fact the study of nutrition in its several phases.
Without these delicate,, blood-holding tubes
permeating everywhere the tissue of the lungs,
no possibility would exist of supplying the
163
blood with oxygen, nor of ridding the system
.of the products of physiological combustion in
the form of carbonic acid and animal vapor.
We have now taken a sufficiently lengthy
survey of the great field or realm of phenomena,
the study of which we remarked awhile ago was
of truly surpassing interest to the welfare of
man.
The experience of history teaches us that the
relatively most important studies which have
engaged the attention of the human mind are
always the latest in the order of development
to be pursued.
Thus the study of physiology, from being so
comparatively difficult, and because its results
did not immediately reward us with any direct
addition to our material wealth, as the various
other branches which are now so assiduously
cultivated, will eventually become the most im
portant of all these.
Nor is the time far distant when institutions
of learning will be constrained to devote to it
quite as much attention as any of the other
branches of learning.
The |g|of knowledge it confers has afar
more direct and fruitful bearing upon man’s in
terests, both present and eventual, both tempo
ral and eternal, than all the others, which but
strive at present to satisfy and stimulate our cu
pidity or our natural pride.
And at length it will be found that all these
have preceded it and reached their fullest de
velopment in order that they may furnish an
indispensable basis for this study of studies.
Welcome.—“Papa will soon be here,”
said mamma to her two-year old boy. “ What
can Gregory do to welcome him ?” And the
mother glanced at the child’s playthings, which
lay scattered in wild confusionjm^the'carpet.
“Make the room neat.B replied^the bright
little one, understanding the look and at once
beginning to gather his toys into a basket.
“ What more can we do to welcome papa ?”
asked mamma, when nothing wasj wanting to
the neatness of the room.
happy to him when he comes!” cried the
dear little fellow, jumping up and down with
eagerness, as he watched at the window for bis
father’s coming.
Now, as all the dictionary-makers will testify,
it is very hard to give good definitions; but
did not little Gregory give the substance of a
welcome ? “ Be happy to him when he comes. ”
Fashionable young lady, detaching
her hair before retiring: “What dreams may
come when we have shuffled off this mortal coil.”
�164
HERALD OF HEALTH?
[Written for The Herald, of Health.]
Botany for Invalids—No. IV.
BY MBS. MARY TREAT.
Nearly all invalids love flowers. What a
quick flush, of joy overspreads the patient’s face
at the sight of a beautiful bouquet arranged by
some loving hand! Those who scarcely ever
notice flowers while strong and well, pre-occu
pied, as they think, with, weightier matters, yet,
if stricken down with disease, show this instinct
ive love as if it were a part of their very being.
Yes, we all have love for the beautiful inter
woven in our natures, although it may seem to
lie dormant in some rude specimens of Human
ity. Young children especially show this love,
but differing greatly in degree and intensity
according to temperament and organization.
A frequent visitor of our flower-garden is a
neighbor’s delicate little son, only in his third
summer. I first noticed this child’s passionate
devotion to flowers when our Tulips were in
bloom. Looking from the window I saw him
on his knees before these bright flowers, his face
radiant, his little hands partly clasping but not
touching, the flowers—a perfect picture of love
and devotion. And what a picture it was for an
artist! Many times a day these Tulips are vis
ited, and as they began to wither and fade he
seemed to look sad; but other bright flowers
soon attracted his attention, and now the Phlox
Prummondii, with its many brilliant colors,!
seems to be his special favorite. Never touch
ing the flowers himself, he seems to think the
bees and butterflies have no business to be rob
bing them of their sweets, his hands waving
gently over the flowers to frighten these insects
away. No doubt this child was born a bota
nist, but his future training may warp these fine
sensibilities; he maybe sent to school too young,
and thus, coming in contact with minds cast in a
rougher mold, will naturally influence his after
career. “ Like begets like.” The companion-!
ship of the great and good has a direct influ
ence upon the forming mind. ’Tis true, now
and then a brilliant light emerges from darkness
and obscurity, dazzling both continents, but
these are exceptions ; it is the surroundings,
the culture while young, that gives us these
master minds. Never was I more struck with
the force of the truth of this than in reading a
sketch by Mrs. Fletcher in The Atlantic
Monthly, where she relates the following inci
dent as occurring in Geneva, Switzerland, illus
trative of my position:
“We do not remember who said that £iD
Geneva every child is born an artist,’ but the
statement would bear investigation. Talent as
well as taste for drawing and painting is almost
universal, and belongs as well to the poor as to
the rich. It may not be well known that De
Candolle, the celebrated and untiring Genevese
botanist, made use, in a course of lectures, of a
valuable collection of tropical American plants,
intrusted to his care by a Spanish botanist.
Unfortunately, the herbarium was needed by
its owner sooner than expected, and Professor
De Candolle was requested to send it back.
This he stated to his audience, with many a re
gret for so irreparable a loss. But some of the
ladies present at once offered to copy the whole
collection in one week. This was done. The
drawings, filling thirteen folio volumes, and
amounting in number to eight hundred and
sixty, were accurately executed by one hundred
and fourteen women artists in the time speci
fied. In most cases the principal parts of the
plants alone were colored, the rest was only
pencilled with great accuracy. Where is there
another city of the same size in which such a
number of lady artists could be found ? One
of these very drawings, having been accidently
dropped in the street, was picked up by a little
girl ten years old, and returned to De Candolle,
copied by the child, and it is no blemish to the
collectior^^B
It is well known that Geneva has been the
home of literature and the fine arts for centu
ries, so we do not so much wonder at the num
ber of lady artists found there.
But the civilization or culture of the human
family, or of the animal kingdom in general,
has no more marked effect than the change man
has made in plants. Our fruits, grains and veg
etables have all sprung from plants that would
hardly be recognized as the same species. The
almost innumerable varieties of the apple have
all originated from a hard, sour, unpalatable
forest fruit. The same may be said of all our
fruits, though the change is not so great as in the
apple. Some of our wild small fruits are deli
cious. The flavor of the strawberry in its natu
ral state is superior to the monsters produced in
cultivation. Horticulturists may think me
semi-barbarous in taste when I say I have eaten
wild grapes at the West that I preferred to any
cultivated variety ever tasted; and may-be my
roving life in those Westem wilds did affect my
taste, for I have eaten wild plums there that I
pronounced equal to the horticulturist s best.
They were 1 arg^ juicy and firm-meated, and if
a little bitter in taste next the skin, it could be
easily obviated by paring, which I invariably
did, when nothing could be more delicious. Of
course, these fruits could be improved as regards
size, but it is doubtful if a finer flavor could be
imparted. And this is the fruit for invalids—
the tree of life—if they will hunt and pluck for
themselves.
�HERALD OF HEALTH.
A wealthy gentleman, of New England, given
up by his physicians to die with consumption,
as a last resort started for the West. On ar
riving at the prairies—Nature’s great flowergardens—he shunned doctors and men, camping
out and living on wild fruits and simple bread.
The result was that in three years’ time he was
a healthy, robust man, and could not be induced
to give up his roving lifB ; but he hunted and
trapped, and would endure all kinds of expo
sure, never taking cold nor scarcely knowing
fatigue. ’Tis true, good health is the first and
greatest blessing we can enjoy, and second to
this is congenial society—society of man. We
have no sympathy with one who isolates him
self from his fellows out of disregard for their
fellowship. However much we may admire
Thoreau, yet we have a secret feeling of chagrin
that he should prefer the society of woodchucks
to man. The remarks of the critic in The
North American Review were to the point,
when, in reviewing Thoreau, he said: “ The
natural man, like the singing birds, comes out
of the forest as inevitably as the natural bear
and wild-cat stick there.”
Cultivation, too, has given us many varieties
of grain. Almost innumerable varieties of
maize or Indian corn have been produced since
the landing of Columbus on these shores. We
have early six weeks’/com, and later varieties
that take a long summer to perfect, originally
from the same species. These early varieties
were brought about by taking corn as far north
as it would grow, where in the course of time it
learned to ripen in the short summers, and is
sent back to us for early garden varieties. It
is a very easy matter to hybridize corn, as every
farmer knows, for the staminate or male flowers
are at the summit of the stalk, and the pollen,
at the mercy of the winds, may be carried to a
distant cornfield, where, falling upon the silk or
pistillate flowers, it produces a mixture often
differing in color from either parent.
So the change in our vegetables is no less
marked. The potato in its native wilds has
scarcely a tuber upon its roots, but cultivation
has produced untold varieties. The parsnip in
its native state has a slender, poisonous root,
but is made wholesome and nutritious by the
abundance of saccharine matter deposited after
years of care and cultivation. But this plant,
almost more than any other, has a tendency to
go back to its original or former worthlessness.
If left to itself for only two or three years,
about the garden fence or some other out-of-theway place, the root dwindles in size, becomes
hard, acrid and poisonous. Frequent cases of
T65
poisoning have occurred in families unacquainted
with this fact. The cabbage is another illustra
tion, which has no appearance of a head in its
natural state.
But perhaps there is no more marked change
in plants cultivated for use than in those for or
nament. By cultivation the internal organs
of flowers—stamens and pistils—are gradually
made to pass into petals and thus become double.
This is frequently carried to such an extent that
all traces of sexual organs disappear—they have
all become petals, and of course no seed can be
produced. If civilization and high culture can
thus affect plants, may it not affect the human
family in the same way ? May this not be the
reason why so few children, comparatively
speaking, are born among highly intellectual
and cultivated people, while in the cabins and
log huts of the poor we see swarms of children,
the same as we do seeds among uncultivated
plants ?
The great natural order or family Composites,
to whHSwe are indebted for most of our au
tumnal flowers, is by far the most extensive of
all the natural orders, embracing about nine
thousand species, and always known by its
heads of flowers and united anthers. They are
distributed over all parts of the globe, but very
unequally. According to Humboldt, in some of
the countries of Europe and Asia they consti
tute but a very small proportion, while in trop
ical America and in some of the tropical islands
they are full one-half of all the flowering plants,
and on the Island of Sicily, according to some
botanists, they are one-half. They give us but
very few useful species, unless we call the horrid
bitter herbs with which we were dosed in child
hood useful, and which we never see without a
sort of dread and nauseating sensation—as, for
instance, thoroughwort, tansey, wormwood,
camomile, and many others, whose medicinal
virtues were formerly supposed to be very great.
Latterly, most of these supposed medicinal plants
are very much out of favor, and we do not see
the great bundles of dried herbs in every wellregulated household as formerly. But some of
our most brilliant and highly ornamental plants
are found in this order. Our autumnal gardens
would look dreary enough did not this family
give us the splendid Dahlias, Crysanthemums,
Asters, Zinias, Helianthus, and many others too
numerous to mention.
The fields and waste places are no less in
debted to this order for their autumnal decora
tions than our gardens. Especially the graceful
Goldenrod, whose beauty and gracefulness has
been the theme of poets in all ages. Over thirty
�166
HERALD OF HEALTH.
species of Goldenrod decorate our roadsides and
fields. The most pleasant species is. Solidago
odora or Sweet-scented Goldenrod. The crushed
leaves of this species have a fine fragrance, sim
ilar to anise, and are frequently distilled for the
fragrant volatile oil which they yield in abun
dance, and they have been used as a substitute
for tea, and even been exported to China. As
every body is supposed to know the Goldenrod,
it is hardly necessary to speak of the flowers,
for the divisions of calyx and corolla, stamens,
pistils, fruit and seeds, are what we depend upon
to determine the family and genus, but as we
all know this belongs to the Composite family,
and genus Solidago, we have only to look carefuHy that we do not mistake the species, which
is determined by the leaves. The stem is from
two to three feet high, the leaves linear-lanceo
late, smooth and entire, with a strong, yellow
ish mid-vein, veinlets scarcely perceptible; but,
above all, the fragrance of this species is so dis
tinct from the others it can hardly be mistaken.
It takes its generic name from the Latin solido,
to make whole, in allusion to its then supposed
medicinal properties« its specific name, odora\
from its sweet-scented leaves.
But soon the frost will crisp and blacken
these flowers, and we can only turn to our books
and dried collections, of which I hope we have
all secured a good supply, to study during our
leisure in the long winter months.
tWritten for The Herald of Health.]
A Homily for Ministers and Chris
tians.
BY REV. DR. JOHN MARSH.
There is, it is believed, no portion of the
Christian world in which religion has a higher
and purer type than America. England, our
fatherland, has, we know, ever been identified
with extreme formalism, amid much true devo
tion. Scottish piety has been in another ex
treme—piety of the head more than the heart.
America has placed her religion more in the af
fections—is more decidedly spiritual, seeks an
abstraction from all that is visible and tangible.
But is there not danger of an extreme, even
here ? May not we Americans become, even in
our piety, so wholly spiritual as almost entirely
to neglect the animal constitution, and bring
injury upon ourselves and disgrace the very re
ligion in which we glory ? By what law is that
minister of the Gospel or that professing Chris
tian governed whose conversation is daily and
literally in heaven, but whose mouth is filled
with tobacco ? who indulges two or three times
a day in his cigar ? or who, without any regard
to the admonitions of those who understand
their poisonous qualities, will be seen using in
social and friendly circles alcoholic beverages ?
Paul tells us: “ The body is for the Lord,” and
therefore it is as much a part of true religion to
take care of the body as it is to take care of the
soul—a strange doctrine; however, it is believed
by not a few professing Christians. Temper
ance sermons were at one time viewed as an
outrage in Christian pulpits. And the clergy
man who should now deliver a discourse upon
the Laws of Health, severely remarking upon a
daily violation of those laws in Christian fami
lies—in their food, their dress, their labors, their
parties and pleasures—would be considered in
most congregations as forfeiting his ministerial
standing.
In caring for the body there is, even among
many good people, little or no conscience. They
do not feel that they are responsible for what
they eat or drink, or for what dress they wear
or what pleasures they engage in; if the heart
be right, if they have saving faith and make a
good profession before many witnesses and give
liberally of their substance, that is enough.
BuiAj^Egiot so. We are to be temperate in all
things and keep in subjection our appetites and
passions. The body is for the Lord, and our
bodies are to become temples of the Holy Ghost;
and until ministers and Christians understand
this better than they do, and care more for health
and less for appetite, in vain shall we look for
the suppression of intemperance and the refor
mation of inebriates; in vain shall we look for
the disuse of tobacco and narcotics among our
young men; in vain shall we expect a convert
ing and sanctifying power in the pulpit and the
Church, and in vain look for the coming of the
glorious millennium. Let all, then, remember,
“ The body is for the Lordis to be subject to
His law and trained for His glory. In neglect
of this not a few good men live out not half
their days. In our attention to it there is an
increase of days, an increase of animal and spir
itual enjoyment, a vastly increased usefulness,
and an honor put on Him who has formed us,
placed us in this beautiful world and fitted us
for His glory.
Garments of beauty may cover, but
they can never impart worth to abandoned char
acter.
Why is the assessor of taxes the best
man in the world? Because he never underrates
any body.
�HERALD OF* HEALTH.
167
those of males, while at birth they are larger,
and ought to be, for sufficient reasons. If the
Health of G-irls-No. V.
chest is thus contracted, adequate room for the
lungs, etc., is utterly impossible. If the lungs
BY DR. J. H. HANAFORD.
are in any respect compressed, the minute airThe compression of the chest is still another cells and passages—estimated by millions—be
cause of disease and debility. The chest con come closed and adhere for ever, rendering, a full
tains the heart and lungs, two organs demand inflation of the lungs, and a consequent full
ing special space for exercise. Indeed, by na supply of air, utterly impossible. To under
ture there is just room enough for all of the in stand the extent of the evils of such compres
ternal organs and none to spare. If any are sion, it should be remembered that one object of
crowded, their usefulness, so to speak, is im 'breathing is to purify the blood by a contact
paired, and none more than the lungs and with the air—or its oxygen—in the lungs, one
heart. These, in the form given to the chest, of the most important means of purifying the
are amply protected, bounded by firm bones, blood. Indeed, this method is much more effi
the ribs, breast-bone, spinal column, etc.—at cacious than the use of all of the sarsaparilla
least firm when fully matured. This chest, at “ blood-purifiers” that ignorant quacks have ever
birth, is large, ample to accommodate and pro cursed society with, since this is Nature’s own
tect its contents, the shape being adapted to its purifier, leaving no “ dregs of impurity” intro
design. But that shape is wonderfully and duced in the very process of purification.
sadly changed from its original conical form, (Young lady, if you would purify your blood,
with the larger portion down, inverting Nature’s use less salt, less “ grease,” less pork—the most
plan. Those who doubt this will please observe abominable of all grease; less diseased animal
the chest of the infant at birth, notice the am food, etc.; it is difficult to use too little of such
ple expanse of the ribs, particularly at the base, articles—and breathe as much as possible of
relatively larger in the female than in the male, pure, cool air, day and night, exercising suffi
for reasons that need not be specified. But, ciently to throw off the waste of the body, and
between the ages of ten and fifteen years, you will not only find an economical but also
though some have supposed that the days of an effectual method.
Again, this compression of the lungs is among
corsets, etc., have passed away, mark the wasp
like forms, so beautiful, and notice that this the many causes of pulmonary consumption, so
change occurs very soon after the miss begins alarmingly prevalent at the present day partic
to have some idea of “ taste,’■diminishing in ularly among females—a disease that is consign
size, particularly at the base, at a very rapid ing thousands of the fair buds of mortality,
rate just when the dawn of womanhood appears,^ frail young ladies, to a premature grave annu
when the chest naturally enlarges. Facts just ally, even in our own favored country. It is
ify the assertion that the chest is relatively the not necessary to state the physiological reasons
smallest where it should be the largest, dimin for this result; yet, it is a fact that such pressure,
ishing from birth. Now, this is not without a closing the air-cells, etc., resulting in facilitating
cause. A part of this is referable, it may be, to unhealthful deposits or preventing their escape,
the tight bandages of infancy, worn sufficiently preventing the ordinary supply of air, etc. etc.,
tight to cause discomfort, if not pain, and at a is making sad inroads into the health of the fu
time when the bones—-if such they may be ture mothers, those now in the bloom of life.
called—are very yielding. At this time a slight Indeed, this is a disease comparatively unknown
pressure is sufficient to materially diminish the in savage society—a kind of crowning glory (?)
size of the chest; still, all of the mischief is not’ of civilization? It may be remarked in this
done at this time. A system of “ tight lacing” connection that we are breathing an insufficient
is commenced in girlhood and continued system amount of pure air, even under the most fa
atically, though the pressure may be slight, so vorable circumstances. We have too little fresh
slight as to be regarded as of no importance. air at night in our sleeping-rooms, often almost
Yet such pressure, commenced when the bones hermetically sealed as a means of excluding the
are yielding and continued for a few years, supposed “poisonous night air.” Still others
is sufficient to produce the result—a sad re are breathing only about half the necessary
quantity at each inspiration, partly from habit
sult.
But the causes are of less importance than the and partly from a compression of the chest that
results. Observation teaches us that the chests admits of only a limited supply. Nature has
and waists of females are relatively smaller than provided for and demands full, deep and copious
[Written for The Herald of Health.]
�168
HERALD OF
inspirations of this grand invigorator and puri
fier—life-imparting, pure air, inviting full meas
ure, “pressed down,” enough to expand the
cells, enabling them to eject irritating and pois
onous deposits.
It has not escaped the notice of observers that
there is a close connection between a large and
well-developed chest and lungs and physical
power and endurance. If about to exert our
strength to the best advantage we instinctively
inhale a generous supply of air as one of the
necessary means of preparation. The fleet ani
mals, the most hardy, those enduring the most
fatigue, etc., are those well developed in the
chest, possessing ample lung-power. Human
beings having such lungs are seldom the victims
of diseases of this character, unless the result
of accidental causes, such as breathing poison
ous air and the fumes generated in some chemi
cal works, or causes of a similar nature.
To be safe in this matter, to be sure that the
lungs are in no danger of being too much com
pressed, it is absolutely necessary that clothing
should be so loose that no inconvenience shall
be felt by taking a free inspiration, full and
deep. But very few, if any, fashionable young
ladies can be found who are thus free to breathe
HEALTH-
Many, far too many seek, by a daily compres
sion of the chest and waist, to imitate the forms
of the “fashion plates,” which generally are
mere caricatures of the human form as it came
from the Great Architect.
Still another evil resulting from this insuffi
cient supply of air—the food of the lungs—is
connected with the heat of the body, or what is
generally termed animal heat. A process is
constantly going on in the system, an action
connected with the relations of the air and waste
parts of the body, by which warmth is evolved.
Now, if there is an insufficient supply of air—
and only large lungs can receive the necessary
supply—if the blood is only partially purified,
it is utterly impossible to develop a sufficient
amount of heat to meet the wants of the sys
tem. Hence the “ chills” of so many delicate
young ladies, the purple cheeks, the bloodless
lips, the shrivelled appearance, etc., are all indic
ative of an insufficient supply of natural heat.
Hence the necessity of artificial warmth, the ex
tra clothing, the hot soap-stones, etc., while the
extremities are cold and pale, like lifeless remains, the blood having retired to the internal
organs—almost congesting them—and the head,
but from the same cause.
The remedy for such difficulties consists prin
cipally in removing the cause, enlarging the
lungs by systematic full-breathing, throwing the
shoulders back, standing erect, allowing full
motion to the muscles of the chest, with such
gymnastic exercises as are calculated to bring
these muscles into action, enlarging the chest;
or, still better, by useful labors, such as one of
ordinary capacity may suggest, constantly bear
ing in mind that the object is to expand the
chest and lungs, strengthening the muscles con
nected with them by appropriate exercise, breath
ing as much pure air as possible. Such a course
would diminish doctor’s bills and those of a sim
ilar character, benefiting young ladies more than
those whose success depends upon the misfor
tunes and sickness of society.
Reproduction.—A single grain of barley
was planted by an agriculturist in the Isle of Man
in 1862, and the same year produced 300 grains.
These were sown, and the second year’s produce
was about half a pint. These were again sown,
and the third year’s produce was 14 pounds,
AN UNNATURAL WAIST.
which being again sown, have realized this year
the air of heaven without restraint. Most are about seven bushels, covering a space of one
so deformed, have chests so compressed, that hundred yards by five. Thus there have been
the lungs contain only about one-half of the produced in four years seven bushels of barley
air necessary to meet the wants of the system. from a single grain.
�IIE KALI) OF HEALTH!
NEWYOEK, OCTOBER^1866J
WATER.
“To the days of the aged it addeth length;
To the might of the strong it addeth strength;
It . freshens the heart, it brightens the sight;
’Tis like quaffing a goblet of morning light.”
6K^*The Publishers do not hold themselves as indors
ing every article which may appear in The Herald.
They will allow the largest liberty of expression, believing
that by so doing this magazine will prove to be more useful
and acceptable to its patrons.
Exchanges are at liberty to copy from this magazine
by giving due credit to’The Herald 'of Health and
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CULTURE.
TOPICS OF THE MONTH.
BY M. L. HOLBROOK, M. B.
DEATH OF REV, JOHN PIERPONT.
Our friend and contributor, Rev. John Pier
pont, died at his home’ in Medford, August 26,
1866, at the ripe age of 81 years. Unlike most
who live so long, he retained his health, vigor
and usefulness up to the very day of his death.
He was found dead in his bed on Monday morn
ing, August 27, although he attended church the
day before, and retired at nighf in usual health
and strength.
Mr. Pierpont was born in Litchfield, Conn.,
April 6, 1785. He graduated at Yale College
at the age of 19. Of his life, it may be said, it
was’a most useful one. He had that rare com
bination of talents which, while it made him
reformatory, precluded the possibility of his be
ing a “ man of one idea.” • His tastes led him
to occupy himself at different times with law,
trade, teaching, mechanics, poetry, medicine,
politics and divinity. His mind was “ hospitable
to new ideas hence, whatever in any branch
of human life appeared to claim a candid hear
ing was sure to find in him a reasonable and
ready listener. While pastor of the Hollis
Street Church, in Boston, he made himself quite
noted as a fearless advocate of the then unpopu
lar Temperance cause. The following account
of the feeling at the time is from the pen of one
who is familiar with the facts:
“It chanced that several of the wealthiest and
169
weightiest people in his church were distillers
and spirit-dealers. To these persons the zeal
and activity of Mr. Pierpont in the Temperance
Reform, from its very commencement, were
highly distasteful, and they led a party strong
enough to prevent, for a long series of years,
the payment of his salary, after they had vainly
tried other means of getting rid of him. A ma
jority of the pew-owners took this position, and
held it, though a decided majority of the con
gregation were in favor of the pastor and his
ideas. Since among these earnest friends were
some who were able to advance him money, so
that want of the means of subsistence should
not oblige him to quit the field, Mr. Pierpont
remained and carried on the war with vigor.
Reduced to extremity, the rumsellers of Hollis
Street made public complaint of their minister
as neglecting his pastoral duties, and brought in
evidence certain ingenious mechanical inventions
devised and patented by him and publicly sold
in connection with his name. The time and
thought bestowed upon the invention of these
articles, they averred, was so much unjustifiably
withdrawn from their service, in violation of his
contract as their minister; while the advertise
ment and sale of these articles, publicly connect
ing the name of a reverend clergyman with me
chanical and commercial transactions, was. a
grievous derogation from his professional dig
nity!
The published reply of Mr. Pierpont to the
published charge above described, was one of
the keenest specimens of sarcastic wit I ever
saw. In regard ?Qthe charge of fraudulent
withdrawal of time from the services of the
parish, he said that it came with a very ill grace
from those particular persons, who were very
slack in their attendance on his preaching, and
still more so in reducing to practice the truths
he taught. But in fact there had been no neglect on his part, either of public duties or pasto
ral attendance. He had never failed them in
either particular. But he had chosen to employ
those hours and weeks of recreation which are
admitted by all to be essential to bodily and
mental health, in employments that combined
use with recreation. He did not understand
true dignity, either that of a man or that of a
minister, to be infringed by any sort of useful
activity. And he had the pleasure to find, by
the commercial demand for those articles in use
for daily household comfort which his care and
skill had improved, that he had enlarged the
sum of human happiness, and aided the mate
rial as well as the spiritual welfare of his gen
eration. He then wittily described each of the
articles in question, enumerated the advantages
which his improvement had added to it, and
mentioned the place where the improved article
was for sale, assuring his critics that a fair trial
of these things could not fail to convince them.
His wit, and the soundness of his argument,
turned the laugh of the whole city upon his as
sailants, who could revenge themselves only by
withholding his salary for a time. The law ul
timately compelled them to pay up the whole of
it.”
