brains, and there are grounds for believing that an excuse has been sought for idleness, or indulgence in a valetudinarian habit, in the popular outcry on this subject which awhile ago attracted much attention. Nevertheless there can be no room to question the extreme peril of "overwork " to growing children and youths with undeveloped brains.

tion to each other.
As with the bodily powers,
the mental are to be increased in magnitude
and energy by a degree of exercise measured
with a just regard to their ordinary health and
native or habitual energies. Corresponding,
moreover, to the influence which the mind has
in giving the nervous stimulus so useful in
bodily exercise, is the dependence of the mind
upon the body for supplies of healthy nutri-
ment; and, in like manner with the bodily
functions, each mental faculty is only to be
strengthened by the exercise of itself in partic-
ular.

The excessive use of an immature organ arrests its development by diverting the energy which should be appropriated to its growth, and consuming it in work. What happens to horses which are allowed to run races too early happens to boys and girls who are overworked It ought to be universally known, that the at school. The competitive system as applied uses of our intellectual nature are not to be to youths has produced a most ruinous effect properly realized without a just regard to on the mental constitution which this genera- the laws of that perishable frame with which tion has to hand down to the next, and it is connected; that, in cultivating the mind, particularly the next but one ensuing. School we must neither overtask nor undertask the work should be purely and exclusively directed to development. "Cramming" the young for examination purposes is like compelling an infant in arms to sit up before the muscles of its back are strong enough to support it in the upright position, or to sustain the weight of its body on its legs by standing while as yet the limbs are unable to bear the burden imposed on them.

body, neither push it to too great a speed, nor leave it neglected; and that, notwithstanding this intimate connection and mutual dependence, the highest merits on the part of the mind will not compensate for muscles mistreated, or soothe a nervous system which severe study has tortured into insanity. To come to detail, it ought to be impressed on all, that to spend more than a moderate number of A crooked spine or weak or contorted legs is hours in mental exercise diminishes insensibly the inevitable penalty of such folly. Another the powers of future application, and tends to blunder is committed when one of the organs abbreviate life; that no mental exercise should of the body to wit, the brain. is worked be attempted immediately after meals, as the at the expense of other parts of the organism, processes of thought and of digestion cannot in face of the fact that the measure of general be safely prosecuted together; and that, withhealth is proportioned to the integrity of de-out a due share of exercise to the whole of the velopment, and the functional activity of the body as a whole in the harmony of its component systems. No one organ can be developed at the expense of the rest without a corresponding weakening of the whole.

Mental Exercise. The same rules and regulations by which exercise may be serviceable to the physical system, hold good respecting the mental faculties. These, as is generally allowed, however immaterial in one sense, are connected organically with the brain. a portion of the animal system nourished by the same blood, and regulated by the same vital laws, as the muscles, bones, and nerves. As, by disuse, muscle becomes emaciated, bone softens, blood vessels are obliterated, and nerves lose their natural structure, so, by disuse, does the brain fall out of its proper state, and create misery to its possessor; and as, by over-exertion, the waste of the animal system exceeds the supply, and debility and unsoundness are produced, so, by over-exertion, are the functions of the brain liable to be deranged and destroyed. The processes are physiologically the same, and the effects bear an exact rela

mental faculties, there can be no soundness in any, while the whole corporeal system will give way beneath a severe pressure upon any one in particular. These are truths completely established with physiologists, and upon which it is undeniable that a great portion of human happiness depends.

THE HUMAN PULSE.

The phenomenon known as the arterial pulse or arterial pulsation is due to the distention of the arteries consequent upon the intermittent injection of blood into their trunks, and the subsequent contraction which results from the elasticity of their walls. It is perceptible to the touch in all excepting very minute arteries, and, in exposed positions, is visible to the eye. The pulse is usually examined at the radial artery at the wrist, the advantages of that position being that the artery is very superficial, and that it is easily compressed against the bone. It is usual and convenient, though not quite accurate, to include under the term the conditions observed between the beats, as well as those produced by them.

