The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1855-11-10
For the Minnesotian.

HE be0rds
The following extract from the 3 9 On
Medical and Surgical journal, is worthy of
consideration by those who wish to let Ma
ture have her perfect work, and avail them
selves of its protection against the rigols Of
hard winter. The present is an age of prac-
teal utility; when labor-saving processes and
short and easy methods are the order of the
day. AS consequence, we see the scissors
taking the place of the razor, and the Gus
torn Of wearing the beard becoming almost
universal. The injurious effect of shaving
upon the physical health is thus argued:
"It appears by experiment that the beard,
if shaved, grows four to five times faster than
if unshaven. In this calculation an item is
omitted which it is difficult to estimate, j. e.,
the stimulus given the beard by the first ap-
plication of the razor in adolescence, the ex-
periments being made upon boards after they
have acquired an unnaturally rapid growth.
The effect of this early stimulus may be fair
ly counted at double the natural growth; then
reckoning the difference in size ard weight
of the fibre which is treble; and we find the
fIightful truth to be that we raise thirty
times the natural growth of beard Thus it
is evident that the true beard is exhausted
at very early age, after which the system
is forced to supply a substitute. Now Ma
ture will not submit with IMMUNITY to extra
ordinary demands upon her vigor; and that
which requires her to produce in lifetime
thirty times as much beard as she was at
first inclined to, must certainly be considered
as SUCH.
"She is fatigued in proportion to the effort
let the particular kind be what it may; al
though her recuperHtive powers are great she
insists upon having repose, even when work.
ing at rate chosen by herself If that re-
pose is denied her, she takes her revenge bv
breaking down the mechanism. Who, then,
can estimate the revenge she will take for
being compelled to labor without rest under
an uncompromising task master?
"2d. The chemical laboratory of man fur
nishes in just proportion the ingredients re-
CURED to deposite in suitable quantities, the
bones, skin, hair, nails, &C.; and it is obvious
that suPerstraining of those chemical ele-
ments, which enter into the composition of
the bread, must deprive of their Just due alT
the other tissues which are wholly or in part
of the same elements. Such inius-
tice to other structures must inevitably feel,
and the entire system must suffer from dis
turbance of the balance of power requisite
to healthy action of it's vail JUS parts.
"3d. The proper calori6cat:on of the body
is one of the most essential conditions of it's
healthy action; and the non-conducting prop
critics Of the beard ought to be q caution
against trifling with SO powerful an agent,
more especially when one considers its init
mate connection with the calorific organs of
the brain and with the inspiratory organs.
''The mania which has ever possessed man
for disfguring himself is astonishing. Not
satisfied with Gods most perfect handiwork,
different tribes and nations variously under
take to beautify it, thus fairly making them
selves laughing stocks for each other; but it
is to be hoped that the pioneers of civilixa-
ton will come out from the category of those
who tatto the skin, fatten the skull, shave
the crown, taper the waist, stint the feet,
:ircumcise, and slit their ears and noses.
''It is with difficulty that old habits are re-
bounced, even when one is convinced that life
an be prolonged and made happier thereby;
,ut it is question for young men seriously
o consider whether starting in life, they
yil addict themselves to q habit which n
nee Ksstes the time, soms the temper-is
gainst Nature, and consequently involves
heir health and that of their offspring.
STATURE has made her terms with us. how
re may enjoy our daily existence and length
n out our lives; these terms are-to know
'er laws and not infringe them"