Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-01-27
MAN FROM THE CRADLE TO THE CRAVE.


GERS Medical College. IL is characterised by
a good deal Of ability, gaided by refined taste,
and does honor 10 the autnor, both as writer
and gentleman zeaiousy attached 10 his pro-
fession The lecture opens with beautiful
and ingenious view and comparison OF the dit
ferrnt stages Of human life from the cradle 10
the grave, considered principally in relation 10
their physiological characters. Bat. Pat.
"Man, who eventually becomes "Lord of Gre
tion," BY his superiority Of intellectual endow-
men,, enters upon the field of his future great
ness the most feeble aud helpless OF all living
beings. He is too delicate to sustain the chan
pes of The air he is TO brea,he:-his hands, those
admirable instruments, the makers Of all other
Instruments, are useless and unmanageable. -
The capacious head, the future throne OF his
intellect, is too heavy 10 be supported by his
own strength; and his expressive eyes are inca
p.bie Of being adYan,ageousiy directed towards
any object Without the loving and snwearied
a,siduity Of mis- tender mother, death would
speedily silence his feeble wailings; for the flow
er Of The fields, which blooms but for an hour,
and then w,ihers away, Is no, more delicate nor
susceptible Of destruction, than is the life OF the
human infant. But, clasped by maternal arms
10 that fountain OF sustenance, which may so
Justly be termed sacred, from its constituting
the first and most endearing link in parental
and social feeling, man drinks in life and
warmth; his eyes soon learn TO distinguish OBJ
jec,s, his strength is increased his senses begin
10 demand his attention, and that education
commences, which is to fit him for assuming
his ra,s among rational and intelligent beings.
"These successive changes very gradually en-
sue. He requires parental attention and assis-
lance long after he has ceased to nestle in the
bosom Of his mother. AT this period his senses
are all susceptible and vigorous; his mind be-
gins 70 exist; il is capable Of receiving know
ledge, but is not yet an active instruments
Mcmery is now re,entive, and predominates o.
yer the other faculties. Ii IS the season when
the mind requires the most judicious direction;
in order that things may be learned by their
right names, and in the right places:-it is the
period when The dawDi7 g intellect demands the
most scrupuous superintendent, that the ear
lest indications Of human bias may be detected,
and encouraged re pressed, as circumstances
NAV require 1t the time, OF all Others when
the most sacred regard to truth should be oo-
served by those who have intercourse with the
youth-lTuth, not only in relation 10 great
things, or as opposed to direct talsehood, but
that truth which states no improbablllties, no
actions, no mysteries-in short, the truth OF
correct example, in action, word, and look.
"rhe condition Of childhood or adolescence
is the spring tide of our existence. All sensa-
tions are new, all scenes are inviting, every ob-
Iect is 4 source Of graliho alton to curiosity
The number and rapidity Of our sensations
keep up continual succession OF images IN the
mind; and one so Immediately displaces the
other. that whether painful or pleasurable, they
soon disappear; the hours feet away with wing
ed swiftness, not counted though deeply felt
not individually productive Of remarkable con-
sequences, but for ever after treasured in the
memory, as the times Of peculiar happiness; as
the DAYS long gone by-as the golden age oil
life, for ever fec.
$40 this period succeeds that Of be- ginning
maturity, when the body acquires its full growth,
and the slender and awkward boy impercept-
Div changes to the vigorous and graceful man
His piping and treble voice, passing through
various Irregularities, assumes that sonorous
strength Of in ona,on so we'll BETTING his con-
di,ion The cavities Of his skull, previously
unmarked by external prominences, now expand.
His brow becomes elevated; his eyes more deep
" seated in their sockets; his cheeks are broad
er and higher, and the passions and workings
of the mind become imprinted upon his coun'
tenance. The rosy, uDmeanlng and iroiic ex-
pressions Of his visage are gone; his AIR Is
,hooeb,ful and serious. Those who are faml-
liar with him as child, experience an awk-
ward restraint in addressing him; his parents
are conscious Of his change without being able
TO define it. His very mother, who nursed and
cherished him through all his inian'ile 'rou,
bles, learns to listen to him with respect, ana
look upon him with reverence. Heneeior'a ne
assumes his station as member OF the great
human faraily, responsible for his actions soie'
" to his country and his God!
"rhe approach of his sister to the same Pc
Rod OF existence, is marked by analogous chang
es in external appearance, not SO striking Tor
their magnitude, as from their peculiar eharae-
TER. The whole expression is wonderfully al
,ersd,-there is singular addition Of loveli-
ness 10 features which may have previously
been considered uninterestipg and even repul-
sive. The step, the voice and gestures all de-
clare. that "Nature's last, best work" has as
sumed all her charms, and is no longer to be
anproached, except with that homage which
her loneliness and innocence never fail to in
snire. especially when their natural power is