The condition of the pulse depends mainly on ance to compression by the fingers varies two factors, each of which may vary inde- greatly in a soft or low tension" pulse the pendently of the other: First, the contraction artery may be almost imperceptible between of the heart, which propels the stream of the beats; in a hard or " high tension pulse blood along the artery; and, second, the re- it may be almost incompressible. An unduly sistance in the small arteries and capillaries, soft pulse is usually an indication of debility; which controls the rate at which it leaves the an unduly hard one is most often characteristic artery. The first determines the frequency of disease of the kidneys and gout. But the and rhythm of the pulse and the force of the tension, like the frequency of the pulse, underbeats; but the tension of the artery between goes considerable variations in health from them and their apparent duration depends temporary causes, and may in certain individmainly upon the peripheral resistance. "Feel-uals be habitually above or below the average ing the pulse," therefore, gives important in- without actual disease. formation besides the rate of the heart's action, The force of the beats is a measure of the and implies much more than the mere count- vigor and efficiency of the heart's action. Α ing of pulsations. Dr. Broadbent says: "A strong pulse is correctly regarded as a sign of complete account of the pulse should specify a vigorous state of the system; it may, how(1) the frequency-i. e., the number of beats ever, arise from hypertrophy of the left venper minute, with a note of any irregularity or tricle of the heart, and remain as a persistent intermission or instability of the rhythm; symptom even when the general powers are (2) the size of the vessel; (3) the degree of failing. As strength of the pulse usually indistention of the artery between the beats; dicates vigor, so weakness of the pulse in(4) the character of the pulsation — whether dicates debility. Various expressive adjectives its access is sudden or gradual, its duration have been attached to special conditions of the short or long, its subsidence abrupt or slow, note being taken of dicrotism, when present; (5) the force or strength of both the constant and variable pressure within the artery, as measured by its compressibility; (6) the state of the arterial walls.

The frequency of the pulse varies with age, from 130 to 140 per minute at birth to 70 to 75 in adult males, and with sex, being six or eight beats more in adult females. In some individuals it deviates considerably from this standard, and may even be habitually below forty or above ninety without any signs of disease. It is increased by exertion or excitement, by food or stimulants, diminished in a lying posture or during sleep. In disease (acute hydrocephalus, for example), the pulse may reach 150 or even 200 beats; or, on the other hand (as in apoplexy and in certain organic affections of the heart, it may be as slow

as between 30 and 20.

The normal regular rhythm of the pulse may be interfered with either by the occasional dropping of a beat (intermission), or by variations in the force of successive beats, and in the length of the intervals separating them (irregularity). These varieties often occur in the same person, but they may exist independently of each other. Irregularity of the pulse is natural to some persons; in others it is the mere result of debility; but it may be caused by the most serious disorders, as by disease of the brain, or by organic disease of the heart.

The other qualities of the pulse are much more difficult to recognize though of no less importance. The degree of tension or resist

pulse, into the consideration of which our space will not permit us to enter. Thus, we read of the jerking pulse, the hobbling pulse, the corded pulse, the wiry pulse, the thrilling pulse, the rebounding pulse, etc. The full significance of changes of the pulse in disease can only be appreciated by considering them in connection with the other signs and symptoms of the case.

Average frequency at health.

AGES:

In the fœtus in utero..

Newborn infants
During the first year.
During the second year.
During the third year...
From 7th to 14th year...
From 14th to 21st year.
From 21st to 60th year..
In old age..

different ages in

BEATS PER MINUTE: . between 150 and 140 ..between 140 and 120 .from 130 down to 115 '. from 150 down to 100 .from 105 down to 95 .from 90 down to 80

from 85 down to 75

from 75 down to 70 ..between 75 and 70

The temperature is normally one degree ever, be made from the dried germinating higher under the tongue than in the axilla. It grain of wheat and other cereals; any subis highest upon awakening in the morning; lowest at midnight.

A rise of one degree in temperature usually marks an increase of the pulse from six to ten beats a minute.

Continued temperature above 98.50° indicates prostration and illness; 101° to 105°, severe fever; 105° to 108°, danger; 108° to 109°, impending death.

A temperature of 105° or 106° on the first day of illness, is prima facie evidence of ephemeral fever; it is not typhoid or typhus, but probably malarious.