Mr. Pierpont’s’patriotism will long be remem
bered by all. At the age of 75, when the war
for the destruction of the Union began, he im
�170
HERALD OF HEALTH.
mediately offered his services to Gov. Andrew
as chaplain of one of the Massachusetts regi
ments, was accepted, and marched with the
Twenty-second Regiment to the seat of war.
The exposures of camp life, however, proved too
severe a tax upon his powers, and he resigned.
He was subsequently appointed to a clerkship
in the Treasury Department at Washington,
which post he held at the time of his death.
The following anecdote illustrates Mr. Pier
pont’s honesty—it is almost unexampled:
“ The Rev. Mr. Stetson, in his address on the
death of the Rev. John Pierpont, narrated the
circumstances connected with Mr. Pierpont’s
business failure in 1861. Not daring to make
use of money to which he had not a perfect
right, he left his well-furnished and well-pro
vided house in Baltimore, and, with his wife and
children, rented a single apartment in an ob
scure portion of the city. His partner found
him with much difficulty, and reminded him
that there were funds in the possession of the
firm which the creditors would expect them to
live upon until the affairs of the firm could be
settled. Mr. Pierpont promptly replied : ‘ No,
not a dollar will I touch.’ For three days he
was almost without food, and during this time
he wrote his famous ‘ Airs of Palestine,’ which
he carried to a publisher, who purchased it for
the sum of five hundred dollars. This poem
had great popularity, two editions being soon
called for. Mr. Stetson stated that Mr. Pierpont
was induced to use his inventive powers and to
compile school-books to obtain extra funds for
the payment of his business obligations. From
these he was legally exempt; but the honorable
and high-minded man regarded himself as mor
ally bound to discharge them.”
In his will, Mr. Pierpont gives a valuable
lesson to professional men in regard to the habit
of regular exercise as a means of relaxation and
to preserve and educate the body. His turning
lathe, with all its fittings and equipments, chis
els, files, etc., together with his tool-chest, he
bequeathed to his step-son, Mr. Fowler, in con
sideration of the fact that he is skilled in the
use of mechanical tools, trusting that they will
be to him, as they have been to the testator, “ a
means of educating the physical organs and
powers, of relaxation from mental labors, of
general bodily health, and of amusement, both
innocent and salutary.”
As a poet Mr. Pierpont will ever be held in
grateful remembrance by his countrymen.
Many of his poems are familiar to every school?
boy and school-girl, as they have been largely
copied into the school-books of the age. They
were always full of pathos and imagination, and
rarely failed to convey a very important lesson
of life. Several of these have been published in
The Herald of Health, among the most re
cent of which is the one entitled “ Nothing but
Water to Drink.” There is something in his
verses that always touches the popular heart,
and they are constantly being republished in the
newspapers of the day.
The following religious poem from his pen
was written to be sung at the dedication of the
Congregational Church in Plymouth, which was
built on the ground occupied by the first Con
gregational church erected in America, and gives
a good example of his style:
“ The winds and waves were roaring,
The Pilgrims met for prayer;
And here, their God adoring,
They stood in open air.
When breaking day they greeted,
And when its close was calm,
The leafless woods repeated
The music of their psalm.
“ Not thus, 0 God, to praise thee,
Do we, their children, throng ;
The temple’s arch we raise thee
Gives back our choral song.
Yet, on the winds that bore thee
Their worship and their prayers,
May ours come up before thee
From hearts as true as theirs !
“What have we, Lord, to bind us,
To this, the Pilgrims’ shore !
Their hill of graves behind us,
Their watery way before,
The wintry surge, that dashes
Against the rocks they trod,
Their memory and their ashes—
Be thou their guard, 0 God!,
MWe would not, Holy Father,
Forsake this hallowed spot,
Till on that shore we gather
Where graves and griefs are not;
The shore where true devotion
Shall rear no pillared shrine,
And see no other ocean
Than that of love divine.”
Probably the last writing he did for the press
was the letter written for and published in The
Herald of Health for August concerning his
personal habits.
While his memory-will gladden the hearts of
thousands, who only knew him to love, his
bright spirit has gone to the summer land to be
for ever at rest.
Exhausted Coad Fields.—The Eng
lish people fear the destruction of their nation
by an exhaustion of her coal fields. They had
better fear its destruction by physical vices such
as knowledge would remedy. If coal gives out,
they will find abundance of it in America for
generations to come; but if their habits of dissi
pation should ever become so bad as to ruin the
race, there will be no remedy.
�HEEAffD OF HEALTH.
The Cholera.—The cholera has now
nearly disappeared from New York; indeed, it
has not raged here with great violence during
the past season. The number of deaths has
been considerably less than one thousand.
There is much to learn from its visitation, which,
if people were wise, they would put in practice.
There is no more necessity of these occasional
visits of cholera to our shores, than there is of
the regular visits of alligators and the fierce
serpents of the torrid climes. They only come
because we have such depraved ways of living;
so many foul basements and tenement-houses;
eat so much constipating and obstructing food;
breathe so much foul air, drink so much liquor,
and bathe so infrequently. The very habits of
life which render one liable to this disease, are
those which, when cholera-poison is not pres
ent, produce other diseases, or such debility and
weakness as render life very imperfect and un
certain, The lesson people can never learn is
that these visitations come in consequence of vi
olated organic law; and that it is infinitely bet
ter so to eat, drink, sleep and exercise, and to so
construct our houses and clean and drain our
cities, that they shall be proof against pesti
lence.
Sordid people think money is made by grinding
down the poor and giving them little chance to
live cleanly, comfortable lives; but there is no
surer way to depreciate property in any part of
a city than to debase its inhabitants by poverty
or sickness; nor any surer way to increase $®in
value than to improve the health and home sur
roundings of the population.
We owe much to the Board of Health for
their earnest efforts to put the city in a better
sanitary condition. They seem to have taken
hold of the tail end of the Hygienic system of
treatment, so far as preventive measures are
concerned. For this let them have due credit.
As regards treatment, they have little to boast
of. Under the regular treatment about sixty per
cent, have died. This is not a very creditable
record to maintain by the physicians of that
medical school which boasts of its origin and
its antiquity, its respectability, its facilities for
medical culture, and that, too, in New York,
where the talent of the profession reside. Homoeopathists, on the other hand, whom the reg
ular profession will not allow to control even
one ward of a cholera hospital, get, perhaps, their
proportion of cases to treat, and, if we may trust
the reports, they lose less than the regular pro
fession. Indeed, a leading New York weekly de
clares that nearly all patients treated Homoeo-
171
pathically recover. It can hardly be said that the
Hygienic physicians treat many cases, but they
do some, and the results have been more favor
able than by any other practice; and so it ever
will be. Cholera is a disease pre-eminently of
filth and unbalanced circulation and action.
And the Hygienic system has for its chief end
and aim cleanliness, a regulation of irregular
and unbalanced action, and good nursing. The
day has not quite come for the full realization
of the benefits of this system to the people;
but just as soon as the car of progress advances
and people become educated, and understand
the relation which drug-poisons have to the hu
man system, just so sure will they cease to take
them or employ physicians who give them.
The signs of the times plainly show that this
day is coming more rapidly than we are aware.
Let those who are interested in human growth
and progress, and particularly in medical re
form, which lies close to all other reforms,
do all they can to help on this golden day.
Grapes.—Horace Greeley, in writing
from Vermont about the destruction of the ap
ple-trees by insects, multiplied because of the
destruction of birds by cold winds, and aug
mented by the destruction of forests, says :
“ Wb must try to change this; but, for the
present, I ask attention to the multiplication
and diffusion of choice vines. The grape, under
skillful culture, is a surer crop to-day than al
most any other delicate fruit, the strawberry
only excepted. Experienced growers say that
grapes may be grown, wherever they thrive at
all, for the price of wheat, pound for pound;
yet, while wheat scarcely averages four cents
per pound to growers, grapes can almost always
be sold at double that price. _ We can start the
vine and enjoy its fruit within three years;
whereas at least thrice that time is required to
hring an orchard from infancy to maturity.
Our farmers and mechanics, their wives and
children, but especially our farm-laborers and
day-laborers generally, ought to eat far more
good fruit and far less salt meat—and they can
not until fruit becomes far cheaper and more
abundant.”
Influence of Medical Prescriptions
Plant-life.—“Competing for a prize in Ex
perimental Physiolog}’-, a French observer has
recently ascertained that plants are far more
sensitive than animals to poisons. Even citric
and tartaric acids, in very dilute solution, kill
the plants that absorb them. So do many sub
stances, as very dilute mixtures of alcohol and
ether. Quinine and anchomine will stop the
growth of a plant and often kill it.” .
Probably plants have not got so used to being
poisoned as men. Let poisoning be practiced
on plants for a few generations, and perhaps
they could endure it better.
on
�172
HERALD OF HEALTH]
Fever and Agee.—During the au
tumn, in malarious districts, this disease is al
ways prevalent in a greater or less degree.
Whether the recent discoveries hy the micro
scope have disclosed the true cause of it has not
yet been decided with certainty; suffice it to
say, its cause is in some way connected with
those changes in vegetable matter which are
produced in low, wet regions, near marshy
swamps and ponds, where vegetation is vigor
ous and its decay rapid under a hot sun. It is
not our purpose now to go into a minute history
of the disease, or the various remedies which
have been vainly tried to prevent and cure it.
Its history is written indelibly in the shattered
fraines of ten thousand pioneers and their fam
ilies, who too early emigrated to the Far West,
and placed too much dependence upon drugs for
a cure. It has never been considered a danger
ous disease, as it rarely terminates in death S
but if it does not kill outright, it is a disease
which produces very great suffering, more so
than many others of a fatal character. It has
been described as a monster seizing his victim>
chilling and shaking him with a cold no fire can
warm, burning him with heat to the other ex
treme, and finally melting and sweating him
into a temporary relief, lasting for one, two or
four days. Really, the disease is not a monster
at all, but a peculiar kind of remedial effort on
the part of the system to rid itself of the poison
that has been introduced into the body, either
through the lungs or by means of the water and
food taken into the stomach.
In speaking of this disease we shall discuss,
firstly, its prevention, and, secondly, its cure.
PREVENTION OF FEVER AND AGUE.
As it is caused by a poison which, taken into
the body, is acted on by the vital energies, the
question is, How can we avoid it ? We cannot
prepare for it as we do for visible danger, but,
if people would be more careful in selecting
their homes, and to avoid such as are known to
be malarious, they would succeed quite effect
ually in preventing the disease. We are never
so careful as we should be in choosing our
homes that they may be healthful. There is
great recklessness of life and future happiness
manifested by nearly everybody in choosing the
place where all their joys and happiness should
culminate, where their children are to be born
and reared. Many of our largest cities are located on low, wet ground, which can never be
healthful. So serious is this matter becoming,
that the eminent Dr. Bowditch of Boston says’
in an essay read before the Massachusetts Medi
cal Society, “ Now, the track of a railway, or
the wit or reckless energy of the owner of some
swamp may be the sole reason for erecting a
station-house, and thereby promoting the erec
tion of dwelling-houses near by, in localities to
tally unfit for human habitation.” He thinks
the Government should not allow the health of
its inhabitants to be tampered with in this way,
but should prevent it by suitable legislation.
There is much force in his argument. A home
should be_chosen with even more care than in
buying a horse or building a railroad. Above all
things, it should be sunny, dry, airy, away from
swamps, and furnish pure water. Another way
to prevent ague is to keep the standard of health
high. Whenever men gormandize on constipat
ing food, pork, grease and all the abominations
which are generally found on our tables, they
are, if exposed to miasma, more likely to con
tract ague than where proper care is taken to
have'only healthful,'food to eat and pure water
to drink. Many a case of ague is cured by
proper attention to diet and bathing. If the
bowels do not become torpid, the liver obstructed,
and the skin inactive and feeble, there is less
danger from exposure to ague-miasma than
where all these conditions are combined. A
system obstructed by imperfect depuration seems
to furnish a very suitable place for planting the
seeds of fever and ague, while a clean, healthy
system, on the other hand, is rarely liable to an
attack. This is certainly a very strong argu
ment in favor of cleanliness, internal as well as
external.
There is one point regarding our habits that,
in regions where miasma abounds, we ought to
guard against—it is night-exposure. Then, more
than at any other time, are the atmospheric
causes of this disease present. There should be no
needless exposure to night air in fever and ague
localities. We by no means mean by this that
persons should sleep with closed windows, but
that they should keep from places where the poi
son exists. It is much better to sleep on the
side of a house where the sun shines, and an
upper "room will be more free than a lower one
from bad air. The practice of sleeping in rooms
on the ground floor, in either city or country, is
bad; the higher up the room the better the air.
It is also a most excellent plan to have an open
fire in our sleeping-rooms in malarious districts,
not so much for heat as for dryness. With fire,
ventilation can be made more perfect. If It be
true that malaria is only microscopic fungi, as
has lately been argued by scientific men, it will
be very plainly seen that a fire in a room may
entirely or' partially destroy the germs, or pre
�jWrabId
OF WALTH.
173
vent their development so as to render them that a wise Hygienic treatment of ague will
more perfectly cure the disease than drugs, and
harmless.
THE CURE OF AGUE.
without danger to any person’s future health.
Of course, it is very desirable in treating this
“Look to thy Mouth.”—A friend
disease to get the patient away from its imme
diate cause to where the air is pure and the sends us the following poem, which is slightly
water v wholesome. The special treatment is altered from one written by that good and Chris
quite simple and generally very efficacious— tian philosopher, George Herbert, who was co
balance the circulation and counteract the lead temporary with Lord Bacon. It was our good
ing symptoms. The chill should be treated by fortune to be presented with Herbert’s Foems
warm applications, and the fever by cooling by the first patient we ever treated. They are
ones. Hot foot-baths, fomentations to the ab full of rich sayings, some of which we shall,
domen, bottles of hot water to the sides, arm-pits perhaps, some time give to our readers. The
and down the limbs, will be found excellent. idea inculcated in the following poem is that
When it is possible to put the patient, at the sociality at the table is a preventive, in part, of
beginning of the chill, into a hot bath—as hot over-eating; also, that men, like the planets,
as he can comfortably bear, and have active ought to live by rule, and that it is necessary to
friction applied to the entire surface until the keep a guard on our passions. The style is
skin is red and in a glow—the chill will gener quaint, but none the worse for that:
ally be very much lighter, and probably not b?' %
LOOK TO THY MOUTH.
felt at all.
Look to thy mouth, diseases enter there ;
The hot stage should be treated by tepid ab
Thou hast two sconces: if thy stomach call,
lution, the wet-sheet pack, or, if the patient is Carve or discourse; do not a famine fear.
strong, the cold effusion. Give only such cool
Who carves, is kind to two ; who talks, to all.
ing drinks as water, lemonade, the juice of fresh Look on food, think it dirt, then eat a bit;
oranges or ripe grapes.
Then say withal, “ Earth to earth I commit.”
The intermission of the paroxysm should be
Slight those who say amid their sickly healths,
treated with quiet, rest and good nursing.
“ Thou livest by rule.” Who does not so but
The diet should be rather abstemious and
man ?
principally of mild acid fruits. Fresh, ripe
grapes will themselves, if used in moderation, Houses are built by rule, and commonwealths.
Entice the trusty sun, if that you can,
often without other treatment, cure ague. It
From his elliptic line; beckon the sky;
is possible that other fruits might prove equally
beneficial. All greasy food, or that which is Who lives by rule, then, keeps good company.
hard to digest, or constipating to the bowels, or Who keeps no guard upon himself is slack,
obstructing to the liver, should be scrupulously
And rots to nothing at the next great thaw.
avoided.
Man is a shop of rules ; a well-trussed pack,
We might in this connection speak of the use
Whose every parcel underwrites a law.
of the Turkish Bath as a means of curing ague, Love not thyself nor give thy humors sway,
if it was more commonly adopted in our houses. God gave them to thee under lock and key.
It will probably be found, when tested on a
large scale, as it has already been proved in a
Goiter in America.—Dr. J. Green,
number of cases, to be the most complete and referring to our note on Goiter in the July Her
perfect bath for this disease. This bath might ald, mentions several cases that came under
be constructed in every house in the country, his observation which he thinks were caused by
at small expense, for family use; and, when bad water. He says:
rightly appreciated, we have no doubt it will be
“ I then ascribed the complaint to the use of
as necessary to every well-regulated house as a water extensively saturated with lime, as snow
water was not drank there. It was frequently
pantry or kitchen.
In regard to the drug treatment of the ague, melted for washing purposes, as the water in the
brooks was so saturated with lime that it could
we only need say it is producing thousands of not be used to advantage. Or did any other
chronic invalids'all over the West; the children cause exist that I could discover to produce that
of whom, as we have hundreds of times had oc diseased action, as in Switzerland and Savoy,
casion to observe, are feeble in constitution, where the absence of light may engender idiots,
mind being dependent on light r I then consid
dwarfed in stature, and likely to prove much ered it peculiar to that section of the country,
less perfect men and women than they other and not at all prevalent in any other part of the
wise would be. We are thoroughly satisfied country.”
�T74
HERAL5R OEl HEALTH?!
Muscular Christianity.—Nature, hav
ing furnished every human being with two
hands and one mouth, plainly teaches the lesson
that we should work twice as much as we eat—
that it is our bounden duty to earn our dinner
before we eat it. No man is so rich that he can
afford to be idle, because indolence is a violation
of the physical laws, and one which is sure to
be followed by severe punishment. The circu
lation of the blood will not be changed to suit
the convenience of the millionaire, and there is
not wealth enough in all the world to purchase
a new digestive apparatus for the diseased
stomach. Sickness indicates a transgression of
the laws of health, “and a foul stomach, as
well as a wicked heart, is an abomination to the
Lord.” We believe in the gospel of health.
We have faith in muscular Christianity. We
do not hesitate to ask our parish of readers to
row, ride, jsail, walk, run, leap, swim, climb/
shout, sing, box, and perform feats of ground
and lofty tumbling; even if by doing so they
can banish the blues, aid digestion, sharpen ap
petites, and promote health and longevity.
Pull an oar on the river; take a turn in the
gymnasium; leap into the saddle and shake up
the juices of the body; spread a sail to the
wind, and let the air fan you with its invisible
wings. When you knock down the nine-pins
they must remind you of the ills that flesh is
heir to; the ball is a mere pill, which you take
outwardly for the removal of disease. There is
not a shadow of truth in the old notion that a
pale face is the sign of piety, or that a long one
is a guarantee of a good heart. It is no sin to
be muscular, to have a broad chest, to wear a
healthy countenance, to have a good appetite
and good digestion, and to be able to sleep
soundly. The slave who prayed with his feet
found freedom, for which he returned thanks
upon his knees. There is physical salvation in
air and light and sunshine and exercise. There
is religion in labor, and the devils wiH be cast
out of the stomach and the blood of the inva
lid if he follows the example of Christ, who
went about doing good. A clear head, weH poised
over a clean stomach; a warm heart, with a vig
orous circulation; a stout arm, with a strong
fist at the end of it, are certificates of obedience
to law. Away with the idea that white lips, and
weak eyes, and narrow chests, and feeble lungs,
and aching backs, and dizzy brains and attenu
ated limbs are favorable to the growth of piety.
We are to love God with all our heart and soul
and strength, and the more heart and soul and
trength we have the more we can love God.
When a man carries in his face a certificate of
gluttony or drunkenness or lechery we read his
character without an interpreter, and know that
he tramples upon the laws of Nature. Let us
beware—there are other methods of breaking
the laws of our being. It is a sin to sleep in an
unventilated room, when you have strength
enough in your fist to break a pane of glass or
knock a hole through the wall. The atmos
phere is forty miles deep, and he who shuts it
out from his lungs need not envy the donkey
its redundancy of ear. It is a sin to cram the
stomach with indigestible food, make it a nest
for breeding sickness and disease. Instinct,
which is the reason of brutes, teaches the cattle
to do better than those human beings do who
make their systems the receptacles of whatever
can be pulverized or melted or torn to pieces,
risking digestion, as a client does a bad case, in
rhe court of chancery.
Letter from Gerrit Smith.—We re
cently asked Gerrit Smith to write us an ar
ticle on the effects of bad habits, such as smok
ing, chewing, drinking, night-sessions of Con
gress and dissipation upon legislation. We
did not get the article we desired, but we received
the following epistle, which we share with our
readers:
“ Peterboro’, August 29, 1866.
“Miller, Wood & Co.—Dear Sirs: I thank
you for the July and August numbers of your
very useful periodical, and for the honor you
have done me in inviting me to write for it.
I regret that I can not accept your invitation.
My excuse for not accepting it is, that I am an
old man (in my 70th year) and am hurried with
labor.
“ But you do not lack writers. Some of our
very ablest writers are at your service. How
sad that the pen of dear John Pierpont has
fallen from his hand! I read with great pleas
ure his article on Personal Habits 1
“ Please continue to send me your periodical.
Inclosed are two dollars to pay for a year’s sub
scription.
“ Respectfully yours,
“GERRIT SMITH.”
Scientific Nonsense.—The scientific
column of an exchange contains the following
bit of scientific nonsense:
“ Production of Quinine in the Body.—It
has recently been ascertained beyond a doubt
that there exists in the bodies of man and ani
mals a fluorescent substance nearly precisely
identical with vegetable quinine. This newly
discovered substance of the animal body is called
animal quinoidine. The discover suggests that
the injurious effects which sometimes follow the
taking of a dose of quinine may arise from its
doubling the quantity already in the system.”
�HERALD OLIIIEALW
Woman’s Dress.—The New York Tri
bune, which is not afraid to speak favorably on
any subject it thinks right, has the following on
Woman’s Dress:
“ The Quaker who wears a broad-brimmed
hat, the Sister of Charity, with her white hood,
have conscientious rights which fashionable men
and women are bound to respect. The man who
works in his shirt-sleeves on a warm day is to
be excused on account of the weather. There
is a cool plea for all the fashions of Saratoga
and the breeziest watering-places; but the woman
who intended to protect her modesty by wearing
a dress not quite in fashion, shocked the fine
nerves of a Metropolitan policeman, and would
have done a very wrong thing had not Commis
sioner Acton decided in fact that a woman has
a right to dress as modestly as she can. No one
doubts that the garb worn by Dr. Mary Walker
is more modest and comfortable than the one in
vogue, though not, perhaps, so handsome. But,
if ladies, can not go to the sea-shore, can not
fully enjoy a country ramble in vaction time, or
ride on horseback, or go up into high places
without suffering exposure and entanglement
from a dress which can be worn safely only in
the. house or on promenade, who should com
plain if women rebel against the dressmaker,
just as Nature itself protests against the dress ?
‘ Norah Creina’s gown’ might have been very
poetical; but, as we infer from the] poet’s lan
guage, it was a very bad one for mountain
breezes. It is almost idle to talk of hygiene,
and dumb-bells, and gymnasia for girls, when
woman herself has so little liberty for out-door
exercise, enjoyment and travel.
“In short, we respect the present Woman’s
Dress Reform as a protest from the modest. So
long as the prevailing fashion is condemned by
every lady physician who has worn it, what
shall men say ? We observe, too, that the
strong-minded are not the greatest sufferers by
it—it is the signal and shroud of the weakness
of the weakest. How does it suit the daily task
and slender purse of a woman who must work
like a man for less wages, and pass through
crowds of man loungers on her way home ?
Why should not these things be said and dis
cussed ? It seems to us that the future is not
far off, when, if the plea of toiling and sorrow
ing woman be heard, new opportunities must
be given her ; and, accordingly, she must dress
herself for more earnest tasks, and, for her own
sake and man’s, bear him more constant com
pany.”
175
scrape the skin off and then roast them. Tn se
lecting potatoes, remember the smaller the eye
the better the potato. By' cutting a piece' from
the thickest end, you can tell whether they are
sound. They must be either white or pink,
according to the kind. Always select beans
without spots. Mushrooms should be selected
with great care. It is better and safer never to
use them when they are old; this can be told
by the blackness of the comb underneath, before
picking; when young it is of a pink color.”
In regard to the use of vegetables he has the
following, together with a savage hit at Vegeta
rianism :
“ Although I am strongly in favor of much
vegetable food in th.6 spring and summer, I am
by no means an apostle of the Vegetarian creed
—Graham bread and like eccentricities. I pity
persons of that persuasion, but have no wish to
imitate them in spite of the proverb:
“ ‘ First learn to pity, then embrace.’
“ The mind has its diseases as well as the body,
and I think Vegetarianism is one of them.”
We presume Vegetarians will not object to
allow Prof. Blot to have his fling at them, al
though it is founded in ignorance. There are
many arguments in favor of an almost or quite
exclusive vegetable diet as the best food for man,
which it is more easy to get over by such asser
tions than by argument.
Letter erom an Old Man.—We have
in out drawer several letters from men nearly
one hundred years old waiting for publication.
We give in this number the following from Aus
tin Johnson of Rupert, Vt.:
“ Publishers of the Herald oe Health—
You, in your last, speak of my communicating
what I might have that was interesting. In
this, there perhaps was reference to my bodily
state and habits. As to that, I have only to say
I have been a good deal infirm through life ;
yet it has providentially been so ordered that I
have taken but little drug medicine to poison
the system. I never used alcoholic beverages
habitually, and have long since discontinued
their use entirely. Tobacco I have had no fel
lowship with. Hot drinks were never much of
an object, and for years have been rejected.
Flesh food is but little used—pork never. But
ter has been set aside. My bread is made of un
bolted grain—the object is to subsist by means
Cooking Vegetables.—Professor Blot of plain, wholesome food. Thus living, my
speaks, in one of his articles on the art of dining, stay on earth is proti acted (I am now in my
80th year), and I think dieting has a connec
on cooking vegetables as follows:
“Dry vegetables, like beans, peas, etc., should tion with longevity.
“ Yours truly,
AUSTIN JOHNSON.”
be put over the fire in cold, soft water, after
having been soaked in lukewarm water—beans
Skin Diseases.—Skin diseases have
for twenty-four hours. Potatoes should be
steamed but never boiled. Steam with the skin often enough been attributed to parasites. A
on. Bear in mind that a potato must never be medical authority, however, more rationally de
peeled; the part immediately under the skin clares they are caused by filth and bad habits,
contains the most nutriment. Cut out the germs
or eyes, if any; if young and tender the skin the parasites taking up their abode in the filthy
can be taken off with a scrubbing-brush; if old, person as soon as the egg has been deposited.
�176
HERALD OF HEALTH!