Though the typical evidences of pneumonia are present, if the thermometer fails to reach 101.70°, it may be concluded no soft infiltration of lungs is present.

stance containing sugar being capable of yielding a wort or solution which may be fermented or converted into ale or beer. In several of the English pale ales the proportion of alcohol is as high as 10 per cent., and the average is from 5 to 7 per cent. So that a pint of good ale contains the same amount of alcohol as a botof claret. These ales, with those of Scotland, are largely imported, and are generally much superior to the American product. Burton ale, so called from the place where it is made, is one of the strongest and very popular. It is of a somewhat thick, glutinous consistence, and sweetish to the taste; and a small quantity of it produces intoxication in those who are not accustomed to it. The best English ales are Bass and Allsopp's. Scotch ale; especially the Edinburgh brands, has a pale flavor, extremely vinous and very like some of the light French wines. It is mild in its effect, pale in color, and the taste of the hops does not predominate as in the India pale ale

ket) and Allsopp's. Scotch ales are also said to be less liable to adulteration than the English. American ales are very light, rarely containing more than 3 per cent of alcohol, and resemble what is known in England as table beer." They are for the most part pure, however, and when fresh make a very mild and agreeable beverage. The best are made in the limestone districts of the Northwest.

High temperature after the eruption of measles has faded, indicates complications. An evening typhoid temperature of 103.5° indicates a mild course of fever; 105° in the evening or 104° in the morning, in the third week, indicates danger. A temperature of (manufactured especially for the Indian mar104° and upwards, in pneumonia, indicates a severe attack. A temperature of 104° is always alarming in acute rheumatism; look for cardiac complications. In jaundice a rise of temperature is unfavorable. A rise of temperature in a puerperal female indicates the approach of pelvic inflammation. An increase of temperature in tuberculosis shows an advance of the disease, or rise of complications. Daily fluctuations of temperature are associated with malarial fever, typhus, typhoid, exanthemata, rheumatism, pyæmia, pneumonia, and acute tuberculosis. An even temperature from morning until evening is favorable. A high temperature from evening until morning is unfavorable. A falling temperature from evening until morning is favorable. A rising temperature from evening until morning is dangerous. The temperature of the body must be normal before convalescence begins.

.23 "

BATH.

Its

The skin of the human being is not merely an outward covering for the body, but an organ the proper performance of whose work is of vital importance to good health. seven million pores are not a useless part of the animal economy, but form the sluices through which the system throws off a portion of its waste and deleterious matter; this matter is removed in the form of an imperceptible watery vapor, mixed with a few saline and .35 per minute gaseous substances, and the quantity capable of being gotten rid of in this way, in the space of twenty-four hours, amounts in round numbers to twenty ounces. The retention of this, by reason of the inability of the skin to perform its functions, is of course productive of great injury to the system, throwing more than their due share of work on the other secretive organs. The only method of keeping the skin clear and in proper working order is bathing with sufficient frequency. Bathing not only removes the matter which the skin has already discharged, but stimulates its activity, and in

20"

46

66

.18 66

66

66

Fifteen to twenty-one years...........16 to 18" Respiration and pulsation in the adult female is usually a trifle faster than in the male, especially during pregnancy.

ALE.

This a liquor manufactured from malt, which is usually produced from the parched grain of germinating barley by a process of great antiquity called brewing. It can, how

creases its efficiency. The temperature of the water is a highly important circumstance, and medical writers usually classify baths, as cold, warm, and hot.

SITY

throughout the year. It is improper in the case of those who have a tendency to consumption, or who are constitutionally liable to bowel complaints; and it should never be ventured on by anyone suffering from chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchia and intestinal canal. The best time for taking a cold bath is in the early morning just after rising. But persons of feeble circulation in whom reaction does not readily follow, had better not take a cold bath before their breakfast is digested.

Its

Cold Bath.—The cold bath is taken in water which is cold as compared with the normal heat of the body, or at a temperature of 33° to 65°. The effect of such a bath on a person in good health is, on first plunging in, a sensation of extreme cold (the duration of which depends on the temperature of the water and the condition of the bather), and is followed by a reaction which brings on a sensa- Warm Bath. This includes all baths tion of warmth and a feeling of lightness and ranging in temperature from 66° to 95°. vigor. By degrees, if the body continue to be effect is very different from that of the cold immersed, the bather again begins to feel cold, bath. There is no shock, but the temperature chilliness, accompanied by shivering, comes is grateful to the bather; the blood circulates on, the pulse grows feebler and slower, and the more rapidly, and a gentle glow pervades the whole body becomes languid and powerless. body; the skin absorbs water, is softened, and The time to leave the bath is during the period throws off the scales of decomposed matter of warmth, before the second chilliness be- which may have accumulated on it; pain is gins; and immediately on stepping out the allayed, and nervous irritation is soothed. bather should rub himself dry with a coarse The warm bath is especially grateful and bentowel, and continue rubbing till the skin is in eficial after excessive muscular exertion, or a glow. The ultimate effect of the cold bath after the fatigue and excitement of traveling. has been differently described by different phy- It refreshes and tranquilizes the system; but, sicians, and some are strongly opposed to its on the other hand, it has none of the tonic inuse at all; but, where it agrees, it is tonic and fluence of the cold bath, and its frequent use bracing, it improves the digestion, stimulates tends to relax and debilitate, while rendering the skin, and renders the circulation more the system more sensible to changes of temperactive and vigorous. It also hardens the sys-ature. The best temperature for the bath of tem and causes it to be much less sensitive to a healthy person is what is called tepid, and it changes of temperature, being on this account an excellent protection against taking cold on exposure. Its beneficial effect depends much on the strength of the reaction; if, therefore, on coming out of the cold bath, the person feels dull and chilly, or complains of headache, or a sensation of tightness across the chest, the cold bath disagrees, and should be discontinued or modified.

But many persons experiencing these symptoms seem to need just the sort of stimulus the cold bath gives. This they can get by applying cold water with a wash rag to a square foot or two of the skin at a time, rubbing the space into a glow with a towel, and repeating the process until the whole body has been bathed. The writer knows instances where this method has cured people too sensitive to cold.

is also the most agreeable. A distinctly warm bath taken just before going to bed will probably cure any tendency to wakefulness, especially if the wakefulness come from overuse of the brain. No bath whatever should be taken while digestion is going on say in less than two hours after a meal. Hot Bath. This has a temperature ranging from 98° (blood-heat) to 112°. It is a very powerful stimulant, and should never be used by persons in a good state of health. Even in cases of disease, it should only be taken under a physician's advice. As the ob| ject is to stimulate the vital actions, the bather should never remain long enough in the bath to produce exhaustion,—the average time is from ten to fifteen minutes. The best way to obtain the full beneficial effect of the hot bath is to commence with tepid water and gradually increase the temperature. The hot bath is chiefly used where it is desirable to produce abundant perspiration, when it should be followed by rolling the patient in blankets.

The diseases for which cold baths are valuable as a remedy are morbid irritability and sensibility, accompanied by general debility; also for asthma, in the intervals between the paroxysms, when the system is in other re- Shower Bath.- When cold water is used, spects in a proper condition for it. When the effect of this bath is similar to that of the there is a tendency to colds and rheumatism, ordinary cold bath, but the shock from the the cold bath is an excellent preventive; for shower bath is greater than that from simple this purpose it should be used continuously immersion, especially if the quantity of water

According to Ebstein, in his work on corpulence, fattening is strictly analogous to the fattening of cattle, and depends on overfeeding. He, however, disputes the current view that fat makes fat; on the contrary, he thinks fatty food protects the albumen, and prevents its forming fat. His plan of treatment, therefore, consists in moderating the quantity of Milk, except sparingly, food, and while cutting off all vegetable carbo- | porter and stout, sweet ales, sweet wines. As hydrates, sugar, starch, etc., allowing a mod- a rule, alcoholic liquors should be taken very erate quantity of fat, two or three ounces sparingly, and never without food. daily to be taken. He also suggests that the diet should be monotonous, greasy, and succulent, so as to cause satiety rapidly. He disallows beer, but permits light wines.