“The observations by means of the mi
croscope of Mr. Hogg afford proof that veg
etable parasites do not, as hitherto supposed,
produce disease of the skin, but that when cer
[Written for The Herald of Health.]
tain diseases already exist, germs of those float
The “ Mild Hunger Cure” for
ing about in the atmosphere, finding it a suitable
soil, greatly aggravate or even change the type
Cancer.
of disease. These diseases have long been be
lieved to be associated with neglect of person
BY REV. H. N. STRONG.
and bad air; but Mr. Erasmus Wilson, who has
It was in the latter part of August, 1864,
written several books upon skin diseases, states
that in an unhealthy state of the body the re when Mrs. Strong and myself were making a
newed epidermis is unhealthy. Therefore, the short excursion into Crawford County, that I
cutaneous diseases are never caused by parasites.”
noticed an uneasy sensation near my left ear
and in close proximity to the point of the jaw.
Effects of Alcohol.—If the effects of There seemed to be a slight swelling and a litalcohol could be confined solely to the person tle pimple. It increased in size as rapidly as a
who uses it, its use might be tolerated ; but as boil, but soon had an appearance reminding one
it is not, we can not wage too fierce a war against of an acorn, having a rim around it on the out
it and tobacco, its elder brother. Both, when side,KhenBa depression, and a rising again in
used, are enemies to the race, and their effects the middle. I kept on it most of the time a
are visited too often upon the children of those salve prepared by Mrs. L*****, who is known
who use them. Dr. Jolly rightly pictures it:
to be a woman of medical skill and experience.
“ In every country the statistics of the amount As far as any external application effected any
of alcohol imbibed preciselScorrespond with the thing toward a cure, let that have the credit.
number of judicial sentences recorded in law re I changed twice to other external applications,
ports of the year, as well as with the number
of poor, of beggars, of vagabonds, of divorced but can not say that I perceived any difference
husbands and wives, of idiot children, of sui in the effect, but the application first spoken of
cides, murders, and of epileptics and lunatics was most convenient, and I thought it bad a
inscribed on State registers.”
softening effect. It was also necessary to keep
JtMc.overed. as it soon had an offensive smell
Salt.—Our friend and Subscriber, S. when uncovered, and discharged matter, appa
Howe, writes that he is 70 years old, and that rently, from different points in the ulcer. It
he abandoned the use of salt thirty-five years was also necessary to keep a handkerchief or
ago; that he enjoys life now as well as in his othe^ bandage un'der my chin and over my
younger days; that there are few boys who can head, as the dischar ging matter would other
go through more vigorous gymnastic exercises wise loosen the patch that was on the cheek.
or dances than he. He concludes his letter with As the autumn months passed away it was nothe foHowing:
ticed by several persons, and was spoken of as
“ I am fully convinced that had I continued a cancer. Cancer doctors were recommended
using stimulants and condiments with my diet, by some. I was told of some that effected a
I should have been in my grave years ago.”
sure cure for fifty dollars. I once showed it to
Dr. Hyde of Lancaster, who is known to be an
A Promise we Hope will be Keptajeducated and skillful surgeon and physician.
“ Hancock School, Boston, Mass., )
He exclaimed, “That is a bad thing!” I re“ September
1866. J
“ Dear Sir—On my return from a pleasant va plied : “ I suppose so, but not the worst thing
cation among the mountains and valleys of New in the world.” He answered, “ I don’t know.”
Hampshire on Saturday, I found among my
A little after I was in Hazel Green, at the
letters yours of August 11. You allude to. my
notions on school punishment. I am a radical, house of Mr. York. Mr. York’s physician then
and conduct a large school (having nearly twelve saw it and gave the same decision. Mr. York,
hundred pupils) without the ferule or its equiv a druggist, furnished me with a vial of iodide of
alent, or the common scold or its spirit in any
form. In October or November I may find time potassa, which I was to take as an alterative
to place my views on paper. If they would be preparatory to eradicating it, either by the knife
of any service, I know of no better organ for or a caustic application. This was by Dr.
their dissemination than your valuable journal.
As Editor of The Massachusetts Teacher for Jenekes’s prescription.
On my way home I called with Mr. John
years, I have read The Hehald of Health,
and think it one of the most sensible and useful Jenkyn, who read to me in the “Hydropathic
magazines in the United States. You are doing Encyclopedia” (I think) concerning cancer.
good, and may God bless you.
What most arrested my attention was “The
“ Very sincerely,
W. E. SHELDON.”
HJisrtllanms.
�HERALD OF HEALTH.
Hunger Cure.” A work of Dr. Lamb on “ pure
jMffigand vegetable diet” in case of cancer was
referred to. I read two other medical works on
cancers. I took the alterative—I abstained from
meat and butter, and tea and coffee. I sent for
Dr. Lamb’s work and read it attentively, but
must say the additions by the American Editor
were the most satisfactory to me.
In December I took the charge of a small
school a few miles from home. In January the
appearance of the cancer was worse than ever
before. The lancinating pains were more se
vere. I was advised to make no more delay.
One says: “You had better sell your little
property, if it is necessary, to raise the money.
What,” says he, “ is fifty or sixty dollars in .the
case of such a thing as a cancer.” But it was
fixed in my mind that a cancer do^K* was, to
say the least, about as much to be dreaded as a
cancer itself. Now I thought I had a right to
be my own doctor, and I reasoned thus: This
ulcer is an enemy; Nature is a friend that is
fighting the enemy. How shall I best aid Na
ture in the contest ? The answer seemed plain:
Only cut off the supplies which the enemy
gets and notice the result. But, I am told,
Nature calls for nourishing food, and enough of
it; yet, in that case, the enemy appropriates so
much as to gain strength and give increased
trouble. I have taken the alterative; I have
been abstemious, but the enemy gains strength.
I wash it twice a day and keep on a salve, yet the
prospect is gloomy as ever. One man in this
place had died with a cancer near his ear. I
now resolved I would adopt the “ hunger cure.”
Accordingly, I had my wife bakercorn-bread for
me; at first it was about one-fifth flour and fourfifths corn-meal. This was my food and cold
water was my drink. I took rations for five
days when I left home for my school, which
was sometimes on Sunday evening and some
times on Monday morning. As to the bread, it
was once made entirely of corn-meal, but gen
erally a small amount of flour was mixed with
it. It was baked so as to make as much crust
as convenient. I warmed it on the stove at the
house where I stayed or at the school-house, as
might happen, and so it was harder and harder as
it became older. Fortunately, I have twenty
eight pretty good teeth given me by Nature.
The first week Nature seemed to say : I can ap
propriate all of this, and the enemy can not get
any. Every night and morning I washed the
sore carefully with soft water and castile soap. I
could not see it, but I had a feeling of encouragement, and when I reached home on Friday
night one of my daughters soon came to wash
177
and dress it. She made an exclamation of sur
prise and joy at its altered appearance, which
was so much for the better. In short, by thus
withholding supplies from the enemy, and taking
no more than Nature could appropriate, possibly
not near so much, and persevering about seven
weeks, the cancer was all removed and a perfect
cure effected. I used to go as often as I could
to visit a friend who always furnished me mushand-milk for supper. At first I took less than
half a pint of milk and but little mush. This
I did not more than three or four times in the
seven weeks. My wife also put up, two or three
times, a little dried beef and two or three crack
ers. This was not my choice, but I took what
was provided. But the cora crust relished bet
ter than any thing else. If I had been sup
plied with good Graham crackers I should have
been satisfied »|uMi knew that crackers or
bread made of fine flour would not answer.
My stomach and bowels appeared to be in good
order; I was hungry all the time, and evidently
became weaker. My school was not very labo
rious, and I did new lose a day. “But,” says
one, E why call it the ‘Mild Hunger Cure?’”
Because I took so much good food and drank
just as much Sold water as I wanted. Had I
not been engaged as I was, and had determined
on the “Strong Hunger Cure,” I might have
taken two or three crackers, three times a day,
and drank nothing for some hours after eating.
As it was, I suppose I averaged about as much
as four large crackers three times a day, and
drank water from the spring whenever I felt
like it, I am sure that in my case the “ Mild
Hunger Cure” proved to be effective.
It seems to me that I ought not to close
this communication without mentioning the cost
of cure, though there are those who would
prefer one that cost a hundred dollars to a cure
that required hunger and saved the money.
The man with whom I lodged and boarded till
I determined on the corn-bread rations, in con
sequence of my course, threw off ten dollars
from his bill. But, to be particular, I can not
say that ten dollars was saved, for what I took
from home cost something. It need not be es
timated at more than five cents a day. Twentyfive cents a week for seven weeks would be one
dollar and seventy-five cents.
The book (Dr. Lamb’s, above referred to)
cost me
.................... , $1 50
'Cost of the seven weeks,....................
1 75
Total amount,................................. $3 25
Which, deducted from the ten dollars thrown
off from my board-bill, leaves six dollars and
�HERALD OF HEALTH..
178
seventy-five cents actually gained by the “ Mild
Hunger Cure,” not to speak of the fifty dollars’
fee to a cancer doctor saved by being my own
physician, I was at the time in my sixtieth
year.
Lancaster, Wis., July 25, 1866.
["Written for The Herald of Health.]
A Prevailing Malady.
BY F. G.
meet pale faces and sunken eyes con
stantly. This shows an error. The error is in
the abuse of the common diet of life ; not al
ways, but generally. Too much food is the
great evil of the day, because it is so very com
mon and has its allurements—we gratify and
eat too much. This is the main cause of the
pale faces and haggard countenances we meet.
The remedy is simple: Eat less. And yet who
does it ? Few, because it requires moral cour
age, just the thing which is affected, which is
part of the pale face and sunken eye. The dys
peptic is diseased mentally, morally and physcally. Of all beings the most miserable is the
confirmed dyspeptic. His mind is disturbed,
his moral feeling is blunted and disordered, and
his body suffers. For what is he fit? He is fit
for nothing, not even for “ stratagem and spoils.’ ’
He drones his time away—years, a score some
times—and his whole life is a blank. If that
were all, it would not be so bad ; but it is a most
wretched, miserable blank, full of vapors, gloom
and forebodings. The mind is the torment of
the man, making appear real what is unreal,
and exaggerating evil. The little good that
the.man gets is also exaggerated, and this puts
him all around in a false position. His judg4
ment is not reliable, though once so correct;
his imagination plays tricks with him, deceiving
him constantly by magnifying its doings. In
a word, the man is morbid—mentally, morally
and physically. It took him long to get into
this state. He got into it by degrees, almost
ere he was aware. Ah, the insinuating habit of
alluring the system, which God had made right,
but which man is wronging constantly ! This
great evil is all brought about by littles—a lit
tle excess which breaks the back of the camel.
Here is the danger. And here is the remedy :
Avoid the littles—the little excesses ; they seem
to be always at the end of our meals. Then
cut off that end—that cup of tea or coffee, that
dessert or other dainty. This course would
generally succeed.
We must guard against the excesses; nobody
calls them such. At the time they may give
We
rise only to a little uneasiness, a little headache
or sluggishness of feeling. The brain acts less,
as it always does when oppressed, overstrained;
as it does through the sympathetic channels.
After awhile these symptoms will cease, and the
eyesight seems to be clouded momentarily; the
man will soon be prepared to re-enact the same
thing. By-and-by, in the course of his persist
ence, there will be more uneasiness after his
meal, greater headache and dullness. There
will be other symptoms gradually stealing upon
him. There will be slight pains here and there;
beginning, perhaps, in his chest; felt between
his shoulders and in his left side. He will
gradually become nervous, lose flesh—though
not always at first—his hearing is affected, there
is a ringing and other unusual sounds, which
sometimes greatly frighten him. Sometimes he
even will get dizzy and almost fall. He is apt
now to have bad sleep and worse dreams, so.
that night becomes a dreaded time to him. So
ciety begins to be distasteful to him; sometimes
he seeks it as if to get rid of the evil that fol
lows him. But he can not shake it off. It fol
lows him because it is himself. These unpleas
ant accompaniments increase; they increase
both in intensity and in number. New symp
toms are constantly evolved, new evils attack,
until the individual is a walking load of evils.
At last he becomes confirmed. And now it is
as difficult to remove these evils as it was easy
to get them, and it takes as long often to dp it.
Why does it take so long ? It seems to be in
the nature of the case, perfecting the work by
slow process. But it is the long weakening,
the constant sapping, that at last undermines,
and establishes, as it were, a second nature.
The difficulty in removing this evil is in the
moral courage of the man; he has it not.
Though he may resolve a thousand times, a
thousand times he breaks his resolve, or rather
it breaks itself. It is so difficult to resist, when
you have nothing to resist with, no courage or
a momentary thing, only seeming strong at the
time (when the resolve takes place), but impo
tent when the trial comes. So the drunkard,
he has no strength of will left, and the dyspep
tic is but a drunkard in another sense.
What, then, is to be done ? for this is a great
evil and must be met, if possible. The remedy
is, put a watch and tie upon the man; he him
self is not capable of doing it. Or you must
leave him to himself, to the risk of becoming
worse, and perhaps of dying, or, if he has self
regard left, to be forced into reformation. He
may prefer mending his ways to a worse evil—
to dissolution, for death has sometimes horrible
�HERALD OF HEALTH.
jpctures for the stomach-ridden invalid. Medicines, the world has long since decided, are of
no good in dyspepsia. They may aid in some
respects, as time aids, but always at the expense
of original power. Time and medicine will kill
any man prematurely. The poor afflicted pa
tient must, first of all, remove the cause. He
may have been doctoring for years, piling evil
upon evil, while the cause, “ like a worm i* the
bud,” remained. This is a double abuse of poor
nature. Throw aside this incubus, the whole of
it; stop aggravating the wound it has made;
lessen your food, which a false appetite urges
you on to partake, and flatters you that all is
right—it is the false “syren song” that accom
panies all dyspeptics.
Break off, then, what should never have been
indulged in—the little excesses of the table. If
you are a laboring man, more food will be re
quired ; less if a man of sedentary habits, and
especially of literary habits, which weaken the
stomach additionally through sympathy. This
is the absolute, indispensable condition of all
cures. Without it, aggravation can only make
the matter worse, and the patient continue as
he has—a wretched, suffering man, the “ iron in
his heart” wherever he goes. Resolutely, then,
stop this excess. And this is enough. If any
nature is left, any strength, it will develop; it
will grow up as a plant long kept down—never
so thrifty thereafter, but still having life and
being—and infinitely better than the smothered,
strangled thing with the weight upon it.
We have spoken of dyspepsia as it is gener
ally brought on, through the stomach and the
food. “ Strong drink” will sometimes do this,
excesses in venery, excesses of many kinds, if
not of all, all tending to affect the stomach, the
organ of tenderness. But whatever the excess
which produced the evil, it must be stopped—
the stomach must be favored. There are other
things that aid, but the great thing is to remove
the cause and keep it removed. This is the allimportant point, and it is sufficient. With it a
cure can be effected; without it, it can not.
Cheerfulness of society, it is said, is a good ad
dition ; so is traveling in strange lands; so is
exercise. But always make a clean bottom by
removing the exciting cause. To do this, self
must not be gratified, but mortified; it must be
done, however unpalatable. Yet, how little it
is done, as the million of sufferers testify. It
is so hard to do, because there is a lack of power;
not that the evil is so strong—it is we that are
weak, we dyspeptics. Had the man the usual
strength which he had in health he would easily
floor his adversary. But this he lacks, andjffiis
179
is the evil;Jh.e can hardly cure himself. He
does it, however; it is being done daily. Were
it not, what would become of us as a nation ?
of the world ? The evil frequently cures itself;
it is perhaps hard to say in how many cases.
This is fortunate, that it bears its own correc
tion. But it is also unfortunate that it must be
strained to such an extent—till the machine is
almost ruined. Better begin in time, and save
the wreck while its timbers are yet sound.
The friends of these sufferers have a respon
sibility. It becomes them to see that they are
aided, forced, if need be—and it generally needs
to be. Aid them, then; be a will to them in
place of theirs, which is impotent. It will not
do to leave a man unaided in his “ vapors he
is not himself; he must be taken care of; he
suffers more than you are aware of. Leave him
not rudderless at the mercy of the winds.[Written for The Herald of Health.]
How to Bathe.
BY E. P. MILLER, M. ».
Who does not know the great luxury of a
good, a refreshing, inspiriting bath ? How light
and joyous it makes one feel! I bless God every
day for water, for the pure, soft, sparkling wa
ter ! I love it everywhere! I love to see it fall
ing from the clouds, dripping from the eaves, or
showering from the green leaves; or, I love it
as it comes bubbling from the crystal spring or
rippling in the rivulet, dashing down the moun
tain brook or rushing in the rapid river, foaming
and gushing in the cataract, spreading out clear
and glassy in the silver lake, or raising and fall
ing in the majesty of the boundless and illimit
able sea.
It is an emblem of beauty, purity and virtue.
It is abundant everywhere; more than threequarters of our entire, being is water. Life can
be longer sustained without food than without
water. It is necessary to our life, health and
enjoyment now, and to our future and eternal
happiness. “ Except ye be born of water and of
the spirit, ye can not enter heaven.” Bathing
may mean something more than simple sprink
ling or pouring or immersion./ It may have been
but a type of the grand use of water for the fu
ture physical, mental and moral regeneration of
the race. “ I say unto you the kingdom of
heaven is within you.” Many of our sins have
a physical origin, which a right application of
water helps to wash away. “ Cleanliness is next
to godliness.” Those persons who bathe and
keep themselves cleanly in all their habits, are
apt to be moral and virtuous. Thieves, liars,
�180
HERALD OF HEALTHi
pickpockets, drunkards and gluttons, seldom
bathe. Health, cleanliness, temperance, good
ness and virtue are associates. Disease, filth,
gluttony, vice and crime seek the same haunts.
That man is not a very good Christian who never
takes a bath, and he who takes a daily bath is
not a very great sinner.
Being born of water is necessary to regenera
tion, and regeneration necessary to salvation
from sin. Bathing ought to constitute a pait of
every Church creed in Christendom. Water is
a great cleanser and purifier. It will remove
the dirt and filth when applied externally, and
carry away impurities when taken internally.
The seven millions of little pores and the
twenty-eight miles of little sewers that are con
stantly carrying off the waste and useless mate
rial of the body, will perform their tasks much
more easily if plenty of water passes through
them to wash away their accumulations.
There are a great variety of ways of taking
baths. There is a right way and a wrong way.
A certain bath may be taken so as to do good, or
it may be so taken as to do harm. The effect
produced by any bath depends very much upon
how the bath is administered. There is much
harm done by injudicious bathing. Some per
sons are soaking themselves in water all the time.
They get an idea that bathing is good, and that
the more they bathe the better.
No person should take a bath without secur
ing a comfortable reaction after it. If they feal
cold, have chilly sensations or unpleasent feel
ings, the probabilities are they have not derived
much benefit from the bath. It may be neces
sary for sick and feeble persons to be covered
warm in bed, in order to produce the desired
effect. There are very few people so feeble but
that a bath of some form will be beneficial, if
administered judiciously. All things considered,
one of the mildest and best home baths is the
SPONGE OR TOWEL BATH.
This is a universal bath, and is within the
reach of all. It can be given to those who are
too feeble to take any other form of bath. A
pint of water and a couple of towels or a sponge
and one towel, will answer to give it, although
it is better to use a gallon or more of water
when it is convenient to do so. It is an excel
lent bath for any one to take in the absence of
other more thorough baths. It will cleanse the
skin quite thoroughly and will equalize the cir
culation, relieve local congestion, subdue fever
and give a general feeling of freshness and com
fort. It can be taken in the sleeping-room, in
the parlor, library, or even in a closet, if no
larger accommodations are to be had. For per
sons who are able to stand and take their own
baths, and like to use water quite freely, it is
well to spread a rubber or oil cloth a yard square
or more upon the floor, set your bucket of cool
or cold water in the center, dip the sponge or
towel in the water, and, when in readiness,
squeeze the water from the towel or sponge, so
that it will not drip too much, and begin by
washing the face, head, neck and arms first, rub
bing vigorously till the skin looks red; then
wipe them dry with a dry towel; the chest, ab
domen and back can be washed and wiped in the
same manner; lastly, the lower extremities. If
you rub vigorously with the wet towel or sponge
and the same with the dry one, you will secure
a fine reaction and will feel warm and refreshed.
It should be given quickly and vigorously, and
the clothing should be put on at once; then go
out for a good sprightly walk or for some light
gymnastic exercise.
This bath can be given to very feeble persons
while in bed by using a soft towel or sponge just
moistened in tepid water, washing, drying, and
covering each part of the body as you progress.
In all forms of fevep, or in any disease where
there is difficulty in moving the patient or in ad
ministering more vigorous baths, this is the saf
est and fflS bath to use. In a fever where there
is much heat of skin, it may be given every hour
or two, and if properly applied will always be
beneficial.
Thoughts fob Young Men.—Costly ap-,
paratus and splendid cabinets have no magical
power to make scholars. In all circumstances,
as man is under God, the master of his own for
tune, so he is the former of his own mind. The
Creator has so constituted the human intellect,
that it can grow only by its own action, and by
its own action it roost certainly and necessarily
grows. Every man must, therefore, in an im
portant sense, educate himself. His books and
teachers are but helps; the work is his., A man
is not educated until he has the ability to sum
mon, in case of emergency, all his mental power
in vigorous exercise to effect his proposed object.
It is not the man who has seen the most, or has
read most, who can do this ; such a one is in dan
ger of being borne down, like a beast of burden,
by an over-loaded mass of other men’s thoughts.
Nor is it the man that can boast merely of
native vigor and capacity. The greatest of all
the wariors that went to the siege of Troy, had
not the pre-eminence because nature had given
him strength and he carried the largest bow, but
because self-discipline taught him how to bend it. I
�HERALD OF HEALTH;
Mute ®reahntiif uf Jisrase.
BY E. P. MILLER, M. D.
KF" Tn this department we shall give, from, month to
month, plain, practical directions for the home-treatment
of various diseases.
Bilious Colic.—This disease prevails most
in malarious districts in the summer and autumn
months. It is generally preceded by loss of ap
petite, by bad taste in the mouth, by furred
tongue, by nausea, by constipation of the bow
els, and by other evidences of derangement of
the digestive organs. There is often tenderness
in the region of the liver; and, after the dis
ease is well established, there will be a yellow
ish color of the skin and of the white of the
eye. It sometimes commences with a chill, and
is attended with more or less fever. The par
oxysms of pain are referable to the epigastric
region,- are very severe, and are usually accom
panied by vomiting—first of the contents of the
stomach, then of mucus and bile. The bow
els, though generally constipated, sometimes
discharge their contents freely, accompanied
with a liberal admixture of bilious matter.
The jaundice, associated with pain in the region
of the liver, and nausea and vomiting, are the
characteristic symptoms of this disorder. De
rangement of the digestive functions and ob
struction to the action of the liver are the causes
of this variety of bilious colic.
There is one form of bilious colic that is due
to the passage of the gall-stones through the
cystic or common duct, along which the gall
passes on its course from the gall-bladder to the
intestines. The passage of gall-stones (or bil
iary calculi, as they are sometimes called) of
large size, occasions the most aggravating cases
of bilious colic. The severity of the attack de
pends upon the size and irregularity of shape of
the gall-stones. These gall-stones are usually
formed in the gall-bladder, though sometimes,
they originate in the hepatic duct, or even in the
cells of the body of the liver They are formed
from cholestrine, a substance which enters into
the composition of the bile, and which, in a
healthy condition of that excreta, is in a state
of solution. ' In certain morbid conditions of the
bile this substance is released from its solvent
state, and readily crystalizes into masses of va
rious sizes which soon become as hard as stone.
These calculi vary in size, from a millet seed to
that of a large walnut', and are generally quite
irregular in shape. The duct through which
they pass from the gall-bladder to the intestines
181
is not larger than a goose-quill; the reader may
well imagine the pain and agony a person has
to endure when calculi of large size and of ir
regular shape are forced through so small a tube.
I think I have seen as intense suffering from the
passage of large calculi as from almost any
other cause.
They are often found in large numbers. Dr.
Watson of Edinburgh reports one case in
which thirteen hundred gall-stones were taken
from the gall-bladder of a man after death had
occurred. I have in my possession five, which I
obtained from a post-mortem examination, which
are the size of large cherries, flattened to a threesided figure, and which completely filled the
gall-bladder from which they were taken.
Persons who have once passed gall-stones are
quite liable to repeat the process. In some cases
several will pass in the same day; in other cases
weeks, months or even years will intervene be
tween the attacks. When one of large size has
passed, it is liable to so dilate the duct that, if
there are others remaining behind, they follow
in the wake of the first one till they are all out.
If the patient passes a single round, smooth
stone, it is an indication that there are no more
left behind; but if mey are flattened and irregulJBt is an evidence that they were made so
by being in contact with others. These gall
stones, when they are forced through the duct,
go into the intestines and are passed out with
the feces, where they can be found by a careful
examination.
Sometimes a calculus of large size becomes im
pacted in the duct, and remains there till in
flammation is set up, ulceration takes place, and
a fistulous, artificial passage is formed for its
exodus. This fistulous passage may be formed
through,‘into the intestines, or into the cavity of
the abdomen, or out through the abdominal
walls, discharging them externally through the
abdomen. After the false passage has formed
and the gall stones worked out through them,
either into the intestines or externally through
the walls of the abdomen, the inflammation may
subside, the parts heal and the patient get well;
but if it works through into the cavity of the
abdomen it causes a peritonitis that generally
proves fatal. Happily, such cases are seldom
seen, for in the great majority of cases they
pass through the natural course of the duct and
pass out of the intestines.
The paroxysms of pain in this disease gener
ally commence suddenly, and end as suddenly,
as it began. It may last only for a few min
utes, or it may continue for several hours.
There is usually some tenderness on pressure
�182?
HERALD OF HEALTH.
over the seat of pain, but generally firm pres resort to opiates or something that will produce
sure affords some relief, and the patient often entire insensibility to pain, and even these often
places the palm of the hand over the place, or fail to relieve till they are given in quantities
leans the body against some hard substance to that endanger life. The pain can be greatly
find ease. There is no fever; the pulse is not mitigated, however, by the full hot bath, say
quickened, but is irritable ? the skin is cold and one hundred and five or one hundred and ten
generally tinged with yellow; there will be degrees, prolonged for several minutes, or by the
nausea and vomiting,- with obstinate constipa hot hip-bath or by fomentations. These appli
tion, together with a dark-colored urine which cations not only mitigate the pain, but they re
contains bile.
lax the tissues, so that the calculi pass more
The passage of these gall-stones through the readily through the duct. In all cases of this
duct is mainly due to the pressure of bile, which kind the bowels should be relieved of their con
accumulates behind them in the gall-bladder, tents by injections, and, if there is much nausea,
forcing them along. When considerable time is an emetic of warm water given. After the pain
required for the passage the bile can not pass out, is relieved the tepid compress should be kept
and is retained in the blood and carried the applied to the part for several days, and a daily
rounds of the circulation, giving a jaundiced pack given in the forenoon, with a hip-bath at
hue to the skin and eyes.
eighty degrees for ten or fifteen minutes in the
Treatment.—In a case of bilious colic un evening.
connected with gall-stones, we should first try
After being cured the patient should try to
to move the bowels by copious enemas, and if live in such a manner as to avoid the formation
there is nausea give a warm-water emetic to of gall-stor^M I have had several patients Who
free the stomach of its contents also; then ap were subject to repeated spasms from gall-stones,
ply hot fomentations to the liver and stomach who subsequently escaped for years by adopting
for an hour or more to relieve the pain. Fol the Hygienic style of living.
low this by a full tepid bath or rubbing-sheet.
Injurious Effects of Sugar.—Mr.
A hip-bath at one hundred and five or one hun
dred and ten degrees, with a foot-bath of the Tanner, Professor of Rural Economy in Queen’s
same temperature, for twenty or thirty minutes, College, is inclined to believe that by the use of
accompanied with vigorous friction of the hips, sugar as food any animal can be rendered incom
back and abdomen, will do good, and answer in petent to propagate its species. He observes that
place of the fomentations when the bath is not stock which had been fattened upon molasses
convenient. The fomentations and hot hip mixed with dry food were rendered barren, and
baths will generally relieve the pain very soon. that heifers fed in that way escaped the periodi
In some cases, however, the cold compress or cal excitement of the breeding season; and it
cool hip-bath may be used to advantage instead was doubtful whether the power of reproduction
of hot appliances. The tepid compress should was ever regained. The effect of eating sugar,
be applied for some time after the fomentations in females, was a fatty augmentation of the
and baths have been used. After the pain is ovaries, from which recovery might be rather
relieved the vapor bath, the Turkish bath or the difficult.
wet-sheet pack should be given daily (if the pa
Cause of the Blue Colob of the Sky.
tient be not too feeble) for several days, till the
secretions become healthy and the bile is re Tyndall has shown, by a remarkable series of
moved from the blood. These applications experiments, not only that aqueous vapor ab
should be followed by either a thorough towel sorbs the obscure heat rays of solar radiation,
bath, a rubbing wet-sheet, or, what is perhaps but that the oxygen and nitrogen gases which
better, a pail-douche or full bath. The feet constitute the great mass of our atmosphere ex
must be kept warm by foot-baths or hot bottles ert but little or no action on them. Cooke, after
applied to them.
a long continued examination of the solar spec
No food should be given till the paroxysms trum, concludes that a very large number of
of pain subside, and after that only the blandest the fainter dark lines of the spectrum, hitherto
kind of food should be given for a few days. known as air-lines, are due solely to the aque-'
The treatment should be followed up assidu ous vapors of our air. The distribution of these
ously till the pain is relieved.
aqueous lines, and the variation in them, marked
During the passage of gall-stones it is gener by a remarkable increase, with the increase of
ally impossible to entirely relieve the pain till aqueous vapor in the atmosphere, point to the
the stone has passed out of the duct, unless we cause of the blue color of the sky.
�HERALlFOF HEALTH.
to (fomspmiimifs.
BY A. 1. WOOD, M. D.
MfSF" The readers of The Herald are invited to ask such
questions as will be of general interest for this depart
ment, where they will be briefly but comprehensively an
swered.
How we Escaped a Pestilence.—
“ It was generally thought, last spring, that, on
account of the filthy condition of the city, New
York would suffer from cholera during the
summer as it never had suffered before ; but
still it has escaped with a comparatively slight
visitation. By what means has it thus escaped
9, pestilence ?”
Cholera is a disease which is pre-eminently the
offspring of filth. It feeds, so to speak, upon it,
and when deprived of its aliment it disappears.
When the Metropolitan Board of Health com
menced its labors the city was ripe for pestilence.
The streets were in a most filthy condition,
the inmates of the crowded tenement houses and
underground habitations were wallowing in their
own filth, and breathing the fetid emanations
from their own excretions, and the slaughter
houses, fat-boiling establishments, and other nui
sances were sending forth streams of disease
engendering gasses to poison the surrounding
atmosphere. In the face of every obstacle that
could be thrown in its way, the Board has la
bored energetically and faithfully to cleanse and
disinfect the city, and to remove all nuisances.
It has only partially succeeded, it is true, but
its partial success has prevented the cholera
from becoming a pestilence and destroying
thousands instead of hundreds.
The success which has attended the efforts of
the Board in preventing the further spread of the
cholera shows the effects of hygienic conditions
in preventing disease. The labors of the Board
have but just commenced. Cholera is not the
only nor, indeed, the most fatal disease which the
Board of Health possesses the power to “stamp
out” by the enforcement of hygienic regulations.
During the months of July and August there
were 871 deaths from cholera, and 2303 deaths
from other diarrheal diseases alone, to say noth
ing of the large number of deaths from fevers,
and other easily preventible diseases. People
are beginning to learn that disease is not a
“merciful dispensation of Providence,” but a
penalty inflicted for the violation of the laws of
health.
Flatulence.—Flatulence is merely a symp
tom of indigestion. To effect a cure, the
digestive organs most be strengthened and the
digestive powers perfected.
183
Cold. Feet.—“What do cold feet indi
cate? what is the cause, and what the remedy ?
What is the best method of warming them upon
retiring at night ?”
Cold feet indicate an unbalanced state of the
circulation and more or less congestion of the
head or some of the internal organs. Coldness
of the extremities may be caused by any thing
that tends to depress the powers of life, or derang e
the circulation. The remedy is to remove the
cause, whatever it may be, and restore the health.
The feet should always be made warm, in some
way, before retiring to rest. If the person is able
to do so, the best way to warm them is by exercise.
I will mention a few of the best exercises for this
purpose which can be practiced singly or in
succession until the feet glow with warmth.
Walking in various ways, as with the toes turned
in as far as possible; walking with them turned
far out; walking on the tips of the toes; hopping
on one foot and then on the other, then alter
nately, and then on both together; hopping and
crossing the feet; stamping the feet; standing
on one foot and kicking forcibly downward and
forward with the other; swinging the legs for
ward and backward and in a circle; sit in a
chair or on a sofa, and slowly but forcibly bend
the ankle, drawing the toes far up and then
slowly extending them downward as far as pos
sible; twist the feet alternately outward and
inward in the same manner; rotate the feet,
making a large circle with the toes. There are
but few who will be unable to thoroughly warm
their feet in from five to fifteen minutes by prac
ticing the above exercises.
The continued
practice of such exercises will do much toward
permanently equalizing the circulation and re
storing health. For the few who are not strong
enough to warm their feet by exercise, the best
thing is to soak the feet in hot water until they
are red, then turn a little cold water over them
or dip them in cold water, after which wipe dry
and rub briskly with the hands or a dry, coarse
towel.
j
Breathing through the Mouth.—
“ In the culture of the lungs, should we n,ot
breathe through the mouth, making the aper
ture very small ? I admit that generally we
should breathe through the nose, but the nasal
chambers are so large, that we can not fill the
lungs perfectly through the nose. I think that
in a complete inflation of the lungs we should
breathe through the mouth, as we can breathe
so much slower. ”
Any person, with a little practice, can breathe
as slow through the nose as through the mouth,
but no one should occupy more than from five
to ten seconds in inhaling. They can expand
�184
heralit OF HEALTH.
£he lungs to as great an extent in that time as
they can if they are from one to two min
utes in doing it, and if a person only breathes
once in two or three minutes, as some do not
while practicing, the lungs can not receive a sufc ient quantity of air to purify the blood, and the
individual must suffer. In striving to cultivate
the lungs by breathing exercises, endeavor to
fill them to their utmost capacity, but do not try
to see how long you can be in doing it,or how long
you can hold your breath. Remember that you
must breathe while cultivating the lungs, as well
as at other times.
Dyspepsia and Cook Books.—A
subscriber, while ordering “The New Hygienic
Cook Book,” states that he is troubled with
dyspepsia, and wishes to know if there is any
other cook book wherein he can find a good rec
ipe for his case. There are plenty of cook
books in which “ subscriber” can find recipes
for dyspepsia, as, for instance, the following rec
ipe for “ Imperial Cake,” which is but a fair
sample:
“ Two pounds flour, two pounds sugar, two
pounds butter, two pounds raisins, stoned and
chopped, one pound blanched almonds, one half
pound citron, sixteen eggs, four wine-glasses
wine, mace.”
If the eating of food prepared from such rec
ipes as the above will not give a man the
dyspepsia, he might as well give up all hopes
of ever having it. A fashionable cook book is
just the place to find recipes for producing dys
pepsia but not for curing it.
Difficult Breathing arid Gaping.—
“I am troubled about breathing, and have a
strong desire to gape, but can not always make
out. What is the cause and cure ? ”
Gaping is an instinctive effort to secure the
introduction of a greater amount of air to the
lungs. It is generally caused by a want of
sufficient physical exercise.
The curative
measures consist of occupation, fresh air and ex
ercise. For information about breathing, see
article in September Herald of Health, enti
tled “ Culture of the Lungs.”
Man’s Best Drink.—“What constitutes
man’s best and most natural drink under all
circumstances and conditions, and what rules
should be observed in regard to its use ?”
Water, pure and unmixed, is beyond all ques
tion, the bsst and only natural drink of man, as
it is the only drink of every other living being.
It should be drank only when nature calls for it
by the feeling of thirst, and then, slowly and
temperately, until the thrist is quenched. Fol
low the example of the animal creation, and do
not stop eating to wash the food down with
water. If man would live entirely upon fruits,
which make the purest and best food, he would
feel no thirst, and need no drink. The juices of
the fruits would supply a sufficient quantity of
water in its purest possible form.
Morning Walks.—“Is a walk in the
morning before breakfast good for persons in
moderate health, or is some other time better ?
What distance should they walk?”
»
About the middle of the forenoon is the best
time for walking or exercise of any kind. The
system is then in its best condition. A short
walk or other moderate exercise before break
fast is beneficial, but it is not the best time for
severe exertion... The distance which persons in
moderate health should walk depends upon their
strength, endurance and other bodily con
ditions. It should never be continued so as to
produce pain, soreness of the muscles, or fatigue
from which the system can not fully recover by
an hour’s rest.
Nervous Headache.—“What is the
oim®Sjv(#fc headache, and the remedy.”
One of the principal causes, is the use of
tea, coffee, spirituous liquors and tobacco.
Undue mental exertion, loss of sleep, constipa
tion of the bowels, torpidity of the liver, skin,
etc., are also prominent among the causes of this
disease. The remedy consists in removing the
cause, whatever it may be. If habituated to the
use of tea, coffee, alcohol or tobacco, quit them
at once. Avoid much mental exertion, take an
abundance of out-door exercise, bathe frequently
but not in very cold water, eat temperately
of plain, healthful food, avoiding spices, condi
ments, rich cake, pastry, etc., and obey all the
laws of health.
Weak Dungs.—“What is the best work
on the lungs ?”
If by this question is meant the best work on
the care, culture and treatment of weak or dis
eased lungs, I should unhesitatingly recom
mend “ Weak Lungs, and How to Make them
Strong,” by Dr. Dio Lewis. Price, $2 00. It
may be ordered from the office of The Herald
of Health.
Private Queries.—A number of com- ■
munications containing questions of a private
character and of no interest except to the in
quirer have been received. Only questions of
general interest to the readers of The Herald will
be answered in this department. Prescriptions
for the home treatment of special cases of dis
ease, etc., will be sent by letter on receipt of,
$5 00.
�HERALD OF HEALTH.
anir (Mbhntitfs.
THE ONLY ADMISSIBLE HYGIENIC SEASONINGS.
The loudest wail on record—Jonah’s.
‘ Sabbath breakers—The waves at New
port.
■ What perfume is most injurious to
female beauty ? The essence of thyme (time).
. A bachelor discovering his clothes full
of holes, exclaimed, “ Mend I can’t.”
They say that coal oil cures fevers.
We think that it has been creating fevers.
Board or Health—A farmer’s cup
board.
Why is the early grass like a pen
knife ? Because the spring brings out the blades.
Eating ground glass is sure death. It
gives one a permanent pane in the stomach.
Adam and Eve, after finding the apple,,
discovered they were a pair.
A Toast.—Woman: she requires no
eulogy—she speaks for herself.
What ailments are policemen most
afflicted with ? With felons on their hands.
The gayest smilers are often the sadest weepers.
Affectionate times—When every thing
is about as dear as it can be.
When is a blow from a lady welcome ?
When she strikes you agreeably.
A bin has as much head as a great
many authors, and a great deal more point.
11 This is the last rose of summer I” ex
claimed a wag as he rose from his bed on the
31st of August.
Why is the milkman like the whale
that swallowed Jonah ? Because he took the
“ profit” out of the water.
‘‘Ugh ! Him great man I Big Brave !
Take many scalps!” said an Indian, seeing a
window full of wigs.
It has been asked, when^rain falls,
does it ever get up again ? Of course it does—
in dew time.
“We see,” said Swift in one of his
most sarcastic moods, “what God thinks of
riches by the people whom he gives them to.”
Mankind should learn temperance from
the moon—the fuller she gets the smaller her
horns become.
The age of a young lady is now expressed according to the present style of skirts,
by saying, “eighteen springs have passed over
hpr head.”
185
What is the difference between a spider
and a duck. One has its feet perpetually on a
web, and the other a web perpetually on its feet.
A young lady, whose father is improv
ing the family mansion, insists upon having a
beau window put in for her benefit.
A celebrated wit was asked why he
did not marry a young lady to whom he was
much attached. “I know not,” he replied, ex
cept the great regard we have for each other.”
What is the difference between ac
cepted and rejected lovers ? The accepted
kisses the misses, and the rejected misses the
kisses.
“How do you like Shakspeare ?” said a blue
stocking young lady to an old river captain.
“Don’t like her at all madam; she burns too
much wood and carries too little freight.
Prentice, in a wicked lunge at the
very underpinning of society, says, u tilting
hoops, enable the common people, to see a great
deal more of good society than they ever saw
before.”
An honest Hibernian, trundling along
a handcart cWaR1 all his valuables, was ac
costed-Ous : “Well Patrick, you are moving
again I see.” “Faith. I am,” he replied, “for
the times are so hK&ymfe a dale cheaper hiring
handcarts, than paying rints.”
A fellow out West being asked whe
ther the liquor he was drinking was a good
article, replied: “Waal, I don’t know; I guess
so. There EgMonly one queer thing about it:
whenever I wipe my mouth, I burn a hole in
my shirt.”
A boy down East is accustomed to go
out on a railroad track, and imitate the steam
whistle so perfectly, as to decive the officer at
the station. His last attempt proved eminently
successful; the depot master came out and
“switched him off.”
An artist invited a gentleman to criti
cise on a portrait he had painted of Mr. Smith,
who was given to drink. Putting his hand
toward it, the artist exclaimed, “Don’t touch it,
it is not dry.” “Then,” said he, “it can not be
like my friend Smith.”
Drunk vs. Medical Profession.—A
good story is in circulation of a certain doctor,
who sometimes drank a good deal at dinner.
He was summoned one evening to see a lady
patient when he was more than “half seas over,’
and conscious that he w as so. On feeling her
pulse, and finding himself unable to count its
beats, he muttered, “ Drunk, by Jove.” Next
morning, recollecting the circumstance, he was
greatly vexed, and just as he was thinking what
explanation he should offer to the lady, a letter
was put into his hand. “She too well knew,”
said the letter, “that he had discovered the un
fortunate condition in which she was when be
had visited her; and she entreated him to
keep the matter a secret, in consideration of the
inclosed”—a $100 bill.
�186
HERALD OF HEALTH.
There is an old proverb which declares
that none can tell where the shoe pinches eave
he who wears it. The maxim has a thousand
applications. A husband who appears to have
found his wife a good deal less an angel than he
had imagined in the days of his courtship, lets
out some domestic secrets, in the following
graphic manner:
“ I own that she has charming locks
That on her shoulders fall;
What would you say to see the box
In which she keeps them all ?
“ Her taper fingers, it is true,
Are difficult to match ;
I wish, my friend, you only knew,
How terribly they scratch.”
There is no sin we can be tempted to
commit but we shall find a greater satisfaction
in resisting than in committing.—Mason.
New York Medical College for Women.
—We earnestly believe in a medical education for women.
The day is soon coming when all women will be required
to have a thorough education in this direction, not so
much, perhaps, with the view of curing the sick as to keep
well themselves, keep their families well without dosing
and drugging, and that they may rear their children in
health and beauty. There is to-day no college that comes
up to the needed requirements in this respect. The one
mentioned above is one of the best, where much can be
learned. We think_it is doing good, and though we do not
* indorse its mode of practice, we commend it as worthy of
patronage.
Olivet College.—We have received a pam
phlet containing the history of Olivet College, Michigan.
It is from the pen of its President, Rev. N. J. Morrison,
and gives a graphic account of the rise and progress of the
College. Olivet is a town in which there is not a grog
shop nor a gambling-den, and the moral, intellectual and
social influences are such as parents and guardians desire
for the youth under their care. Mr. Philo Parsons of De
troit, a banker and a hearty friend of education, recently
contributed $5000 to support this excellent institution of
learning.
penetrate society and spread through all its varied phases,
as the sun fills the atmosphere with light. We ask the
countenance and aid of all who have faith in the holy
laws of life and the gospel of health. The sick and the
infirm must be cured, and their lives be prolonged ; chil
dren must be taught to observe the rules of physical
health, so that they shall not build up a tottering and
miserable existence’ on the foundation of dyspepsia and
consumption. Darkness which may be felt must be dis
placed by the light and beauty of truth. Physically
speaking, society is badly in need of reconstruction. The
constitution and the laws of health are trampled under
foot. We shun the bath and goblet brimming with water
as though we were afflicted with hydrophobia; we pour
nostrums down our throats and aggravate the ills that
flesh is heir to. Now, we have given you and yours the
opinions of the most scholarly and scientific men in the
world of-Hygiene in relation to these matters. In addi
tion to the views of eminent surgeons and physicians, we
have given the opinions of our best thinkers in the world
of letters and reform.
Henry Ward Beecher, Horace Greeley, Theodore Til
ton, Prof. Rufus King Browne, William H. Burleigh, E.
B. Perkins, Rev. O. B. Erothingham, Alfred B. Street,
Moses Coit Tyler, P. T. Barnum, G. W. Bungay, Dts.
Miller, Wood, Holbrook, Webster and others. We have
still richer treats in reserve, and most cordially invite all
who have faith in the laws of life and the gospel of good
health to enjoy with us the refreshing viands spread for
the entertainment of our friends, and to bring the hun
dreds of their friends with them for another year. A
great work is before us in the redemption of our race from
sickness and premature death. Let us work earnestly in
it while we can, and so hasten the day of perfect human
health and happiness.
Important and Liberal Oder.—
The Publishers of The Herald of Health, with a view
to extend the usefulness of their magazine, and at the
same time give their patrons the opportunity to introduce
it, at a comparatively low sum, to a large circle of read
ers, have concluded to offer it, in Clubs of 50 or more, at
One Dollar per year, provided the list is made up previous
to the first of February, 1867. We wish it distinctly un
derstood, however, that we will not for a smaller Club
deviate from our regular rates. The names and money
must be sent all at one time. Persons who request us to
send The Herald for one dollar to smaller clubs will not
be accommodated. This is a special offer, and those who
do not meet its requirements will be credited according to
regular rates. The Herald is richly worth two dollars a
year to any family, but as there are thousands of families
who are not acquainted with it, we make this offer as an
inducement to those interested in the Health Movement
to do a great deal of good at a very small expense of time
and money. Det those who wish to profit by it make a
move at once.
Our Past and Future.—During the
This Number.—This number will speak
last four months we have exerted our utmost endeavors to
increase the usefulness of The Herald of Health. We
have added to the number of its pages, and filled them
with original contributions from the pens of writers of
national reputation. There is not another magazine on
this continent that can show such a list of illustrious
writers on matters pertaining to Physical Culture and the
science of Health. We have the indorsement of many of
the best scholars and thinkers in America, and we are
grateful to them for their efforts to extend our circula
tion. A great work is before us, and we strip to the task
with faith in God and hope in man that the truth will
for itself. The article by Mr. Tyler, giving a sketch of
the life of Thomas Hughes, is in the author’s happy vein,
and will be found exceedingly interesting. “Overwork
and Underwork” discusses a subject of great interest, and
can not fail to be read 'with profit. “ The Study of Phys
iology,” by Dr. Browne; “A True Life,” by Horace
^recley; Beecher on “Patient Waiting;” Bungay on
“ Some of Our Faults ;” “ A Homily for Ministers and
Christians,” by Rev. Dr. John Marsh; Notes for the
Month ; Poetry, Miscellany, Answers to Correspondents,
Home Treatment of Disease, etc., are all very interesting!
Mr. Tilton’s poem, entitled “ My Creed,” which appears
�kWrald
of
on the first page, and Mr. Bungay’s “ October "Woods and
^Flowers,” can not fail to please. "We are giving our sub
scribers more and better matter than we promised, and
we thank them for the numerous commendations con
stantly received. We ask their special attention to the
subject of adding largely to our subscription list for the
year 1867. By the circulation of no magazine can so
much good be done in building up a nation of strong
bodied and pure-minded men and women.
Lectures and Lecturers.—The fol
lowing gentlemen are familiar with the great question of
Physical Culture, and we suggest to our friends in the
Country that they form clubs and raise funds to secure, if
possible, their lecture service: Horace Greeley, George
"W. Bungay, Dr. M. L. Holbrook, Dr. A. L. Wood, Dr. E.
P. Miller, F. B. Perkins, Dr. Snodgrass, Dr. Dio Lewis,
Moses Coit Tyler, S. R. "Wells, Nelson Sizer.
Applications for the services of these gentlemen may be
sent to us (stamp inclosed for the payment of postage) and
we will endeavor to secure an engagement from them.
Persons applying will please name two, three or more of
the gentlemen whom they would prefer, so that, if the
first person of their choice cannot be obtained, the second
or third may. Address Miller, Wood & Co., 15 LaightS
Street, New York. Any lyceum or school near New York
city, and convenient of access, which will give us a club
of fifty subscribers for The Herald of Health, shall
have a gratuitous lecture from some one of our lecturers.
health.
187
Job Printing.—We are prepared to exe
cute in neat, substantial styles, various kinds of Job
Printing : such as Pamphlets, Circulars, Envelopes, Bill
heads, Letter-heads, Cards, Labels, Small Handbills, etc.,
at the same rates as in all first-class New York printing
establishments. Stereotype work done to order.
Our friends in the country who wish neat and ac
curate printing, can rely on first-class work, by sending
plainly written and well-prepared manuscripts. For terms,
send sample or copy of work, state quality of printing
material to be used, and the number of copies wanted, in
closing a prepaid envelope for a reply.
[gtr* Advertisements of an appropriate character will
be inserted at the following rates : Short advertisements,
25 cents per line ; thirteen lines, for three or more inser
tions without change, 20 per cent, discount; one-half
column, $12 ; one column, $22 ; one page, $40. All adver
tisements must be received at this office by the 10th of
the month preceding that on which they are to appear.
Sexual Physiology.—Our new work on
Sexual Physiology is already meeting with a rapid sale.
Agents wishing to canvass for it should address us for par
ticulars. The price of a single copy by mail is $2, which,
considering the style of binding and the large number of
engravings which illustrate the work, is very cheap. We
are very sure that no person ordering a copy will ever find
reason to regret it.
Special Request.—Our
friends will
oblige us, and benefit others, by sending us the names and
post-office address of all invalids with whom they are ac
quainted ; also, all friends of Temperance, Health Reform
and Physical Culture. Any one who will send us a list of
425 bona fide, names of such persons shall receive free by
mail a copy of Prof. Wilson’s work of 75 pages on the
“Turkish Bath.”
Circulars.—Those of our subscribers who
wish to aid us in extending the circulation of The Herald,
should obtain our circular to exhibit to their friends. Ev
ery invalid who will send a stamped envelope shall receive
in it one of each of our circulars for The Herald, Books
and Baths.
Agents Wanted.—We want agents, local
and traveling, to canvass for The Herald of Health and
Sexual Physiology. Our agents are meeting with excellent
success, and there is plenty of room for more. We want
them everywhere througnout city and country. For spe
cial terms to Agents address the Publishers.
Herald for 1863, 1864 and 1865.—
We have a few bound volumes of The Herald of Health
for 1863, 1864 and 1865 on hand, which will be sent free by
mail on reoeipt of $2 25.
Epidemic Cholera.—See notice of
the book on Epidemic Cholera, just published, in our ad
vertising columns. Agents wanted in every city.
Canada Subscribers will please send
12 cents extra to prepay postage. Quite a number of new
subscribers have forgotten to do so.
A Pleasant Resort.
Persons visiting New York who desire to avoid the bus
tle of hotels will find ample accommodations, with firstclass rooms and good Hygienic table, at No. 63 Columbia
Street, Brooklyn Heights, New York, three minutes’ walk
from Fulton Ferry, being nearer to the business center of
New York than most of the best hotels in that city.
Connected with this establishment is the
TURKISH BATH,
One of the greatest physical luxuries, nor is there any
agent so powerful to renovate and restore the enfeebled
or diseased system.
For terms, etc., address
oc-lt
CHAS. H. SHEPARD, M. D.
Wanted--At the Willow Park
"WATER CURE, a good, healthy, intelligent girl to at
tend to patients, with a view of becoming a physician, and
eventually taking charge of the Female Medical Depart
ment. Address Dr. J. H. HERO, Westboro’, Mass.
Wanted-A Good Practical
HOUSEKEEPER in a small family. Must be a good
Cook and able to do general Housework. Address, with
reference, terms, etc., Box 653, Pittsville, Schuylkill Co.,
Pa.
oc-tf
Wanted-At the Willow Park
WATER CURE, A GOOD COOK, to whom a permanent
situation will be given. Address Dr. J. H. TTF.RO, West
boro’, Mass.
oc-tf
Notices
to
Lyceums.
Mr. George W. Bungay, the Author, Editor and Lec
turer, has a new lecture entitled “ WORK AND PLAY.”
His address is 15 Laight Street, New York.
sep-tf
�188
HEffiALD OF HEALTH^
A NEW, ENTERTAINING, ARTISTIC AND SPLENDIDLY ILLUSTRATED MONTHLY
MAGAZINE FOR BOYS AND GIRLS.
The Teacher’s Monitor and Parent’s Oracle, furnishing a Museum' of Instruction in Philosophy, Art, Science and
Literature, to include Stories, Poems, History, Biography, Geography, Astronomy, Chemistry, Music, Games, PuzzIps,
etc. etc., suited to the capacities of very Young America, without frivolity or exaggeration. Its contents, from the
pens of the best authors, will be found to sparkle with interest, its illustrations to charm with beauty, and the whole to
inspire with virtue and intelligence, and prove a “ well-spring of pleasure” in every household. Single copies, 15 cents;
yearly, $1 50 ; each additional copy, $1, or five copies for $5. Young America and Demorest’s Monthly together, $4..
Address W. JENNINGS DEMOREST, 473 Broadway. A large and beautiful colored Steel Engraving given free with
the first number, and both mailed free on receipt of the price. First number ready in September. Each single sub
scriber at $1 50 will be entitled to a Microscope of highly magnifying powers, with glass cylinder, sent by mail, postage
six cents. Or a package of Magic Photographs, postage two cents.
KzTEditors copying the above and sending a marked copy will be entitled to Young America for one year.
oc-tf
Demorest’s Monthly Magazine.
The Eadies’ Literary Conservator of Art, Novelty and Beauty, furnishing the Best Stories by the Best Authors, Best
Poems, Best Engravings, Best Fashions, Best Miscellany, Best Paper, Best Printing, and the best in every thing calcu
lated to make a Magazine entertaining, useful and beautiful; or as The New York Independent says, “Universally ac
knowledged the model parlor Magazine of America.” Yearly, $3, with a valuable premium to each subscriber. Lib
eral ter i s and splendid premiums for clubs. Single copies, 30 cents, post free. Address W. JENNINGS DEMOREST,
No. 473 Broadway, New York. Specimen copies sent free on receipt of 10 cents.
.
oc-tf
The Working Farmer
FOR 1866-67—VOLUME NINETEENTH.
This agricultural periodical, originally edited by Prof.
James J. Mapes, deceased, has attained, in the hands of
its present publishers, a circulation and influence second
to no similar publication in the country. Through the
liberal public patronage extended to, it, the publishers
are enabled to keep down the price to
ONE DOLLAR PER ANNUM IN ADVANCE,
And will also send to new subscribers, who send in their
names during the.months of October and November, the
remaining Nos. of 1866 without extra charge. And to
every subscriber who sends Two Dollars for two subscrip
tions one year, or one subscription two years, A CONCORD
OR ROGERS HYBRID GRAPE VINE, raised on the
grounds of the Editor, and sold at retail for seventy-five
cen's, will be sent as a premium.
We also club with the principal magazines and papers
at very low rates, and offer the best and highest premiums
to club agents. Send for circulars and specimen numbers
containing full Premium List, etc.
Terms—One Dollar a year, in advance; 80 cents in
clubs of ten or more ; single Nos., 12 cents. Specimen
copies sent on application. Clubs may come from differ
ent post-offices.
Subscribers in Canada and British North America must
remit 12 cents extra to prepay American postage.
Address
WM. L. ALLISON & CO.,
oc-tf______________ 58 Oortlandt Street, New York.
New
Hygienic
Establishment.
Having purchased a quiet corner house near Madison
Square, in the immediate vicinity of the up-town hotels,
will open it for the reception of invalids who desire to re
gain their health, and for well persons who desire to keep
well by rational measures. Believing implicitly in all the
resources of Hygiene, I intend to make this establishment,
in the fullest sense, a complete sanitarium. Applications
for board, rooms and treatment should be addressed to
oc-tf
E. c. ANGELL, M. D.,
51 Lexington Avenue, corner of 25th St., New York.
The Willow Park Water Cure
AND HYGIENIC INSTITUTE is at WESTBORO, Mass.
Address (inclosing stamp), for new circular,
OC-tf
Dr. J. H. HERO.
SEND FOR IT!
The Celebrated Craig Micro
scope combines instruction with amusement and lasts
for ever. Best, simplest, cheapest and most powerful mi
croscope in the world. Magnifies 10,000 times, or equal
to other microscopes costing $20. Made on an entire new
plan, requiring no focal adjustment, therefore it can bo
readily used by every one—even by children, A beautiful
gift to old or young. Adapted to the famfly circle as well
as scientific use. Shows the adulterations m food, thou
sands of animals in a single drop of water or vinegar,
globules in milk, blood and other fluids, tubular, structure^
of hair, claws on .a fly’s foot, also the celebrated “trichina
spiralis,” or pork worm, which is causing so many deaths
among pork eaters, and in fact the objects which may be
examined in this wonderful microscope are without num
ber. All are invited to call and see its great magnifying
power. Discount by the dozen to agents, schools and
dealers. Priee $2.50. Packed in a neat box and sent pre
paid to any address on receipt of $2.75. Money can be
sent by mail at our risk. Address
oc-tf
GEORGE MEADE, Thompsonville, Wis.
The Proprietor of Willow
PARK WATER CURE would like to sell his Furniture
to suitable parties, and arrange with them to board all his
patients and attendants. This opens a good opportunity
for a couple who would like to engage in the business of
keeping a Hygienic Boarding-House. Will pay a fair
price for board and pay monthly. We wish to be so situ
ated as to devote our whole energies to the Medical De
partment. Address
oc-tf
Dr. J. H. HERO, Westboro’, Mass. __
Binghamton Water Cure
and
HYGIENIC INSTITUTE, BINGHAMTON, BROOME
COUNTY, NEW YORK. This establishment holds out
rare inducements to patients who contemplate spending
the autumn and winter at a Water cure. Send for cir
cular, or address O. V. THAYER, M. D.
oc-tf
Granville Water Cure,
Now in its fourteenth year. For particulars, send for cir
cular to SOLOMON FREASE, M. D., Granville, Licking
County, O.
- -----tf
�HERALD OF HEALTH.
189'
Granite State Health Institute,
HILL, N. H.
The “ Granite State” has now become widely and fa
vorably known as one of the best Hygienic establishments
in the land.
Through its great success in treating disease for the last
fourteen years, the perfect homelike atmosphere that has
ever pervaded the institution, the moderate terms upon
which patients have been received, the care that has been
taken to in sure their recovery, and to return to them the
largest equivalent for the money they have expended, this
institution has been built up into a large and flourishing
establishment. It is not too much for us to say that pa
tients from all parts of the country, from our large cities
and from interior towns, have been enthusiastic in their
praise and in recommending our institution to their friends.
The following points have attracted attention :
1. Our accessibility: the cars stop within a Jew rods of
our door.
2. Our location, amid pleasant and romantic surround
ings.
3. The purity of the air and the excellence of the
water.
4. The dietary: the variety, the exceeding simplicity of
preparation, and yet the palatableness of the food.
5. The careful attention bestowed on patients and the
specific directions given to insure their recovery.
6. The fact that almost all patients, with whatever dis
ease they may be afflicted, who visit this establishment
and are advised by the Physician to remain, are either en
tirely cured or very greatly benefited.
Vast numbers have been cured here in the past, and,
the good providence of God permitting, we shall restore
thousands more in the future. We believe that we have
been especially ordained to and qualified for this work.
lQJt is a labor we earnestly love ; and now, after an expe
rience of fourteen years in the practical management of
all kinds of sick persons, we feel ourselves qualified as
never before to cheer up, encourage and comfort the in
valid, and guide him onward in the same pathway of re
covery.
The Granite State has recently been fitted up and placed
in the most perfect working order. It will be found a
pleasant home for all invalids who are earnestly seeking
restoration from dis.ease as their great primary purpose,
and who wish to place themselves in the most perfect
health conditions, and be subjected to the most health
imparting discipline.
We wish it distinctly understood that this institution is
not a fashionable resort, but a home, and cure, for the in
valid.
We have had a large and very successful experience in
treating the special diseases peculiar to the sexes, and pa
tients of this class may be assured that they will receive
the most skillful treatment.
The fall and winter months are aS favorable for treat
ment as the spring and summer, and many invalids will
make more rapid progress in cold weather than in warm;
nor is the treatment, when scientifically administered in
comfortably heated apartments, any less agreeable in cold
weather than in warm.
We take Ministers of the Gospel, dependent on their
salaries for support, at a reduced rate.
The reader is referred to the April number of this Jour
nal, where he may see what our patients say of us.
GSF- No drug poisons are ever given in this establish
ment.
#*# The Hot-Air Bath, a modification of tljp Turkish,
is used in some cases.
We shall be glad to send circulars giving particular
information concerning our establishment to all inquiring
friends who will inclose stamp for postage.
oc-tf
W. T. VAIL, M. D., Hill, N. H.
AN IMPORTANT HYGIENIC WORK!
EPIDEMIC CHOLERA.
We have just published an important work on Epidemic
Cholera, embracing Hr. Webster’s Lectures on the His
tory, Causes and Treatment of Cholera. It is the best
work that has yet appeared on the subject from a Hygienic
stand-point. PRICE, 25 CENTS. All who want to know
the way to avoid this disease, or treat it by means of Hy
gienic Treatment, should have a copy at once.
Address
MILLER, WOOD & CO.,
15 Laight Street, New York.
Dentistry.
A FULL SET OF TEETH INSERTED FOR $8, $10 TO
$15. Extracting without pain with pure Nitrous Oxide
Gas, at 138 East Thirteenth Street, between Third and
Fourth Avenues, New York.
sep-3t
DR. JEROME KIDDER’S
GENUINE SIX-CURRENT
Electro-Medical Apparatus
Is proving highly efficacious in a large variety of Dyspep
tic, Nervous and Chronic Disorders.
Caution in regard to Tricks in Electricity.
The so-called Nine-pound Magnetic Current Machine
has a wire underneath the helix stand leading to the bat
tery, and the current does not go through the helix, but
gives, of course, the same magnetic power as is given by
any simple battery-cup—that is, the cup with the metals
and solution. The so-called direct and to-and-fro current
machine is simply the trick of giving a new name to the
old-fashioned shocking machine having two coils; all the
old machines have these two coils. Some use the inner
coil, taking the poles each side of the break of the spring
and point; others do not. There has been put forward a
trick of a'torpedo, spurious six-current machine, with one
current taken over and over from the different metallic
parts. There is but one genuine six-current machine.
For further information in these matters address
DR. JEROME KIDDER,
480 Broadway, New. York.
Drs. Miller, Wood & Co., take pleasure in filling or
ders for Dr. Kidder’s Machines.
KF" These are not the crank machines.
oc-tf
Turkish Baths.
■ One of the Publishers of The Herald of Health, Dr.
A. L. WOOD, who for the past two years has built and
superintended Turkish Baths in Providence and New York,
has been traveling in Europe during the past summer, for
the purpose of examining the construction, modes of heat
ing, and management of the numerous and extensive baths
which are there becoming national institutions, and being
convinced that the general introduction of Turkish Baths,
as now modified and improved, will do more to improve the
health of the American people, and lead them away from
all forms of Intemperance and Druggery to a reliance upon
the natural hygienic agencies than any other means now
employed, we shall do all in our power to introduce them
throughout the land. In accordance with this determina
tion, Dr. Wood will respond to calls to lecture upon the
subject, or to superintend the construction of the Bath
after the most improved plans, in private houses, Hy
dropathic establishments, Hospitals and public institu
tions, or for the public in cities and towns in any part
of the country.
dec-tf
Woman’s Dress ;
Its Moral
AND PHYSICAL RELATIONS. By Mrs. Mattie M.
Jones, M. D.—This is the most interesting and instructive
essay that has yet appeared. It gives plain and definite
rules for making a physiological dress of exceed ing beauty,
a chapter on the Gymnastic costume and how to make it,
and a great variety of interesting matter. The whole is
illustrated with numerous cuts done in the finest style, of
different patterns of dress, with patterns for the instruc
tion of those who wish a guide to work out the best re
sults. It is printed in the best style, and sent by mail for
30 cents. Address MILLER, WOOD & Co., No 15 Laight
Street, New York.
RE-OPENED AND RE-FURNISHED.
The Graefenberg Hygienic In
stitute, near Utica, N. Y., is re-opened for Boarders
and Patients by its original Founder and Proprietor. For
particulars address R. HOLLAND, M. D., Graefenberg,
N. Y.
jy-tf
Highland Water Cure.
H. P. BURDICK," M. D., and
) Physicians
Mrs. MARY BRYANT BURDICK, M.D., f iHTSlcIANS.
Send for Circular. Address—Alfred, Alleghany Co., N.Y.
aug-tf
�190
HERALD OF HEALTH
The Hygeian Home.
A. SMITH, M. D., Proprietor.
R. T. Trall, M. D., Consulting Physician,
DR. JEROME KIDDER’S
GENUINE SIX-CUERENT
Electro-Medical Apparatus
Has nearly double the magnetic power of any called
magnetic. Patented in the United States, England and
Erance. The best testimonials from Professors Mott, Silliman, Vonder, Weyde, and other scientific men. D. D
Smith, M. D., Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Wo
men and Children, in the New York Homoeopathic Medi
cal College, speaks of my apparatus as follows :
“ I am satisfied you have reached a point and developed
combinations that far exceed in a therapeutic aspect the
discoveries and combinations of every other experi
menter.”
In regard to Bath Apparatus, Office Apparatus, Family
Apparatus, and Pocket Apparatus for using remedial Elec
tricity,
KF* Address Dr. JEROME KIDDER, 480 Broadway,
New York.______________ ;_________
sept-tf
A. J. GARDNER,
Merchant
Tailor,
4=1*7 CANAL STREET,
CORNER OF SULLIVAN
aug-8t
STREET,
NEW YORK.
Pathology of the Reproductive
ORGANS. BY R. T. TRADE, M. D.
The Introduction treats of Hygienic appliances; Bath
ing, Food, Exercise, Light, Clothing, Sleep, Beds and Bed
ding, Bodily Positions, Night Watching, Friction, Electricity, Galvanism, Magnetism, and cleanliness. Part
Pirst treats of Venereal Diseases proper, their history,
the venereal virus, modes of propagation, inoculation,
syphilization, mercurialization, gonorrhoea, its seat, symp
toms and treatment; Syphilis; location, stages, varieties,
and diagnosis of chancres, treatment of syphilis, preven
tion of venereal diseases, &c. Part Two, of Spermatorrhoe,
or Seminal Weaknesses, its causes, symptoms, treatment,
complications, and sequences ; drug-treatment, and cau
terization. Part Third, of Female Diseases; mis-mm.
struation, retained menstruations, suppressed menstrua
tion, painful menstruation, chlorosis, leucorrhcea, inflam
mations, and ulcerations, etc. etc. Part Four, of miscel
laneous affections, including displacement, anteversion,
retroversion, inversion and prolapsus ■ of the uterus;
uterine tumors, cancers, dropsy, etc. etc.
This is by far the best work that has appeared on the
Lauses and Treatment of all forms of Sexual Diseases.
Lt is printed on fine white paper with clear type, and con
tains an excellent steel engraving of the author. Sent
post paid by mail. Price, $2.00. Address,
MILLER, WOOD ■& CO.,
_
_________ ___________ No. 15 Laight Street, New York.
Hot Bottles.
■R,YE^anew1bta?lel aJery C0Ilvenient and useful form of
Rubber Bottles lor holding hot water for warming the feet
or applying a local fomentation to any part of the body.
They are small, may be carried in a satchel, knapsack, or
even tn the pocket. For feeble persons and those ravel
ing from place to place they are invaluable. Price <R2
MILLER, WOOD & CO.,
No. 15 Laight Street, New York.
The Hygeian Home is pleasantly situated on the Eastern
slope of Cushion Mountain, one and a half miles from the
Wernersville Station, on the Lebanon Valley Railroad,
and is easy of access by railroad from all parts of the
United States. The climate is mild and pleasant. The
scenery is truly grand. Dr. Weeder says it surpasses any
thing I have ever seen in Europe or America. Hon.
Judge Jones says that language can not describe its gran
deur. Hon. Judge Strong says the air and scenery are as
fine as any in America. Hon. Judge Woodward* says, I
cannot conceive of any thing more beautiful in scenery
than that from your door. The walks are dry and clean.
The mountain air is pure and bracing. The bathing facili
ties can not be surpassed. The water is not onlv soft but
absolutely pure, and the physicians, Dr. A. Smith, Mrs.
Dr. C. Smith and Miss Dr. P. Draper, have had great ex
perience and success in healing the sick. They pay especial
attention to giving the Swedish Movements and Light
Gymnastics. With all these natural advantages, the
Hygeian Home stands pre-eminently superior as a Health
Institution to any other similar establishment in America.
Thus all who place themselves under our c re, may feel
assured of all that professional skill and p'- onal kindnss
can accomplish to aid them in the recovery of health.
Terms moderate. Send for our Circular. Address all
letters to
A. SMITH, M. D.,
je-tf
Wernersville, Berks County, Pa.
Dr. S. B. SMITH’S
Electro-Magnetic Machines.
The only ones where a true unmixed, Direct Current,
with strong intensity and strong magnetic power, is de
veloped. Send for a Circular, wherein is shown that there
is but one current in electricity, and but one important
modification in that current. On the Direct Current
poles I raise a nine-pound weight; other so-called Direct
' Currents raise but a “ ten-penny nailI”
Price, with single cup battery, $18; double cup, $20.
Address
Dr. S. B. SMITH,
309 Broadway, New York.
Orders also received for said Machines by Miller, Wood
& Co., 15 Laight Street.
jy-tf
Philadelphia Hygienic Institute.
Dr. Wilson’s establishment is now located at 1109 Gi
rard Street, above Chestnut. This institution is very fa
vorably located. The situation is central, pleasant and
• healthy; the rooms spacious, elegant, and attractively
furnished. Patients receive the personal attention of the
doctor and his wife, and may rely on skillful, careful and
attentive treatment. We use no drugs. Our table is lib
erally supplied with a variety of well-cooked food. Per
sons visiting the city on business or pleasure can be accom
modated with rooms and board.
Address
R. WILSON, M. D.,
aug-tf
1109 Girard Street, Philadelphia.
Ladies’ Suspenders.
We are nowprepared to fill orders for Ladies’ Suspenders.
Their objeat is to support the skirts over the shoulders, in
stead of on the hips as heretofore, much to the detriment of
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MILLER, WOOD & CO.,
_________________ No. 15 Laight Street, New York.
Worcester Water and Move
ment CURE, WORCESTER, Mass. Please send for
Circular.
aug-lt__________ ________ ISAAC TABOR, M. D.
Manual
of
Light Gymnastics,
Designed for Clubs, Evening Classes and private use.
By W. L. Rathe. Price, prepaid by mail, 38 cents. Ad
dress
MILLER, W00D & Co., No. 15 Laight Street,
�
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The Herald of Health and Journal of Physical Culture. Vol. 8, no. 4. October, 1866
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Place of publication: New York
Collation: [145]-190 p. ; 24 cm.
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Conway Tracts
Health
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Physical Education
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Text
THE
NEW SYSTEM
or
MUSICAL GYMNASTICS
INSTRUMENT IN EDUCATION.
jA
lecture
DELIVERED BEFORE
THE COLLEGE OF PRECEPTORS,
BY
MOSES
COIT
TYLER, M.A.,
M.C.P.,
^xiiuipnl of tlje bonbon Stljool of ^sitnl fibutalion, Bnnbrr of i^e
gjnericHn gssotiniion for tljr gbbtinrmrni of ^rirnre, Hr.
*' Intellect in a weak body is like gold in a spent swimmer’s pocket tho richer
he would be under other circumstances, by so much the greater his danger now. ’
D. A. Wasson.
LONDON;
WILLIAM
TWEEDIE,
1864;
337,
STRAND.
�A short life is not given us, but we ourselves make it so.”—Seneca,
“ We are weak, because it never enters into our thoughts that we might
be strong if we would.”—Salzmann.
“The first wealth is health. Sickness is poor-spirited, and cannot serve
any one : it must husband its resources to live. But health or fulness
answers its own ends and has to spare, runs over and inundates the neigh
bourhood and creeks of other men’s necessities.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson.
“ I am convinced that he who devotes two hours each day to vigorous
exercises, will eventually gain those two hours, and a couple more into the
bargain.”—Washington Irving.
“ The man who invented cricket as surely deserves a statue to his memory
as he who won Waterloo.”—Archibald Maclaren.
“ The excess of bodily exercises may render us wild and unmanageable;
but the excess of arts, sciences, and music makes us faddled and effeminate :
only the right combination of both makes the soul circumspect and manly.”
—Plato.
“ Surely none the worse Christians and citizens are ye for your involun
tary failing of muscularity.”—Thomas Hughes.
�NOTE.
The following Address was delivered before the College
of Preceptors, at their rooms, in Queen Square, on the
evening of Wednesday, March 7th, 1864, the Rev. Richard
Wilson, D.D., F.C.P., being in the chair.
It was published
in The Educational Times for the succeeding month, precisely
as it appears in these pages.
By the multitude of letters
I have since received from educators in all parts of the
kingdom, I am tempted to hope that its publication in the
present form may be not without good results to the cause
of a wise and generous method of education.
29, Delam ere Terrace, Bayswater,
May 1st, 1864.
a
2
��MUSICAL GYMNASTICS
AS
AN INSTRUMENT IN EDUCATION.
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The mind of Lord Bacon, brooding over and methodizing all
knowledge within the reach of man, has indicated the boundaries
and the relations of physical culture, in the following sentences which
I extract from 11 The Advancement of Learning:”—“The good
of a man’s body is of four kinds—health, beauty, strength, and
pleasure.” Hence the knowledge that “ concerneth his body is
medicine, or art of cure ; art of decoration, which is called cosmetique; art of activity, which is called athletique; and art
voluptuary, which Tacitus truly calls ‘ eruditus luxus.' ” And after
several paragraphs in exposition of the first two branches of bodily
knowledge, he continues :—“ For athletique, I take the subject of
it largely, for any point of ability whereunto the body of man may
be brought, whether it be of activity or of patience ; whereof activity
hath two parts, strength and swiftness : and patience likewise hath
two parts, hardness against want and extremities, and endurance of
pain or torment. ... Of these things the practices are
known, but the philosophy that concerneth them is not much
inquired into.”
I am quite sure that I do not need to consume the time of my
auditors on this occasion with any laboured arguments to convince
them of the importance of physical culture. Certainly I may be
allowed to take this for granted, that all intelligent educators in
this age are thoroughly persuaded that the body needs education as
truly as does the mind ; that this process of bodily education
should commence and continue with that of the mind ; and perhaps
I may be indulged in the expression of the opinion, that if the
�6
THE NEW SYSTEM OF
general practice does not yet equal the general belief upon this
subject, it is owing to certain inevitable obstructions presented by
the current methods of carrying this belief into effect, rather than
to any lack of sincerity in the belief. If those methods were more
practicable they would be more practised.
At the same time, it has seemed to me that there might be a real
advantage gained if I were to make, as the basis of my address this
evening, a very brief sketch of the historical and literary antecedents
of this important department of education, thereby indicating both
the opinions and the proceedings of other ages and other nations
upon the subject. I shall paint this sketch as a sort of consecrating
background to my picture of 11 The New System of Musical Gym
nastics as an Instrument in Education.”
In searching for the first developments of the art of gymnastics,
we must be content to go to that small but sacred spot of earth,
whither we are obliged to look for the germs of all our science, art,
and song. For, although traces of a crude athletic practice are to
be found among the Hebrews and many of the early Asiatic tribes,
it was in Greece that gymnastic cultivation first received that
systematic attention which raised it to its true rank among the
liberal arts.
The Greek education was divided into two branches, which com
prehended their entire disciplinary method either in youth or
maturity; and these two branches were, gymnastics for the body,
and music (by which they meant the topics presided over by all the
nine Muses, such as history, poetry, mathematics, painting, logic,
rhetoric, &c.) for the mind. They placed the subject of gymnastics
first, and they always kept it first. In their view the education of
the body was in the front, both logically and chronologically. Any
one familiar with the facts descriptive of Greek education related by
Grote, or Thirlwall, or Mitford, will be quite prepared to accept the
statement of the ‘1 Encyclopedia Britannica, ’ ’ which asserts that ‘ ‘ the
Greeks bestowed more time upon the gymnastic training of their
youth than upon all the other departments put together.” The
following sentence from the profound and elaborate work of Mr.
Grote describes the supreme devotion paid to gymnastics in Sparta,
and reflects to a certain extent the prevailing practice of all the
other Hellenic States:—•“ From the early age of seven years,
�MUSICAL GYMNASTICS.
7
throughout his whole life, as youth and man no less than as boy,
the Spartan citizen lived habitually in public, always either himself
under drill, gymnastic and military, or a critic and spectator of
others.” And, in another part of his history, the same distinguished
scholar assures us, that “the sympathy and admiration felt in
Greece towards a victorious athlete, was not merely an intense
sentiment in the Grecian mind, but was, perhaps, of all others the
most widespread and Panhellenic.” And Bishop Potter, in the first
volume of his “ Antiquities,” confirms this by the declaration, that
<£ such as obtained victories in any of their games, especially the
Olympic, were universally honoured, almost adored.” Without
entering farther into details, it may be sufficient to say, that we
have abundant evidence to assure us that the art of gymnastics was
held in the highest honour throughout Greece. It was recognised
and sustained by the State. Solon introduced into his code a special
series of laws for its protection. The art was consecrated by every
sentiment, religious, literary, and domestic. Certain of the gods were
regarded as the peculiar patrons of the gymnasium. The teachers
of morals discoursed of attention to physical exercise as a distinct
virtue, calling it apenj yvpraffriK)], the gymnastic virtue. The
great historic sects in Grecian philosophy took their titles from the
gymnasia, where they were first expounded. Moreover, he who
should excel in gymnastics thereby won high personal distinction
and the most honourable rewards of the State. Thus in the mind
and life of a Grecian in the ancient time, gymnastics entwined
themselves with all his ideas of individual culture and personal
dignity, piety, beauty, health, prowess, literary power, philosophy,
and political renown.
We have not the same temptation to linger over the story of
Roman gymnastics. With regard to the position of bodily culture
in the Roman plan of education, there is the testimony of Eschenberg, who affirms that corporal exercises were viewed by them,
especially in the earlier times, as a more essential object in education
than the study of literature and science. This is a sentence which
glances both ways. It may mean that their devotion to gymnastics
was very great; it may hint that their appreciation of literature
and science, at the period referred to, was very small. However, it
seems evident that, prior to the time of the emperors, the gymnas
�8
THE NEW SYSTEM OF
tics in vogue were of a rude character, having chief reference to the
discipline of military recruits, and to the exigencies of certain
athletic games, like the Consualia. Scientific gymnastics came in
with the importation of other Greek ideas by the conquerors. The
first gymnasium at Rome is said to have been built by Nero. Still
the Greek gymnastics never became thoroughly naturalized and
assimilated among the Roman people. The art seemed a fair but
unprosperous exotic; and after serving a temporary purpose in the
hands of scholars and gentlemen, it subsided into the brutality of
pugilism and gladiatorship, and finally expired in the general wreck
of the Imperial State.
The lost art rose again, after its slumber of centuries, with the
dawn of Chivalry, but in an altered garb and tone. The medieval
gymnastics very naturally took their methods from the chivalric
spirit. Fencing, wrestling, vaulting, boxing, the sword exercise,
horsemanship, and the dance, now held the place in men’s regard
once occupied by the old Greek Pentathlon; and these forms of
gymnastics revived the ancient credit of physical culture, and were
accorded the universal devotion of princes, and noblemen, and poets,
and artists. Tasso, Da Vinci, and Albert Diirer were among the
renowned gymnasts of the period.
From the decline of Chivalry, onward through the sixteenth,
seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries, the practice of gymnastics
fell more and more into disuse; many forms of exercise became
quite obsolete—only the limited methods of sparring1 and fencing
seemed to remain in the memory of educators. The allusions to
gymnastics, scattered through our English literature of the period,
abundantly prove to how slight and contracted a scheme the once
elaborate Art of Gymnastics had become reduced.
But although the practical details of gymnastics may have relaxed
their hold upon human attention, the theoretical standing of physical
culture, in any comprehensive plan of education, was on all hands,
by all respectable writers in the principal languages of Europe, most
abundantly and emphatically asserted. The renowned scholar, J. F.
Scaliger, published at Lyons, in 1561, a work entitled “ The Art of
Gymnastics.’’ Four years later, Leonard Fuchs put forth at Tubingen
a treatise on “ Movement and Repose and, in ten years from that
date, Ambrose Pare issued at Paris a work with the same title. In the
�• y"
9
MUSICAL GYMNASTICS.
same year, at Cologne, Jules Alessandrini published a work in
twenty-three books, called “ The Art of Preserving Health.” And,
tracing the literature of the subject onward through the succeeding
one hundred and fifty years, we find similar productions by Borelli,
Brisseau, Paulline, Stahl, Hoffmann, and Burette. It is pleasant
to find a distinct and very earnest statement of the claims of
physical education in a continental writer who lived before Shakspeare, and whom we happen to know Shakspeare read and loved.
For in a very brilliant essay by Montaigne on the education of
youth, occurs this passage :—“ I would have a boy’s outward
behaviour and the' disposition of his limbs formed at the same time
with his mind. It is not a soul, it is not a body, that we are
training up ; it is a man, and we ought not to divide him into two
parts.”
Turning from the continental languages to our own, we are proud
and grateful to discover that English literature, so rich in philosophy
and poetry, and in the gems of perfect speech, is by no means
behind other literatures in the department of Physical Education.
Let it never be forgotten by us, that the first book ever written in
our English tongue on education was on Physical Education ; and
so long ago as 1540, in the reign of Henry VIII., and by no less
a man than Sir Nicolas Bacon, who is said to have trained
Elizabeth to empire. I have already shown that his illustrious son,
Lord Bacon, did not neglect this alcove of human thought and
knowledge ; and no one at all acquainted with his pages can have
failed to observe how thoughtfully and reverently he considered the
body’s welfare, speaking of “the human organization as so delicate
and so varied, like a musical instrument of complicated and exqui
site workmanship, and easily losing its harmony.”
The next important work in English literature upon this subject,
is Milton’s Tract on Education. In this most eloquent essay, the
great bard defines education as “ that which fits a man justly, skil
fully, and magnanimously to perform all the offices, both private
and public, of peace and war; ” and after recommending a plan
“ likest to those ancient and famous schools of Pythagoras, Plato,
Isocrates, and Aristotle, and such others, out of which were bred
such a number of renowned philosophers, orators, historians, poets,
and princes, all over Greece, Italy, and Asia,” he claims that his
P
�10
THE NEW SYSTEM OF
own method should exceed them, and “ supply a defect as great as
that which Plato noted in the commonwealth of Sparta; whereas
that city trained up their youth most for war, and these in their
Academies and Lyceums all for the gown, this institution of breed
ing shall be equally good both for peace and war. Therefore, about
an hour and a half ere they cat at noon should be allowed them for
exercise, and due rest afterwards. . . . The exercise which I com
mend first, is the exact use of their weapon, to guard and to strike
safely with the edge or point; this will keep them healthy, nimble,
strong, and well in breath; is also the likeliest means to make
them grow large and tall, and to inspire them with a gallant and
fearless courage, which, being tempered with seasonable lectures
and precepts to them of true fortitude and patience, will turn into a
native and heroic valour, and make them hate the cowardice of
doing wrong. They must be also practised in all the locks and
gripes of wrestling, wherein Englishmen were wont to excel, as
need may often be in fight to tug, to grapple, and to close. And
this will perhaps be enough wherein to prove and heat their strength.”
Advancing to the next prominent English writer upon education,
we come to the calm and judicious works of John Locke ; and no
one will be surprised to hear that Locke’s scheme of education
recognized the value of full attention to the development of the
bodily health and vigour.
“ A sound mind in a sound body,” remarks this great philoso
pher in his treatise entitled “ Some Thoughts concerning Educa
tion,” “ is a short description of a happy state in this world. He
that has these two has little more to wish for ; and he that wants
either of them will be but little the better for anything else. Men’s
happiness or misery is most part of their own making. He whose
mind directs not wisely will never take the right way ; and he
whose body is crazy and feeble will never be able to advance in it.”
The foregoing authorities from our earlier English literature are
enough to indicate what I desired to represent—namely, that the
department of Physical Education has an honourable and unquestion
able basis in the recognition of the most illustrious writers of the
English language ; and it will be sufficient for me to add, that every
important, writer on education, from John Locke to Horace Mann
aud Herbert Spencer, has reiterated, in a great variety of forms,
�MUSICAL GYMMASTICS.
1
and with the use of erudition and logical appeal, these earlier claims
on behalf of Physical Education.
I think no one can have accompanied me to the present point in
my address, without having forced upon his mind this thought—
the extraordinary contrast between theory and practice with re
ference to physical culture in our modern systems of education,
especially in England and America. I have just made reference to
our greatest and most influential writers on education, all enforcing
the claims of physical culture ; and yet, when we look at the facts as
they stand before our eyes on every hand, we must acknowledge
that these claims are strangely disregarded. It may seem a very
bold statement, but it has been made by wise and cautious tongues,
that our modern education practically ignores the body, practically
forgets that boys and girls who are its subjects are endowed with
corporeal natures, for the healthful, vigorous, and symmetrical
development of which it is strictly responsible.
I do not doubt the existence of many beautiful and cheering
exceptions to this rule. I know also that these exceptions are
happily increasing. But up to latest dates, the vast majority of
educational institutions, both in Great Britain and America, have
failed to recognize the true position of physical culture in the work
of education. Take London alone. Bringing schools of every grade
into the account, the general rule is, that bodily culture is either
wholly unprovided for, or at best is left to the option of each pupil;
and even when, in exceptional cases, bodily exercise is made impera
tive, the amount required bears no proportion to the efforts made
for intellectual exercise. Now, I most strenuously affirm that this is
not recognizing the true position of physical culture. And I venture
to lay down the proposition, that physical culture will not receive
its true recognition until every school is founded on the creed that
the body is as essentially the subject of its educational care as the
mind, requiring for its development scientific preparation and
earnest conscientious practice ; that physical exercise should not be
left as an optional thing, but should be made an integral part of
every day’s hearty work ; moreover, that this branch of education
should in every instance be conducted by wise, well-educated, and
competent masters, and should be no more committed to the
undirected efforts, to the whims and haphazard experiments of the
n 2
�12
THE NEW SYSTEM OF
pupils, than should geometry or grammar; and consequently, ano
finally, that it is as absurd to establish a school omitting to make
provision for adequate gymnastic education, as it would be to invite
pupils to a school in which no arrangements were made for desks,
forms, chairs, books, pens, maps, or paper. In short, the word educa
tion should be understood to embrace in its operation our entire
nature, mental and physical; both departments advancing together
hand in hand, mutually respectful, helpful, and tolerant. Bodily
culture should be received as an equal and an honoured occupant in
the great Temple of Education, not kept standing upon the door
steps like a shivering beggar, nor thrust down into the scullery as if
it were some servant of dirty work.
But having spoken of the vast and startling discrepancy between
theory and practice in our modern education with reference to phy
sical culture, I hasten to express the opinion that this is a phe
nomenon for which the conductors of schools cannot generally be
censured. I am convinced that it has been chiefly owing to the
low tone of public appreciation upon this subject, whereby school
masters have lacked the encouragement and support of parents in
any efforts to bring this department up to its proper level; and
second, to certain radical faults in the common methods of bodily
culture, which have rendered their general adoption either incon
venient, undesirable, or impossible. I claim the right to bear this
testimony. It is an honest one—not given with any purpose of
empty compliment. It is my constant duty and privilege to be
thrown into conversation with teachers ; and I can truly say that I
generally find them anxious to realize a higher standard of practice
in the department than they have yet attained, but trammelled and
thwarted by these practical difficulties to which I have made
allusion.
Perhaps the fundamental remedy for this is direct and energetic
action upon the general mind of the nation, to inform it more
thoroughly of the reasons for bodily education, and to imbue it
with more earnest convictions as to the duty of parents in sustaining
schoolmasters in their efforts to attend properly to the subject.
We must create a public sentiment for educational gymnastics.
From pulpit and platform and lecture desk and printed column,
there must stream a current of knowledge and influence for physical
�MUSICAL GYMNASTICS.
13
regeneration, which shall place the cause upon its proper basis in
the intelligence and moral sense of the Anglo-Saxon race.
But, as I have already intimated, even when other difficulties are
removed, obstacles frequently occur, arising from the methods of
gymnastic practice commonly used. The old system of heavy
gymnastics, with its fixed beams, bars, ladders, swings, and wooden
horses, requires a considerable outlay for its construction ; but more
than all requires a large room for its occupation. Ours is a civiliza
tion of large cities ; space is precious ; and any system which is to
meet the wants of the time must be so very simple in its machinery
as to be capable of introduction wherever there is standing room.
The civilization of precious space will not be apt to give up room
for bulky systems, no matter how good. The gymnastics must be
adapted to the civilization; the civilization will not adapt itself to
the gymnastics. When, therefore, from want of room or other
cause, teachers have been obliged to forego this heavy system, and
have resorted to the method technically called “ drilling,” as
administered by a “ drill-serjeant,” they have frequently been aware
of a difficulty of the very opposite character, viz., that the method
was too light and apparently superficial, besides soon becoming
monotonous and uninteresting—so obviously inadequate as a means
of physical culture, that they not seldom begrudged the time which
they gave to it.
Accordingly, in very many cases, masters, dissatisfied with both
experiments, have been obliged to content themselves by encouraging
the usual games of the play-ground, if they are so fortunate as to
have a play-ground; although conscious that these sports are by
no means a realization of physical education, and especially that
they do not counteract the worst tendencies of the school-room,
viz., the tendencies to stooping shoulders and narrow chests.
It is at just this angle of thought that I desire to bring to your
notice a new system of gymnastics, which has been devised by an
eminent medical man, and a practical educator of our time, for the
very purpose of filling up this lamentable chasm in our modern
educational practice ; a system which has now undergone the test
of several years’ rigorous experiment, and has come forth from the
trial with success.
This system is at the present time attracting attention in England
�14
THE NEW SYSTEM OE
under the name of 11 Musical Gymnastics.” It was constructed by
Dio Lewis, M.D., of Boston, Massachusetts, a physician and
medical writer of great renown in his native land.
I shall now endeavour to describe to you this very original and
novel system; and to point out several particulars in which it
seems to me beautifully adapted to meet our modern wants.
I shall first attempt a verbal description ; but, as words can but
poorly portray movements so unique as those which constitute this
system, I have brought with me several of my juvenile pupils, who
will present to you, after my lecture, some characteristic specimens
of the method. Let it be said, then, in brief, that the new gym
nastics differ from all preceding systems as regards the apparatus
employed, the mode of the employment, and the results attending
employment. The system discards, at once and totally, the heavy,
complicated machinery of the old gymnasium, and adopts instead
light wooden rings, wooden rods, wooden dumb-bells, and wooden
clubs. None of these implements are attached to post, or wall, or
ceiling ; but each is merely held in the hand when used, and laid
aside when the exercises connected with it are performed. Further
more, the exercises which this simple apparatus involves are
elaborated, with a view to their physiological value, in distinct
sets; each exercise has its own invariable place in the series to
which it belongs; all are adapted to quick and stirring music ;
they combine almost infinite variety with consummate simplicity
and precision; and, finally, they admit of being performed in
drawing-room, school-room, or hall, wherever there is space suf
ficient for outspread arms, in a manner the most graceful, pleasing,
and appropriate.
With your permission, I shall now go over these statements, and
develop them somewhat more in detail.
And, first, concerning the machinery of the new system. There
have been two difficulties in constructing a system of gymnastics
which should be capable of universal diffusion. On the one hand,
if the method was thorough, the apparatus was too elaborate, too
costly, and absorbed too much space; on the other hand, if the
apparatus was simple, the exercises failed in thoroughness, variety,
and prolonged interest. It seems to me that Dr. Lewis’s system
happily and ingeniously reconciles both extremes of difficulty. It
�MUSICAL GYMNASTICS.
15
will not be laborious to prove to you that the apparatus is simple.
One of my boys has brought here to-night, in his hands, four
gymnasiums. The apparatus is so slight and inexpensive, that
the humblest primary school can afford to get them, and can find
room to use them. And with these simple and uncostly implements
are connected a vast multitude of the most varied, powerful, and
graceful movements, bringing into play, under healthful conditions,
every muscle, joint, and member of the human body. Perhaps the
greatest encomium to be pronounced on Dr. Lewis is, that he has
struck a vein which every teacher can go on working without end :
he has indicated a path which leads to perpetual additions of exercise
conceived in his spirit, but presenting constant variety to the pupil.
So much for the apparatus.
Second, concerning the mode of its employment. Under this
head there are several particulars to which I wish to direct your
attention. And the first has reference to a gymnastic principle,
interpreted by a law in mechanics. Momentum is made up of two
factors, weight and velocity. Allowing momentum to remain the
permanent quantity, the greater the weight, the less the velocity ;
and, conversely, the greater the velocity, the less must be the weight.
Passing over to the realm of gymnastics, that term which corres
ponds to momentum is the amount of exertion each one is capable
of putting forth with safety ; and it is plain that if you have heavy
weights, you must have slow movements ; and, on the contrary, if
you would have rapid movements, you must have light weights. It
costs as much effort to pass a light body through the air swiftly,
as it does to pass a heavy one slowly. Now, the more common idea
in our modern gymnastics has been to give prominence to weight.
How many pounds can you put up ? what vast Herculean burden
can you carry ? have been the test questions, and have indicated
the direction of the average gymnastic ambition. But the new
system inverts this order, and seeks to give prominence to the idea
of velocity in gymnastics rather than of weight. It claims that a
better muscular result is obtained by this method. It claims that,
while huge lifting power is quite desirable for those who design
following the profession of a porter, or a hod-carrier, or a coalheaver, it is not so important, for ladies and gentlemen in the more
usual avocations of life, as flexibility, grace, ease, fineness rather
�16
THE NEW SYSTEM OF
than massiveness, poise, perfect accuracy and rapidity of muscular
action, and a general diffusion of muscular vigour. Dr. Lewis is
fond of illustrating the differentia in the systems—on the one hand
of weight, on the other hand of velocity'—by pointing to the van
horse, with his vast though stiff muscles, with his slow, ponderous
elephantine movements, just fit to draw burdens for the world ; and
then to the carriage-horse, with his graceful, airy, elastic step, his
rapid movement, his vivacity, his fineness of nerve and muscle.
What I have just said will serve to indicate the mechanical
principle of the new gymnastics. I must now direct your attention
to its fundamental physiological principle. It adopts the plan of
lively moderate exercises, in opposition to the plan of laborious,
violent, exhausting movements. I believe the idea is becoming
very generally accepted by physiologists, that the muscular system
may be cultivated at the expense of the vital; that a man may
develop a magnificent shell of muscle, and draw away to the surface
the life and power of the interior; that a man may become very
weak by becoming very strong. I need only remind you of the
recent discussion upon this subject in The Lancet, suggested by the
defeat of Heenan.
*
I think a wrong direction has been given to
* “ Those who know what severe training means will, perhaps, agree with us
that Heenan was probably in better condition five weeks before meeting his
antagonist than on the morning of his defeat; although, when he stripped for
fighting, the lookers-on agreed that he seemed to promise himself an easy
victory, while exulting in his fine proportions and splendid muscular develop
ment. It is now clearly proved that Heenan went into the contest with much
more muscular than vital power. Long before he had met with any severe
punishment, indeed, as he states, at the close of the third round, he felt faint,
breathed with difficulty, and as he described it, his respiration was ‘ roaring.’
He declares that he received more severe treatment at the hands of Sayers than
he did from King; yet, at the termination of the former fight, which lasted
upwards of two hours, he was so fresh as to leap over two or three hurdles, and
distance many of his friends in the race. It was noticed on the present occa
sion that he looked much older than at his last appearance in the ring.
“ Without offering any opinion as to the merits of the combatants, it is certain
that Heenan was in a state of very deteriorated health when he faced his
opponent, and it is fair to conclude that deterioration was due in a great
measure to the severity of the training which he had undergone. As with the
mind, so with the body, undue and prolonged exertion must end in depression
of power. In the process of the physical education of the young, in the train-
�MUSICAL GYMNASTICS.
17
the ambition of boys. A vulgar desire has been created to rival
draught-horses, and porters, and the muscular monstrosities of the
circus. The idea has been cherished, that one must do much—
must make vast, straining, depleting exertions. Has not this ten
dency been carried too far ? Especially injurious is this process to
the young. Many a fine fellow at Cambridge and Oxford trains
for the boat-race, and wins heart-disease. Many a fine fellow
carries off the oarsman’s laurels, and expends in that attempt the
vitality which might help him to get any other kind. But hasten
ing from this point, I add, that the new system discards the
acrobatic principle. It makes no provision for ground and lofty
tumbling. It does not invite its disciples to practise locomotion
by rolling over and over; it does not ask them to stand on their
heads, or walk on their hands, or practise any form of personal
inversion or revolution in the air. Those who are fond of acrobatic
gymnastics will of course pursue them. I believe many people who
need artificial exercise have been deterred from gymnastics by their
repugnance to this sort of performance. I need not remind you,
also, that any gymnastic method which makes much of acrobatics,
so far forth excludes the whole female sex from the advantages of
gymnastics. There is but one other point of which I desire to
speak, while attempting to describe the modus of the new gym
nastics ; and that point has reference to the introduction of music,
for the purpose of stimulating and regulating bodily movements.
When I consider the value of music as recognized in dancing and in
military life, I wonder that the importance of making it an essential
and an inseparable element in gymnastics has not sooner attracted
the deliberate attention of educators. In Dr. Lewis’s system music
is made so central a member, that without it we can do nothing.
When the music leaves off, we adjourn.
Having spoken of the machinery and the method of the new
gymnastics, I must say a few words as to the results. One of the
ing of our recruits, or in the sports of the athlete, the case of Heenan suggested
a striking commentary of great interest in a physiological point of view. While
exercise, properly so called, tends to development and health, excessive exertion
produces debility and decay. In these times of over-excitement and over
competition in the race of life, the case we now put on record may be studied
with advantage.”—The Lancet.
�18
THE NEW SYSTEM OF
most precious and honourable of these results is, that the new
system is essentially fitted for both sexes; or, to bring out more
pointedly the idea which I aim to convey, 'while it provides an
elaborate scheme of exercise for man, there is not, within all its
ritual, one exercise which cannot be performed with equal safety,
propriety, and success, by woman. I do not need to insist upon
the immense desirableness of such a result. Surely, if either sex is
to be excluded from gymnastics, let it be ours. Boys and young
men have at least something, in the athletic sports of the playground
and the field, to atone for the loss of scientific bodily culture. If
they lose gymnastics, the loss is not without a species of remedy.
But if young ladies are denied gymnastics, there seems to be abso
lutely no indemnification. Herbert Spencer tells us that near his
own residence is a school for boys and one for young ladies. In
the uproar, the vociferation, the gleeful shouts of the playground,
he was instantly informed of the existence of the former ; but many
months had elapsed, after taking that residence, before he was made
aware that an establishment for young ladies was in full operation in
the very next house, enjoying, too, a large garden overlooked by his
own windows.
*
Among the physiological results of the new
system, I can truly say, also, that a very marked feature is the
symmetry of the muscular development produced. For every
muscle of the body Dr. Lewis has devised movements. No class of
muscles receives attention to the neglect of the rest. The result is
a beautiful, harmonious, complete cultivation of the entire body.
Moreover, a large series of movements are constructed with the
view of counterbalancing the tendencies of our modern life, and
especially of our modern school life, to a depression and narrowing
of the chest, and to the formation of an uncomely roundness upon
the shoulders. One of my pupils, a student in a well-known college
of London, informed me last evening, that, although he has been
under my care but one quarter, his tailor was startled to find the
size of his chest enlarged by two or three .inches. The great peril
of our Anglo-Saxon race is from pulmonary weakness.
Our
* “ Look at the number, still too great, o£ schools,—I beg pardon,—of
Academies, where young ladies are educated within an inch of their lives, per*
fected into paleness, and accomplished into spinal distortion and pulmonary
phthisis.”—'W. B. Hodgson, Esq., LL.D.
�MUSICAL GYMNASTICS.
19
gymnastics should direct their remedial enginery to that quarter.
I can only hint at the peculiar benefit resulting from the habit of
performing all these bodily movements in strict musical time.
Whatever muscular development’ ensues becomes far more closely
associated with the intelligence and will. The whole frame at last
seems embued with the musical principle, vitalized and permeated
by some breath of harmony, grace, and accurate ease. Although
I have by no means brought forward all the important results which
in experience have attracted my notice, I dare not trespass upon
your patience longer than to mention this other one'; namely, the
attractiveness of the new gymnastics to those who practise it. The
new system insists upon being enjoyed, if pursued at all. It seeks
to stir the sources of exhilaration, mirth, enthusiasm. It seeks
to achieve this by the vivacious character of the movements, by the
contagion of perfectly concerted action, and by the delightful stimulus
of music. Of course much depends, also, upon the magnetic
power, the cheerfulness and playfulness of the teacher. I can
honestly testify that when these conditions are complied with, the
new gymnastics rise far above the dreary level of task-work and
monotonous drudgery, and are literally and permanently a pleasure,
they recognize the artistic necessity of touching the play-impulse.
They attempt to inaugurate, during the hour devoted to gymnastics,
a sort of physical jubilee, a carnival of the emotional and vital
powers.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have thus endeavoured to give you a
verbal account of the new system of Musical Gymnastics; and in
one moment you will have an opportunity of witnessing an ocular
demonstration of it.
I cannot take my seat, however, without expressing the earnest
hope, that the claims of physical education are destined to receive
still more largely the recognition of the public, and especially of
those engaged in the high, sacred, and most responsible vocation of
teaching the young. In his brilliant and deeply suggestive work on
Education, Rousseau has said,—“ Do you wish to cultivate the
intelligence of your pupils, cultivate the power that controls it.
Exercise the body continually ; made it robust and healthy, to
make a. wise and rational individual.” Jean Paul puts a profound
�20
the new system of musical gymnastics.
truth into exquisite imagery, when he says in Titan, that Don
Gaspard, in revising a scheme of education for his son, “had
chosen that more attention should be paid to bodily health than to
mental superfoetation ; he thought the tree of knowledge should be
grafted with the tree of life. Alas, whoever sacrifices health to
wisdom has generally sacrificed wisdom too.”
�APPENDIX.
i.
Remarks
on
Mr. Tyler’s Lecture by Members of
of Preceptors.
the
College
At the conclusion of the foregoing Lecture, Mr. Tyler introduced
a class of his pupils who executed, to the accompaniment of music
on the piano, a variety of movements with dumb-bells, rings, and
wands. The subject was then open for discussion by the meeting,
and the following are some of the remarks elicited as reported in
the Educational Times.
Very excellent speeches also were made by Dr. Hessel and Mr.
Oppier, which are here omitted. In my heart I honoured them
for the patriotic enthusiasm with which, under the mistaken suppo
sition of an attack by me, they came to the defence of “ German
Gymnastics ” as practised by their countrymen at the present day ;
but, as their remarks were based on a misapprehension of my own
meaning, doubtless bunglingly conveyed, I do not think it neces
sary to publish them. So far am I from disparaging what these
gentlemen purposed to defend, that in all my public lectures on
gymnastics I have endeavoured to pronounce an affectionate eulogy
upon the Germans as the foremost of modern nations in devotion to
physical culture, they having lifted it more than sixty years ago
out of the sad limbo of Lost Arts, and having worthily and success
fully cherished it down to the present day.
The Rev. A. Conder said, that he fully concurred with the
Lecturer in the opinion that violent gymnastics, like violent mus
cular exertion of every kind, are most injurious. As a Cambridge
man, he had had many opportunities of observing this ; and it was
well known that those who in early manhood were distinguished for
their skill in athletic sports, too frequently paid the penalty for
their disregard of the laws of health, by premature loss of vigour.
He was acquainted with a large public school in Ireland, in which
�22
APPENDIX.
violent games were at one time very much in vogue; but it was
observed that diseases of the heart became prevalent among the
boys ; and the result was, that the authorities had to prohibit the
objectionable sports. . Mr. Conder thought, therefore, that the
system explained by Mr. Tyler deserved the serious consideration
of all teachers, as it appeared to afford ample scope for the due
exercise of the muscles, without the risk of producing any of the
evils to which other plans often gave rise.
W. B. Hodgson, Esq., LL.D., F.C.P., said, that he had never
listened to a lecture with which he was more pleased than he had
been with Mr. Tyler’s. He had not been impressed so much with
the novelty of the views maintained in it, as with the clearness
with which their soundness had been demonstrated, and with the
constant reference to physiological principles. It was of great
importance to remember that gymnastics deserved' to be carefully
studied, not merely, or even chiefly, for the sake of the body, but
above all in order that the mind may acquire full development and
strength. Some people might decry this doctrine as savouring of
materialism; but it is now universally admitted that it is neces
sary to attend to the health of the brain as a condition of intel
lectual soundness and vigour ; and it scarcely required to be proved
that this admission virtually included the larger proposition, that
the health of the whole body affects the condition of the mind.
Every one must have had opportunities of convincing himself that
this is the fact, and of the truth of Rousseau’s assertion,—“ The
stronger the body, the more it obeys : the weaker the body, the
more it commands.” Dr. Hodgson expressed his concurrence in
the principle laid down by Mr. Tyler, that the object of gymnastics
should be to develop not mere strength, but rather rapidity and
flexibility of movement, of which the exercises that they had seen
performed were admirable examples. The reason for the pre
ference had been clearly stated by the Lecturer, and it depended
on the distinction between muscular force and vital force. These
forces were by no means identical, or even convertible; and the
latter might, and too often was, sacrificed to the other: a serious
mistake, which amounted in fact to the sacrifice of the end to the
means—of life to the instruments of life. For this folly there was
now less excuse than at any former period, since the circumstances
�APPENDIX.
23
of civilized life rarely, if ever, required the exertion of great
physical strength. The speaker said that he had always been a
great pedestrian; and experience had satisfied him that the power
of endurance exerted in walking twenty or thirty miles a day,
depended much more on general good health, and especially on
sound digestion, than on muscular development. With respect to
the exercises which Mr. Tyler’s pupils had gone through, every
one must have been struck with their great diversity, their ele
gance, and their perfect adaptation to the requirements of females
as well as of boys. He trusted that the Lecturer’s system would
be extensively adopted in this country, where there was a great
need for well-devised and regulated physical education. Dr.
Hodgson said he had no wish to discuss the question of originality,
which had been raised, but which was comparatively unimportant.
There could be no doubt, however, that the application of music to
gymnastics was not new; it had been made years ago in the system
known as the Kinder Garten; and the speaker had, six years ago,
seen the girls at the London Orphan Asylum, Upper Clapton, go
through a series of exercises accompanied with music.
F. J. Weigiitman, Esq., of Hollywood School, Brompton, said
that as he had the honour and satisfaction of being the first school
master in this country who had made use of Mr. Tyler’s services
for the instruction of his pupils, and had thus had good opportunities
for observing the results of his system, he wished to make a few
remarks on the subject. And first he would observe, that admir
able as were the exercises which they had seen that evening, they
must not be considered as anything more than fragmentary speci
mens of a complete and carefully progressive system, of which,
consequently, they were altogether incapable of conveying an
adequate idea. As the exercises required close attention and
prompt action, they had considerable value as a means of mental
training, and as aiding in the formation of habits of self-control
and command. The memory especially was brought into a state of
great activity, so that boys were able, with little or no external
suggestion, to go through the whole or a long series of complex
movements in their proper order. Another point was, that the
pupils took very great pleasure and interest in the musical gymnas
tics, which they regarded not as a part of their school work—in
which light drilling was too often viewed by boys—but as a real
�24
APPENDIX.
amusement and relaxation, from which therefore they derived the
greatest possible benefit. The last observation he had to make was
that Mr. Tyler’s system was an excellent introduction to music, by
developing and cultivating the perception of musical time. The
speaker said he had often been much amused by the awkward
attempts of beginners to keep time in their movements. At
first many of them appeared to be quite uninfluenced by the music,
but tried to do what was required by watching and imitating the
movements of the other pupils. This necessarily prevented simul
taneousness of motion, and led to highly laughable consequences.
After a few lessons, however, even those who were the worst in this
respect showed manifest signs of improvement; a new sense seemed
to be awakened in them; and at length their perception of musical
time became fully developed, and they were then able to perform
the whole of the exercises, guided by the music alone. He con
sidered that this, though a merely collateral advantage of the
system, was one of considerable value.
Dr. Brewer, in moving a vote of thanks to the Lecturer, said
that he was sure Mr. Tyler had no intention of giving offence to the
admirers of. German gymnastics, or of attributing to the systems
now pursued in Germany the evils which he had so ably pointed out.
He believed that the Lecturer employed the term “ German gym
nastics ” to designate the system which he condemned merely as a
brief mode of expression, which was justified to a certain extent by
what had at one time prevalent in Germany, without at all intending
to convey the impression that that state of things still existed.
J. P. Bidlake, Esq., B.A., seconded the motion for a vote of
thanks to the Lecturer; and said that although he knew from ex
perience that gymnastics, with the ordinary kind of apparatus,
might be employed without injury, provided due care in superin
tending the exercises were taken, yet he believed Mr. Tyler’s system
was in many respects far preferable, and he intended there fft-e to
endeavour to introduce it into his school.
Mr. Tyler, in acknowledging the vote of thanks, expressed his
obligation to the meeting for the great kindness and attention with
which he had been listened to, and disclaimed any intention to give
offence by the use of the term 11 German gymnastics,” his reason
for employing which had been correctly interpreted by Dr. Brewer.
�£5
APPENDIX.
II.
Notices by
the
Press.
In pursuing my labours as a public lecturer, I have had the satis
faction of presenting the subject of Gymnastics to assemblages of
every class; to the aristocratic visitors on Saturday mornings at
the Royal Polytechnic, to the gentlemen of science and of critical
acumen gathered at the meetings of the Metropolitan Board of
Health Offices, to the learned scholars and the practical educators
composing the College of Preceptors, and finally, to the more
general and popular audiences who sustain the Literary Institutes
of town and country. In chapels, in school-rooms, in lecture halls,
in theatres, and even in the open air, during the last twelve months
have I been trying to preach the ethics of physical regeneration,
and to inaugurate a crusade against the embattled infidelities of
bodily weakness and neglect. These manifold efforts have awakened
in some quarters considerable discussion, among the newspapers
and otherwise.
To those who shall, in this treatise, learn of the new system of
Musical Gymnastics for the first time, it may be interesting to
know somewhat of the voice of public opinion upon the subject, as
echoed in the public journals. I therefore place together, in this
article, a few of these newspaper accounts.
Fi'om The Albion, Liverpool, December 21, 1863.
“ Among the many inventions and devices by which, of late
years, new interest has been given to the pursuit of physical
health by means of exercise, none is more beautiful or useful than
Dr. Lewis’s system of Musical Gymnastics, lately introduced in an
improved form, and with marked success, by Mr. Hulley, at the
Rotunda Gymnasium.
“ The system is peculiarly adapted for ladies, because, while
fully exerting, it does not overtask the strength of the participants,
�26
APPENDIX..
and it has a great charm for all who use it in the variety and live
liness of the exercises of which it consists. The appliances used
are equally simple and ingenious. Amongst them are rings, balls,
bags for throwing, sceptres, and other simple implements. By the
varied use of these, a most complete education of the whole muscular
system is secured ; and by the adaptation of music to the exercises,
a grace and fascination is thrown over them, which every one can
appreciate, but which will be especially valued by those who are
practically versed in the comparative merits of the different methods
of gymnastic education. For its effects on the frame, the new
system has such warm testimonies from principal members of the
faculty as establish it to be fully as beneficial in its results as it is
attractive in operation.
u We hope to hear of the extension of the system to many schools
and institutions. The portability of the apparatus prevents the
existence of any obstacle to its general introduction, and its popu
larity where tried is universal. It is most gratifying to find that,
especially in the higher circles, the importance of gymnastics to both
sexes is now generally recognized. It is not too sanguine to expect
from this reform an absolute renovation of the race in process of
time; and the great encouragement given to Mr. Tyler in London,
is one remarkable symptom of its spread. All who aid in it may
pride themselves that they have done something to banish from
generations yet unborn many of the misshapen forms and languid
constitutions which are a sad testimony to the physical declension
that ensues when morbid habits of inaction are generally indulged.”
F 'orn The Weekly Record, London, July 15th, 1863.
li MUSICAL GYMNASTICS.
11 A large and fashionable audience assembled in the Vestry-hall,
Chelsea, last Monday evening, to listen to an address by Mr.
Moses C. Tyler, M.A., and to witness the exercises of a class of
Mr. Tyler’s pupils in the new system of musical gymnastics. These
gymnastics are entirely novel in their apparatus and methods ; can
be performed with equal success and benefit by ladies, gentlemen,
�APPENDIX.
27
and children; are executed to the accompaniment of music; and are
not only very beautiful and conducive to health, but are also very
attractive to those who engage in them.
“ The chair was taken by George Wallis, Esq., of the Kensington
School of Art, who presented Mr. Tyler to the audience in a very
felicitous speech. Mr. Tyler’s address was devoted to the impor
tance of scientific physical culture, and to an explanation of the
peculiar features of the new system of which he is the introducer in
London. At its conclusion the platform was cleared, and a fine
class of boys from Hollywood School, Brompton, took their places
on the stage, and presented a succession of exercises which they had
been taught. Their execution of these movements was in concert,
and with musical accompaniment, and produced the greatest delight
and enthusiasm in the spectators, who expressed their approbation
by rounds of hearty applause. The exercises were, indeed, very
exciting and picturesque, and must have a fine effect on the health
and forms of all who practise them. They realized the description
applied to them by the New York Times :—‘ They are poetry in
motion, and motion set to music.’
“ After these exercises had been given, brief speeches were made
by Mr. Weightman, Master of Hollywood School, bearing testimony
to the success of these gymnastics among his pupils ; by B. Water
house Hawkins, Esq., the distinguished anatomist, whose eloquent
approbation of the new system, from the stand-point of scientific
observation, electrified the audience ; by Dr. Woolmer, of Warwick
square, who expressed his views as to the importance of bodily
culture, and his endorsement of the method which had been pre
sented ; by Mrs. Bessie Inglis, the accomplished lecturer, whose
address was admirable in thought and diction; and finally by Mr.
William Tweedie, who gave an account of his interest in physical
education, and of his acquaintance with the gymnastic system which
had been presented that evening, and who concluded by moving a
vote of thanks to Mr. Tyler for his address, and to the members of
Hollywood School for their brilliant part in the doings of the
meeting.
“ A vote of thanks to the Chairman, Mr. Wallis, was also heartily
carried.
“ The audience separated at a late hour, apparently highly
�28
APPENDIX.
delighted. Among the distinguished persons present we observed
the intellectual face of Elihu Burritt, ‘the learned blacksmith,’ who
seemed intensely interested, but whose delicate condition of health
prevented his taking any active part in the meeting. As a whole,
the meeting was a rare and striking success.”
From the Marylebone Mercury, January 1864.
11 METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATION
OF
MEDICAL
OFFICERS
OF HEALTH.
<{ The usual monthly meeting of the above association was held
at the Scottish Corporation Hall, Crane Court, Fleet Street, on
Saturday, the 16th inst., Dr. Thomson, F.R.S., president, in the
chair.
11 Physical Training.—Mr. Moses C. Tyler, M.A., who was
present for the purpose of exhibiting by means of some of his
pupils his system of physical training for schools, said that his
mode of training claimed to be a compact and simple method of
physical culture. He could only give a few samples, and those of
the simplest nature, although whole schools could go through a
similar course, and the usual accompaniment was a piano. A half
dozen youths were then introduced, and to the chiming of a bell
and the beating of a drum passed through a number of very grace
ful exercises with dumb bells, rings, and wands. Mr. Tyler at the
conclusion said that the object of his system was, by exercise, to
develop the whole of the muscles of the body, and that it was
adapted equally for the strongest men or the most delicate ladies ;
and he would take the liberty of mentioning one result that his
system had accomplished. He had been told by masters of schools
where it was introduced, that that which before had been looked on
as a mere mechanical effort was now viewed as a pleasing recreation.
Another of the advantages would, he believed, be that it would do
away with the tendency to round shoulders, which prevailed among
bitli girls and boys, by the bending over the desks to their lessons.
Mr, Liddle said he thought he might express the thanks of the
association to Mr. Tyler. So far as he (Mr. Liddle) had seen of
the system, it appeared to recommend itself for general adoption.
�APPENDIX.
29
There was nothing- violent in it, or likely to strain the muscles ;
and it would give health and physical development to both boys
and girls. He would move that a vote of thanks be given. Dr.
Druitt seconded. The Chairman said that he thought the system
highly deserving of encouragement. Dr. Lankester had no doubt
that it would be beneficial. The vote was carried unanimously.”
From the City Press, March, 1864.
il London Mechanics’ Institution.—On Wednesday, M. C.
Tyler, Esq., M.A., gave a lecture on the 1 Art of Gymnastics,’
which was received with the approbation that it well deserved.
Mr. Tyler pointed out the anomaly that, of those ancient
nations whose intellectual works remain as models in literature,
the Greeks, Romans, &c., actually devoted more time and space to
the due training of the body than to mental culture, whilst most
modern nations, until a very recent period, had neglected the mus
cular arts, or had caused them to become matters of reproachful
tendency. The energy and effective address of the lecturer placed
the cause in a favourable point of view, and having successfully
pleaded the necessity for muscular exercise and recreation, he
showed how, by musical accompaniment, the graceful motions im
parting muscular power could be made most acceptable to childhood
and to classes. Mr. Tyler received and deserved the thanks of the
audience for his manly and patriotic influence in favour of judicious
exercises and games.”
From the Standard, February 8th, 1864.
11 Royal Polytechnic Institution.—The third fashionable
morning entertainment was given on Saturday, February 6th.
Among the novelties presented, was a lecture on ‘The Art of
Gymnastics,’, by Moses Coit Tyler, Esq., M.A., illustrated by
twelve of his pupils.
This is a very interesting exhibition,
abounding in graceful evolutions by the pupils. Mr. Tyler’s system
�30
APPENDIX.
repudiates the course of gymnastics which prevailed some years
ago, by which many boys were seriously injured. By his plan, the
exercises are so regulated that females may adopt the system with
out any fear of injury from violent contortions of the body. Mr.
Tyler’s accompanying address on the importance of gymnastic
training as promoting physical health was very striking.”
The Morning Advertiser (Feb. 2) describes the exercises as
11 exceedingly graceful, manly, and beautiful;” the Morning Star
(Feb. 2) as “at once attractive and useful as a means of physical
development;” the Daily News (Feb. 2) as “something won
derful.”
From the Whetstone Circular, March 12, 1864.
“Working Men’s Institute.—Mr. Tyler’s lecture on 1 Gym
nastics, Ancient and Modern,” on Thursday evening last, was
deservedly well attended. We went to get an idea worth carrying
out, and we got it. The development of the intellectual to the
neglect, and to a certain extent at the expense, of the physical
energies of youth, has hitherto been sadly the rule in all our
systems of education ; but in Musical Gymnastics we find a remedy
which cannot be gainsayed. How shall we enumerate the advan
tages of the system ? The expense of its accessories is trifling,
and the space for earning it out can be found in any school-room
of moderate dimensions. Moreover, parents cannot object to the
system, seeing that their boys and girls can all engage in it, for its
movements do not require turning over on heads and heels, or
vaulting on each other’s shoulders. Active motion without severe
bodily exertion; muscular, as an aid to vital action; endless
change of position; and the calling into play every joint and muscle
of the limbs by turn, are its principal features.”
�APPENDIX.
31
From the Bethnal Green Times, March 26tli, 1864.
PEEL GROVE INSTITUTE.
11 Mr. Moses Coit Tyler, M.A., the celebrated Professor of Gym
nastics, gave a highly interesting lecture at the above institute on
Monday evening, March 21st.
“ The lecturer gave a historical sketch of the gymnastic art, and
quoted the opinions of eminent men concerning it, and concluded
by exhibiting his new system, which is evidently far in advance of
any other, with a class of boys who have been under his training.
The audience was no more spell-bound by the graceful evolutions of
these lads, all of which were performed t,o music, than they were by
the lecturer’s eloquence and forcible rhetoric. Their fixed eye, their
riveted attention, and oft-repeated bursts of applause, were sufficient
to show their appreciation of the speaker’s delineation. •
“ Mr. Tyler’s genius is well directed towards awakening an in
terest in the neglected subject of physical culture. In his hands it
is sure to revive. We wish the gifted lecturer and his good work
abundant success.”
III.
The Gymnastic Club at Regent’s Park College.
The following expression, as the latest one received from the
different institutions with which I am connected, I append for the
value it may have to those who are interested in the practical
working of the new gymnastics as an educational process :—
“ Regent's Parle College,
11 April 19th, 1864.
11 Dear Sir,* —I have been requested by the Members of the
Gymnastic Club at Regent’s Park College, to express to you
their satisfaction and pleasure in receiving1 the course of exercises,
through which you have led them, this last quarter. They would
specially notice the interesting character given to the practice by
the introduction of music.
�32
APPENDIX.
“ They already feel the benefit of these exercises, and are
persuaded that, if persevered in, they cannot fail to accomplish
their object in training all the muscles to a prompt and vigorous
action, and so in promoting a sound physical culture.
11 With warm assurances of regard, and with grateful acknow
ledgments of your kind attention,
“ I remain,
“ Yours very truly,
“ James Sully,
“Hon. Sec.
£i Moses Coit Tyler, Esq.”
�
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The new system of musical gymnastics as an instrument in education: a lecture delivered before the College of Preceptors
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Tyler, Moses Coit
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Place of publication: London
Collation: 32 p. ; 21 cm.
Notes: From the library of Dr Moncure Conway. Appendix includes remarks made on Tyler's lecture by members of the College of Preceptors. The Address was delivered before the College of Preceptors, at their rooms in Queen Square, on the evening of Wednesday, March 7th,1864, the Rev. Richard Wilson was in the chair. It was published in the Educational Times in April 1864.
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Health
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Gymnastics
Physical Education
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Text
REPORT
ON
A DEPARTMENT OF HYGIENE
AND
PHYSICAL CULTURE
IN
THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN,
BY A COMMITTEE OF THE UNIVERSITY SENATE.
ANN ARBOR:
PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY.
�monj
NOTE.
JV
At the meeting of the Board of Regents of the University of
Michigan, September 22d, 1869, the following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the University Senate be requested to examine and
report to the Board in regard to the propriety of establishing a Gym
nasium in connection with the University, as also in regard to the re
lation which it shall hold to the University Course, if so established ;
and to collect information and present their views respecting the entire
subject of introducing Gymnastic Exercises as a part of a course of
Education.
The following report, prepared by a committee of the University
Senate, in response to this request, is published by authority of the
Board of Regents.
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�REPORT.
A vast expansion of the scope of our American college
system is the characteristic educational fact of the last fifteen
years. One very important direction in which this recent
enlargement has shown itself, is towards systematic physical
culture, as a regular part of the work of a college course.
This latter movement was, indeed, to have been expected.
It would have been more than strange, if, while our colleges
were providing greater facilites for the study of the sciences,
of modern languages and literatures, of history, of the fine
arts, they had done nothing for the instruction of students
in hygiene and gymnastics. For it is impossible to advance
very far in the construction of a scheme of education without
confronting the fair claim of the body for orderly scientific
culture along with the culture of the mind. The mere state
ment of the great object of education as being the systematic
development of manhood and womanhood, really settles the
question; for there is no other spectacle of a want of sym
metry in the development of a human being so glaring and
so painful as that of a cultivated mind inhabiting a neglected,
feeble and incompetent body. And the declaration just made
is confirmed by the fact that the principal modern writers on
education—Roger Ascham, Bacon, Cowley, Milton, Locke,
Rousseau, Dr. Arnold, Horace Mann, and Herbert Spencer—
have insisted upon the equal rights and the equal needs of
the body and the mind, with reference to systematic training.
Yet, in America fifteen years ago, no contrast could have been
greater than that which was presented between theory and
practice upon the subject. All our educational authorities
sanctioned physical culture; and all our educational institu
tions neglected it.
Within the brief period which has been mentioned, how
ever, in consequence of a general awakening of American col
leges to a new and larger life, and especially in consequence of
a ripening of public opinion upon the necessity of attending to
�4
the education of the body, in several of the leading colleges a
department of physical culture has been established. Already,
gymnasiums have been erected at the following colleges:
Bowdoin, Dartmouth, Harvard, Amherst, Williams, Yale and
Princeton. Some of these gymnasiums, particularly those at
Dartmouth, Williams and Princeton, are large, imposing and
costly edifices. At all these colleges, with the exception of
Princeton, the experiment of physical culture has been tried
for a number of years. Ample time has elapsed for the results
of this experiment to appear. What these results are your
committee have sought to ascertain by corresponding with the
proper persons.
At four of the colleges just named, the experiment seems
to have been made with peculiar thoroughness; and for the
sake of simplifying the present report, the results obtained at
these four colleges will be particularly referred to. These
colleges are Yale, Dartmouth, Williams and Amherst.
It appeared to your committee that the experience of these
colleges was to be sought as to the effects of a Department of
Physical Culturt in three particulars :
1. Upon the physical condition of the students.
2. Upoijr the scholarship of the students.
3. Upon the morals and general behavior of the students.
Our informant" are Mr. F. G. Welch, Instructor in Gym
nastics at Yale, whom we have consulted chiefly as to methods
rather than results, Professor A. M. Wheeler of Yale, Presi
dent Smith of Dartmouth, President Hopkins of Williams,
and Professor Edward Hitchcock of Amherst. Professor
Hitchcock, also, very kindly! sent to us a pamphlet entitled
“ Physical Culture in Amherst College, by Nathan Allen,
M. D.,” one of the Trustees of the college. From this pamphlet
we have obtained most valuable information, a part of which
will be given in this report. Before proceeding to quote the
testimony which we have received from these gentlemen it
may be well to say that the Yale and Amherst gymnasiums
have been in use eight years, and those of Williams and Dart
mouth about half that time ; that at Williams and Yale the
attendance at the gymnasium has been voluntary, and conse
quently has been but partial; while at Dartmouth and Am
herst, physical education has been recognized as of equal im
portance with intellectual education, and has been put upon
the same basis with it; and that, consequently, at these two
colleges the influence of the gymnastic department being felt
by all the students, has been more fruitful of results.
1. Effects of the Department of Physical Culture upon
the bodily condition of the students.
Under this head the committee made three inquiries ; first
whether any serious accidents had occurred in the gymnasium ;
second, whether there had been any cases of injury from over
�5
practice; third, whether any improvement had taken place in
the physical development and in the general health of the
students.
To these inquiriegwe have received the following replies:
Yale. Mr Welch says : “ No serious accidents have ever
happened here. In all my experience I have not known a
dozen falls that amounted to anything. Undoubtedly there
are some who are injured more or less permanently by over
practice. Sometimes the results are manifest during the time
of practice ; at otherSlater in life. In my experience I have
known of but two instances. One, a delicate young man,
who seldom frequented the gymnasium, came in one day and
attempted a most difficult feat, rupturing a blood-vessel. His
accident was not of a serious nature] The other was myself,
at a time when I taught and studied too much.”
Dartmouth. President Smith says
Very few serious
accidents and none fatal. Fewer, I think, than in many of
the out-door sports. But few cases of injury from over-prac
tice. When classes enter they sometimes spend too much
time in the Gymnasium, particularly mt the bowling alleys.
But the matter soon regulates itself. As to the effects of
gymnastic practice on the physical development and health of
the students, I give below the testimony of Prof. A. B.
Crosby, now lecturing at Ann Arbor, aslpublished in our
Catalogues. ‘ Since the opening of the Gymnasium, I have
taken occasion to witness frequently the exercises, and the
results have more than equalled my expectations] There has
been no case of severe illness in the College during that time,
and there have been fewerKnstances of slight indisposition
than I have eve]known in the same length of time before.
Dyspepsia, debility, and similar affections incident to a seden
tary life, and which have hitherto been frequent in the change
of seasons from winter to spring, have, during the present
season, been unimown. There has been a manifest improve
ment in the general physical tone of the College, and the
increased muscular power and agility of the young men have
forced themselves on the attention even of unpracticed eyes.
I am fully satisfied, that these exercises have greatly subserved
the general health of the students.’ ”
Williams. Pres. Mark Hopkins says: “ We have had
no serious accidents. I am aware of no serious injury from
over-exertion. I have no statistics, and ca] only say that I
think well of the department of physical training, if the right
man can be in charge of it.”
Amherst. The testimony from Amhers]College, both
on this point and on every other connected with the practice
of physical culture, is very full. Prof. Hitchcock says : “We
have had but two serious accidents] one, that kept a student
from study three months, and one that compelled a young-fnan
�6
to drop behind one year. No cases of injury from over-prac
tice. As to the effects of gymnastics on the physical devel
opment and health of the students, see Dr. Allen’s pamphlet.”
Accordingly we turn to the pamphlet alluded to, and we find
a careful and deeply interesting sketch by a physician of the
history of the department of physical culture in the College.
Upon^the^points now under consideration Dr. Allen, p. 18-19
says:
“When the subject was first agitated in respect to intro
ducing into college gymnastic exercises, there were various
prejudices and objections to such a course. One of the orig
inal objections to the establishment of a gymnasium—and it
still exists to some extent—is the danger of some serious harm
or injury befalling those engaged in such exercises. But such
accidents very seldom occur in the regular practice of gym
nastics. It should be remembered, that the more one exer
cises in this way the better command of his limbs and body
he obtains, and therefore is less likely to meet with injuries.
During the eight years since the establishment of this depart
ment there have been quite a number of bruises and sprains,
one broken limb and one dislocated joint, but no really serious
or permanent injury. Considering the great number and
variety of exercises and the extraordinary exposures in the
performance of daring feats,—that over six hundred students
have taken a part in these exercises, and most of them, for a
time, entirely inexperienced, the accidents have certainly been
very few in number and slight in character. And those that
have taken place occurred generally out of the regular exer
cises, for the want of care, or on account of some physical
weakness of the individual injured. It is stated on good
authority, that the accidents arising in ball-playing,—practiced
only a few weeks each year,—are four times larger than those
from gymnastics.”
With regard to the effects of gymnastics upon the physi
cal development and health of the students, Dr. Allen, pp. 22
—26, says:
“ When the erection of a gymnasium was first agitated,
and even for some time after gymnastics were introduced, it
was said by some persons that the whole thing was an experi
ment ; that after the novelty was over the interest would soon
subside, and the enterprise would prove a failure. It is now
eight years since this department was established,—eight dif
ferent classes, numbering in all over six hundred students,
have taken part in its exercises, and four classes have enjoyed
its benefits throughout their whole collegiate course. What
then has been the effect of these upon the health of the
students, as well as upon the sanitary condition of the Insti
tution ? This may be exhibited in a variety of ways.
1st. There has been a decided improvement in the very
�7
countenances and general physique of students. Instead of
the pale, sickly and sallow complexion once very commonly
seen, with an occasional lean, care-worn and haggard look,
we now witness very generally, fresh, ruddy and healthy
countenances, indicative of a higher degree of vitality, and
that the vital currents, enriched by nutrition and oxygen,
have a free and equal circulation throughout the whole
system. This change is so marked as to attract the attention
of the casual observer, and has been commented upon by
those formerly attending Commencements or other public
occasions here, as exhibiting a striking difference between the
personal anpearance of students at those times, and, that at
the present day.
2d. In the use of the limbs and the body,—in the physi
cal movements and conduct of student® generally, there has
been, we think, decided improvement. Once the awkward
ness of manner and the ungraceful bearing of scholars were
matters of common remark, and such characteristics not unfrequently followed them through life. This resulted not so
much from the want of early training and instruction on this
subject, as from the formation of bad habits in study, and the
long continued neglect of proper exercise. It was frequently
exhibited in stiffness of the joints, a clumsy use of the limbs,
in round shoulders and a stooping postuia and sometimes by
a countenance set, stern and almost devoid of expression.
Now gymnastics, when properly practiced, are calculated to
produce in this respect, a surprising effect upon the use of all
parts of the body, as well as upon its development. They
give not only agility and strength to all the muscles, but a
quick and ready control of them, thereby begetting an easy
and graceful carriage of the person.
*
*
*
*
4th. We come now to consider what has been the effect
more directly upon the health of the students, and the sani
tary condition of the Institution. It is needless to state how
many students formerly impaired or broke down their consti
tutions for want of sufficient exercise, or from irregular or
excessive hours of study, or from some improper habits, or for
want of suitable attention to diet, sleep or some other physi
cal law. Perhaps the effects of violated law were not always
visible at the time, and did not apparently impede the college
course, but the seeds were here sown which afterwards brought
on disease and premature death, or crippled the energies and
limited the usefulness through after life. This may still hap
pen : but with such exercise and instruction as can now be
obtained it is not near so likely to occur. Besides, where the
vitality of the 'system is kept up by regular muscular exercise,
to an even healthy state, it is one of the strongest safeguards
against disease; and then when any organ or portion of the
body iq affected, nature is more powerful to throw off the
�8
attack. In a community thus trained and instructed the more
common complaints, such as colds, headaches, sore throats,
feverish attacks, will seldom occur, and the diseases to which
scholars are peculiarly liable, such as dyspepsia, neuralgia and
consumption stands a far less chance of finding victims. Any
skillful and experienced physician will testify at once, that
such a community is possessed of a wonderful power to pre
vent as well as throw off disease. The common proverbs,
‘ a stitch in time saves nine' and 1 an ounce of prevention
is worth a pound of cure,’ are not more truthful than the
statement here made of the remarkable exemption from dis
ease of a community trained and educated as above described.
5th. A comparison of the present health of students
with what it was ten or fifteen years ago, shows a surprising
improvement. It is rare wow for any student to break down
suddenly in his health, or to be compelled to leave college on
this account. In 1855-6-7 and 8 such cases were common,
as may be seen by referring to the statements of President
Stearns; and the truth of the statements is moreover con
firmed by others personally conversant here for twenty o?
thirty years. As no record was formerly kept of the amount
of sickness from year to year, or of the number of students
leaving college on account of illness, no exact comparison on
these points in figures can be instituted. But the experience
and observation of those who have been on the ground a long
time must bear decided testimony to a greatly improved state
of health among the students over that of former times ; and
as for those who once were members of the Institution, and
return here on public occasions, they cannot fail to see a
great improvement in this respect.
6th. But the evidence of improved health does not rest
wholly upon individual opinions or upon loose comparisons.
Since 1861, a register has been carefully kept of the kind and
amount of sickness in college, an analysis of which presents
some striking facts. No student is placed upon the sick list,
unless he is detained two consecutive days from the usual
exercises of the Institution. The number of students re
ported sick ranges in the course of the year from twenty-five
to sixty, showing a far greater amount of sickness in some
years than others, which depends very much on the fact,
whether some epidemic prevailed, or whether the year as a
whole, either on account of the weather or from some other
cause, was not generally unhealthy. If allowance is made for
this extra sickness in two of the years out of the eight, the
register shows that the actual amount of sickness in college
has diminished in these eight years more than one-third.
That is, in the year just closed, there were only two-thirds rs
much sickness as in 1861, the year when gymnastics were
introduced.
�9
Again, the average number of students sick each year of
these eight was thirty-eight, and the average number present
in college was two hundred and twenty-four, showing that
there were one hundred and eighty-six students on an average
each year who did not experience two days’ sickness at any
one time. The register reports forty-one different diseases or
complaints to account for this sickness, and a careful inspec
tion of the list shows a remarkable exemption from what
are considered generally the more violent and dangerous dis
eases.”
2. After seeking information as to the effects of gym
nastics upon the physical condition of the students, your com
mittee enquired concerning the effects of gymnastics upon
scholarship. The question had been raised among ourselves
whether the gymnasium might not prove a distraction from
study, and especially whether some young men might not
become so proud of their success as athletes as to disregard
the pursuits of the mind. Accordingly into the list of ques
tions sent to the different colleges, your committee intro
duced this: “ Are the great gymnasts apt to be satisfied
with that eminence, to the neglect of study?” The follow
ing replies have been received:
Yale. Professor Arthur M. Wheeler, of the chair of
History, in a letter dated Dec. 20, 1869, says : “ Our gymna
sium is much frequented by the students ; and the general
opinion here is—shared alike by the older and younger officers
—that the students are more vigorous and healthy in conse
quence of it, and that in this way it contributes toward higher
scholarship. Of course it would be difficult to say to what
extent it does this; but we all feel sure that we are much
better off for it, physically, mentally and morally.
There is no tendency among us to cultivate muscle at
the expense of brains, yet now and then a case of that kind
occurs. Nearly all the men who do this, however, are boat
ing men ; and the evil, so far as it exists, is to be attributed
to the boating fever; and boating, as you know, is not an
outgrowth of the gymnasium ; for it existed before we had a
gymnasium.”
Dartmouth. Pres. Smith says: “ The effect on scholar
ship has been good, in that health and physical vigor have
been promoted. We have had no trouble of the kind you
speak of to any extent worth mentioning.”
Williams. President Hopkins includes his answer to
this question in the general answer given to the preceding
one ; which answer is favorable.
Amherst. Professor Hitchcock says: “ Effects on
scholarship, good generally|| Since the first two years, have
known of no neglect to study by any student or set of stu
dents.” Upon the same subject Dr. Allen [p. 29,] says:
.
2
�10
“ There is still another very important consideration, viz: has
the standard of scholarship in college been raised by means
of gymnastics ? As the system of marking or mode of
exhibiting this standard was changed a few years since, an
exact comparison in figures cannot here be instituted; but it
is the decided opinion of the Registrar, (the College Officer
who has charge of these statistics,) that there ‘ has been an
elevation of rank.within the past few years.’ It may be that
some individuals in a class formerly reached as high scholar
ship as any now do ; but the aggregate scholarship of a whole
class, we are confident, is higher now than it once was, and,
to say the least, is much easier obtained, with fewer hours of
study, and less loss of health and life.”
3. The third general question proposed by your commit
tee had reference .to the effects of gymnastic training upon
the morals and manners of the students. To this question the
replies from Yale and Williams are in general terms that the
effects are good.
Dartmouth. Pres. Smith says : “ The effects on morals
are good, in that the sane body is conducive to entire sanity
of soul. A vent is opened also, for superfluous animal spirits,
which sometimes pass with young men into a ‘ superfluity of
naughtiness.’ ”
Amherst. Prof. Hitchcock says: “ Less rough and
rowdy students. Do not make so much noise on the street or
by night; as I oncourage noise and considerable rough play
during the regular exercises.”
In 1862, Professor Hitchcock, in his first report to the
trustees, made this remark ; “ During a portion of the exer
cises, I urge upon the captains the necessity of introducing
playful exercises, such as running in grotesque attitudes,
singing college songs, &c. Sometimes this may seem boister
ous and undignified, but it seems desirable to me that a por
tion of the animal spirits should be worked off inside the stone
walls of the gymnasium, under the eye of a college officer,
rather than out of doors, rendering night hideous ; and in no
instance has the captain found the slightest difficulty in bring
ing his men into line at the word of command.”
Dr. Allen [pp. 17-18] quotes upon this subject the testi
mony of the “ Congregational Journal,” of Concord, N. H.,
for Oct. 23, 1862, a correspondent of which paper writes from
Amherst College as follows:
“The gymnastic exercises greatly promote the good
order and morals of the students. Their animal spirits work
off.by the correct movements of the gymnasium. They are
indisposed to the unmauly and often mischievous doings of
students too frequent in our colleges. A citizen of the town
assures me, that the amount of injury done to the college and
other buildings in the village is almost, nothing since the open
�11
ing of the gymnasium, compared with what it was before.
No less advantageous, probably, is the gymnasium to the
mental progress of the students. They come from the gym
nastic exercises to their studies with healthful bodies, clear
minds and cheerful spirits. The 4 blues,’ those most formid
able enemies of successful study, assail thenf not. All is
bright and promising, all hopeful. Time will undoubtedly
show that no one adjunct, no one department of college, will
conduce more to the noble object for which the Institution
was founded, than the Gymnasium.”
Later in his pamphlet [pp. 31-33] Dr. Allen, refers again
to this subject
follows :
“ There is another advantage from these exercises worthy
of notice, that is in preventing vicious and irregular habits.
While no system of gymnastics alone can be expected to
break up settled habits of dissipation, such as intemperance,
licentiousness, and the excessive use of tobacco or any other
stimulant, still, combined with other good influences, they
have a direct tendency to forestall or arrest such practices by
giving a safe vent to the animal spirits, by regularity of phy
sical exercise, by improving the general health, and producing
a more normal condition of the brain. But there is a vice,
(nameless here,) more terrible in its effects, both physical and
mental, upon the student, than either of the above, and over
which gymnastic exercises have great influence. In fact, it is
the testimony of the highest medical authorities, that regular
and tolerably severe gymnastic exercise is not only the most
effective means of preventing or checking this vice, but is
really the best curative agent. And it is a gratifying fact that
we can add the testimony of the Professor of this department,
that gymnastics have been working to a like result in this in
stitution.
“ It is found that a regular system of gymnastics operates
in a variety of ways as a powerful auxiliary of discipline;
that it answers as a kind of safety-valve to let off in an indirect
way that excess of animal spirits which is characteristic of
some young men, and which not unfrequently leads them into
trouble or conflict with authority. Again it serves with others
as a kind of regulator to the system, exercising certain parts
of it to such an extent as to produce weariness and fatiSue, so
that the individual seeks repose; and with another class it
tends to remove any unnatural or innate weakness of the
frame, and by such improvements serves to equalize and regu
late all the forces of nature. Thus such a system of gymnas
tics sets up a standard of law for self-government ; for it is
based upon those great laws of life and health which are a
part of the will and government of God in this world, as much
as the ten commandments. No by-laws or code of ethics
established by any humen teacher or institution can compare
�12
in authority or final appeal to these great natural, primeval
laws engraved upon our constitntions by the Creator. It will
be seen at once what a power the instructor has over the con
science and reason of a student thus trained. Said President
Felton to the writer, shortly before his decease, referring to
the gymnastics at Amherst which he had just witnessed:
4 Such a system of physical exercises thoroughly understood
and applied by the members of Harvard University, would aid
me in the matter of discipline in P e Institution more than
a,nything else.’ We are here authorized to state, that the
Faculty of Amherst College have found great assistance in
government from this source ;—that since the introduction of
this department, the cases requiring discipline have been far
less numerous, and more easily managed, than formerly.”
Thus upon the three great questions which can be raised
respecting a department of Physical Culture in the University,
namely, as to the effects of such a department upon the bodily
condition, upon the scholarship, and upon the manners and
morals of the students, your committee have submitted—not
abstract theories of their own, but the authentic results of
actual experience, obtained in the four celebrated American
colleges which have tried the experiment of physical culture
the longest and most thoroughly. These results are communi
cated to us in the form of testimony from two college Presi
dents, from two college Professors, from one college Trustee
who is also a physician, and from one practical instructor in
gymnastics, who is very noted in his calling and of whom
President Smith has written to us in the highest praise.
This testimony can not fail to be regarded as decisive.
Your Committee are of the opinion that in the light of
such testimony, this University may proceed to the establish
ment of a department of Physical Culture, not as if it were
venturing upon an untried and a dubious experiment, but un
hesitatingly, boldly, with entire confidence in the complete
success of the measure, if it be but carried out with reasonable
care in its details. Moreover your Committee are of opinion
that in view’ of the great benefits which other colleges have
actually found to proceed from such a department, and in view
of the great needs of our own students with respect to physi
cal culture and healthful regulated exercise, when the
funds of the University shall permit, vigorous action should
be taken upon this subject—providing for the students a de
partment of Physical Culture with a building, with an instruc
tor, and with all the necessary appliances, commensurate with
the greatness of the institution, with the wants of the students,
and with the demands of enlightened public opinion. It has
not been usual for the University of Michigan to be either
timid or laggard in moving towards improved and generous
educational methods. Its true place is in the van of the great
�13
army of educators. At last, however, there is great danger of
its violating its own instincts and traditions. On this im
mense anxious and most urgent business of providing, in a
scientific and efficient manner, for the physical education of
its students, and through that for their highest intellectual and
moral development, the University has dropped*from its hon
ored place in the front; unless speedy action be taken, it will
lose even a middle position; it will drag hopelessly and un
worthily in the rear.
Should it be decided, then, to establish a department of
Physical Culture in the University, a number of very import
ant questions at once arise for determinaion, with reference—
1. To a Gymnastic Building;
2. To the qualifications and duties of the Professor at the
head of the new department;
3. To the relation which the department shall hold to the
various University courses already established, both profess
ional and collegiate.
Your committee are very clearly of opinion that with ref
erence to each of these questions mistakes are not only possi
ble, but are extremely liable to be made—mistakes, too, which
would be absolutely fatal to the utility and success of the
department.
Some of the colleges which have established gymnasiums
have made such mistakes upon these points as have rendered
their gymnasiums nearly useless, thus bringing distrust and
reproach upon the whole cause. These mistakes can be
avoided by us—by our being on our guard against them, by
our remembering that the opinions of experts alone are of
much worth upon this subject in matter a of detail, and by
studying still more minutely the methods pursued in the col
leges which have made this department a success.
We would particularly recommend further study of this
department in Amherst College. That noble institution un
doubtedly leads not only America, but the world, in the suc
cessful solution of the problem of uniting physical and mental
culture. We may safely take it as almost® perfect model in
the arrangement of a department of physical culture. Should
the Regents find themselves enabled to establish such a de
partment here, we would suggest to theifljBthat before finally
deciding as to the dimensions and the interior arrangements
of the gymnasium, upon the choice of an instructor, and upon
the relations of gymnastic instructiointo the other courses, it
would be prudent to send a suitable person to at least six of
the colleges which have been named—Princeton, Williams,
Yale, Amherst, Harvard and Dartmouth—authorized to find
out upon the spot, by actual observation, and by conversation
with officials of experience there, all that can be ascertained
�14
with reference to the mistakes to be avoided, and the right
conclusions'to be reached.
Your committee have already obtained nearly all the in
formation that could be got by correspondence, and they are
able to submit, if it were desirable, a great many facts and
opinions upon the several particulars now referred to. As to
some of these particulars, however, they feel the need of
more information than they have been able to obtain by let
ters, before coming to an absolute conclusion.
For example, if it be decided to have a gymnasium, the
very first question which arises is as to its dimensions. Here,
at the outset is a serious danger. At some of the colleges it
is found that the gymnasiums are too small, or that they are
unfortunately proportioned. One great practical authority
says that whatever may be the length of the building, it must
by all means be as broad as it is long. Yet at Yale the gym
nasium is 120 x 50 ; at Amherst 70 x 40; at Dartmouth
90 x 45 ; at Princeton 81 x 55; at Bowdoin 75 x 30. Now,
we need upon this single point alone, to have some one
enquire upon the spot the results of experience as to these
dimensions. None of these buildings are square. Is this
fact found to be an inconvenience ? It would be a pity to
ascertain, after our building was up, that its utility to us
would be impaired by a mistake that might have been so
easily avoided, as to its size and proportions. Professor
Hitchcock writes to us that he cannot introduce a very im
portant and attractive method of exercise, for want of room.
How unfortunate that that want was not foreseen. Dr. Pea
body of Harvard writes to us : “ If we were to build anew we
should make the gymnasium at least 25 per cent larger, and of
two stories,” instead of one. When we build, we want to
build it as it should be the first time, without having to tear
down and build anew. Too often gymnasiums are built with
out consulting gymnasts; they are built apparently on a
priori principles. Such a course is as foolish as it would be
to build a chemical laboratory without consulting a chemist,
or an astronomical observatory without getting any advice
from an astronomer. This, then, is but a specimen of the
practical questions which present themselves the moment we
set about carrying into effect the resolution to establish a
Department of Physical Culture; and your committee would
repeat their statement that in order to settle these questious
wisely more information must be obtained than can be pro
cured through the channel of letters. Yet as the Regents have
expressed a wish for such recommendations as we could make
upon these questions we will give concisely the conclusions
which we have drawn from our present knowledge upon the
whole subject, conscious that these conclusions may require
some modification under the pressure of further knowledge
that may yet be obtained.
�15
1. We recommed the establishment in this University
at such time as circumstances may permit, a Department of
Hygiene and Physical Culture, believing, as we do upon ample
evidence, that the establishment of such a department would
be attended with no such difficulties, or risks as may not be
overcome by cautious and intelligent foresight, and that if
successful it would result in incalculable good to all our stu
dents, and to an increase of the good reputation of the Uni
versity.
2. In dealing with the next topic, that of the gymnasium
building, the committee have had peculiar difficulty. The
discrepancy between the sort of building we ought to have,
and the sort of building we may be able to have, is so wide
as to make it nearly impossible to determine what to recom
mend. Formerly it was thought that any room, however
cheap, dark, cheerless, and inconvenient, if only large enough
to admit a few ropes and pulleys and bits of timber, was suita
ble for a gymnasium. But the opinions of enlightened edu
cators upon this subject are now changed. At" the principal
colleges the gymnasiums are made as spacious, attractive and
convenient as possible.
The following description of the new gymnasium at
Princeton, written by Professor Schank, and politely commu
nicated to us by President McCosh, may give some idea of
the sort of building which liberal men have provided at that
ancient seat of learning: “It is a two story stone build
ing, the main body of which is 81 x 55 feet, flanked by two
octagonal towers, each about twenty feet in diameter, the en
tire measure, including these, being 92 x 60 feet. On the first
floor, besides both rooms, &c., there are bowling alleys. The
second story, which is open to the roof and high, accommo
dates the ordinary gymnastic fixtures, with a gallery for spec
tators over the ball rooms. The towers are pointed spires
above the roof and terminate on rods with balls and vanes.
The cost when completed and equipped will be about $35,000.”
The gymnasium at Yale cost $14,000 before the war, ex
clusive of the apparatus; and at present prices Mr. Welch
thinks it would cost $30,000.
President Smith informs us that the Dartmouth gymna
sium cost $22,800, with about $1,500 for apparatus—total
cost $24,300.
We did not learn the cost of the Williams gymnasium,
but it could not have been less than $30,000. It is the most
beautiful building in Williamstown.
The gymnasium at Amherst cost $8,000 in 1859, with an
an additional cost of $2,000 for apparatus.
The committee began with the attempt to ascertain what
could be done for $5,000, the sum named in the resolu
tion of the Regents in March 1869 ; but we soon found that
�16
*
no building of the size required could be put up for any such
amount, unless it should be one that would be an eye-sore and
an offense to all beholders. A great ungainly shed would not
answer the purposes of the Department of Physical Culture;
and even if it would, the committ' e would hesitate long before
taking the responsibility of recommending any further dese
cration of our noble University grounds by architectural mon
strosities.
What is really needed by the University to meet the pres
ent demands of scientific physical culture is a building either
of brick or of stone (the latter being preferable) of dimensions
hereafter to be determined, to consist of two stories and a
large well lighted cellar; the cellar serving as a store room,
as a place for heating apparatus, and ultimately, when means
should permit, for ample bath rooms ; the first story to be used
for bowling alleys, superintendent’s and janitor’s rooms, dress
ing rooms and offices; while the second story would contain a
large hall of exercise in both heavy and light gymnastics, as
well as smaller rooms for sparring, fencing, etc., a room for
simple refreshments, like tea and coffee, and a suite of rooms
supplied with a piano, and with newspapers, to be used by all
the students as the University parlors and reading-rooms, and
to be kept open every day in the year, from sunrise until ten
o’clock at night. Such an edifice, especially in the absence
of the dormitory system, would be a most beneficent one to
all our students. It would be the University home. Besides
furnishing the students with a means of bodily health and
development, it would be a boon to them socially; and by its
joyous and hospitable privileges open to them, even when all
the other University buildings are closed, it would both afford
an unspeakable enjoyment to hundreds of young men, and
would save many from temptations now fatal both to health
and character. Such a building, properly furnished, at the
present rate of materials would require not less than $25,000.
3. We recommend the appointment of a Professor of
Hygiene and Physical Culture, to have the full salary of a
Professor in the collegiate department; and as to his qualifica
tions and duties we would adopt the admirable description
given by President Stearns in his Annual Report to the Trus
tees of Amherst College for the year 1 860:
“ What we need is a professorship extending over the
entire department of physical education. 1st—The officer
should be a skillful gymnast, capable of conducting his classes,
by example as well as precept, through all the exercises which
the best training would require them to perform. 2d—He
should have a good medical education, with sufficient know
ledge of disease, if not to manage severe cases, yet to know
whether a student is sick or well, obeying the laws of health
or breaking them, and, as a wise friend, to caution him, ad
�17
vise him and put him on the track towards physical vigor.
3d—That he should have such knowledge of elocution as
would enable him to teach those movements of the body,
lungs and vocal organs which are essential to graceful and
effective oratory. Elocution is properly a branch of gymnas
tics, and the highest degree of health, to say nothing of good
manners and good speaking, can hardly be secured without it
or a substitute for it. This officer, while having charge of
gymnastics, would naturally teach the laws of health and the
physical part of oratory; and as he would be much with the
students, and would be likely to have great influence over
them, he ought to be a man of cultivated tastes and man
ners—a man of honorable sentiments and correct principles,
having high aims and a Christian spirit. Such a man, with
such a work as I have now marked out successfully pursued,
would be an incalculable advantage to the college and to
mankind.”
4. In order to avoid over-crowding of the building, and
inconvenience to the students, we recommend that during the
Law and Medical terms, the several parts of the day and
evening, to be hereafter determined, be divided among the
students of the three departments, and that for at least one
hour each day the building be also appropriated to the use of
the University Faculties; that attendance at the gymnasium
be entirely optional with all the students; only that the stu
dents in the collegiate department be called upon, at the be
ginning of each year, to determine whether they will attend
the gymnasium, and that those who decide to do so shall
be required to exercise in light gymnastics with their respec
tive classes for at least one-half hour each day, for four
days in the week; all work in heavy gymnastics and in the
bowling alleys to be taken by them according to regulations
hereafter to be determined.
5. We recommend that in order to meet the current ex
penses of the Department of Physical Culture, a small fee,
(say $2 per semester, and $3 per professional term) be charged
to each student who avails himself of the privileges of the
department; it being understood that so soon as, either by
private munificence or by State endowment, the expenses of
the department shall be otherwise provided for, its privileges
shall be extended to all without any charge whatever.
In conclusion, the Committee would remark that the
foregoing plan for a Departm^it of Physical Culture involves
an expenditure which is probably quite beyond the present
resources of the University; and that without some special
gift of money for the purpose, either by the legislature or by
private individuals, the University will be unable to confer
upon its students certain very important advantages in the
process of a complete education. We would call particular
�18
attention to the fact that the beautiful and spacious gymnasi
ums at Princeton, Williams and Dartmouth were built by
private generosity. Is there no rich man in Michigan, or
even in the United States, (for our students represent all the
States) who would be willing, by a timely benefaction, to
connect his name forever with the destinies of this great
University, and to bestow an incalculable boon upon all the
multitudes of students who are to resort here for the pursuit
of knowledge ?
MOSES COIT TYLER,
Chairman.
EDWARD OLNEY,
C. L. FORD, M. D.
THOMAS M. COOLEY.
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Dublin Core
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Victorian Blogging
Description
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A collection of digitised nineteenth-century pamphlets from Conway Hall Library & Archives. This includes the Conway Tracts, Moncure Conway's personal pamphlet library; the Morris Tracts, donated to the library by Miss Morris in 1904; the National Secular Society's pamphlet library and others. The Conway Tracts were bound with additional ephemera, such as lecture programmes and handwritten notes.<br /><br />Please note that these digitised pamphlets have been edited to maximise the accuracy of the OCR, ensuring they are text searchable. If you would like to view un-edited, full-colour versions of any of our pamphlets, please email librarian@conwayhall.org.uk.<br /><br /><span><img src="http://www.heritagefund.org.uk/sites/default/files/media/attachments/TNLHLF_Colour_Logo_English_RGB_0_0.jpg" width="238" height="91" alt="TNLHLF_Colour_Logo_English_RGB_0_0.jpg" /></span>
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Conway Hall Library & Archives
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2018
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Conway Hall Ethical Society
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Report of a department of hygiene and physical culture in the University of Michigan
Creator
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Tyler, Moses Coit [1835-1900]
Description
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Place of publication: Ann Arbor, Mich.
Collation: 18 p. ; 24 cm.
Notes: From the library of Dr Moncure Conway. 'by a Committee of the University Senate'. [Title page]. Moses Coit Tyler was Chairman.
Publisher
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The University
Date
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1870
Identifier
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G5381
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Health
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<img src="http://i.creativecommons.org/p/mark/1.0/88x31.png" alt="Public Domain Mark" /><br />This work (Report of a department of hygiene and physical culture in the University of Michigan), identified by <a href="www.conwayhall.org.uk">Humanist Library and Archives</a>, is free of known copyright restrictions.
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Text
Language
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English
Conway Tracts
Hygiene
Physical Education
University of Michigan