Evansville daily journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1863-1866, 1865-11-10
gymnastics.
nv WILLIAM sINNHoLn.

Let him propose, III offer no objection. rn
Gymnastics.
BY WILLIAM sINNHoLD.
9 As continual activity in trade is ne
cessary to aourishing mercantile bust
ness, the expenses being soon covered
by the receipts, leaving to the proprietor,
az a compensation for his labor, and
means for his support, the profits aris-
ing from selling the goods at 3 premium
on their cost, so is also an activity of the
vital force, necessary to the healthy
body.
The more active the trade the more
fourishing is the business, and the
greater the activity of the bodily forces,
the more healthy and powerful does the
body become, and the greater its resist
ance to hurtful influences.
BY the simple manner of living of our
forefathers, which consisted in the prac-
tice of hunting and equestrian exer-
cises, calling into activity the bodily
powers, in the use of strengthening
means and drinks, and in being more
in the open air, giving an opportunity
for the ample reparation of wasted mat
ter, the body was far better preserved
than is the case at the present time. In
consequence thereof, the men of that
time, possessing such large and powerful
bodies, were capable of mounting
horse with one spring, 'eithout the aid
of stirrup, wearing at the same time,
steel armor of such weight, that even the
strongest men of the present time,
L. ak1o a. nndn~
their pressure. The manner of living
of our day, differs as widely from that
of our forefathers, as day from night.
1t ia true that we are richer in knowl-
edge, a1d are in possession of much
more that adds to our enjoyment of life;
but it is lamentable fact, that the ma
jority of the people Of our day pass their
lives in close dwellings, without sufi-
cient light and ventilation, and the
practice Of but light and unimportant
exercises.
The result thereof is a slow and def
cient action of the bodily force, causing
a deficient nourishment, scarcity Of
blood, and a very meagre faculty of re-
sistance to disease. 1t can be clearly
shown, that, as the result of too little
bodily exercise, combined at the same
time with the inordinate use of spices,
sweets, exciting and intoxicating drinks,
the present race of men are subject to
physical debility, loss of power, and irri-
liability of the nerves, their condition |
comparing unfavorably with that of our
forefathers. But as we cannot, and wish |
not to change the present state of civil |
ization for the former, we must seek at |
least to remedy these evils, and TO that
end must have an eye to the develope-
ment of the body, through the continual
exercise of its powers.
Gymnastics offers the best means of
accomplishing this object, and should be |
taught in every regularly established
seminary and college. Very many,
perhaps the majority of the schools and |
colleges of our day, which, from their |
situations on high, airy, and extensive
grounds, seem particularly adapted to
the fitting up of suitable gymnasiums,
have nothing of the kind on their premi-
SEES, and exist then as institution for a
kind of intellectual feeding, L.here |
knowledge of all sorts is drummed into
the heads of our youth, more or hess
forcibly, exercising their memory with
out developing their faculty of judgment,
and the development of the body careless
ly neglected The use of Gymnastics |
condnces not only 70 the development of |
the body in general, but also to the de- |
velopement and IMMIGRATION of particu-
lar parts of the same. 1t ia reasonable /
to every one, that the stream of blood |
flowing towards the muscles developed |
by exercise, is larger than that flowing
toward the other parts of the body not !
thus developed, and it therefore follows,
that their muscles becoming more in
vigorated, and thereby frmer, and larg-
err, are always in condition to endure |
greater trials of strength. Gymnastic
al exercises being as various, and in |
vigorated for the exercise and dev elop- |
ment of all parts of the body, general
IMMIGRATION of the whole man, must be |
the result of their use. Its effects are |
further healthy to partial crookedness of |
the spine, by the Development of the |
spine, by the development of the mus
cles of the arms and breast. A few
words might be added in regard to the |
activity of the nerves, which contribute |
no less in the general development of |
the body. -E 4a ai
When the body is thoroughly aroused
by exercise, then takes place transfer
of the nervous power from the brain to
the muscles, resembling somewhat the
conducting of electricity on metallic
wires. This works in a peculiar and
beneficial manner on the brain, and ex.
plains, why, after exercise our sleep is
quiet and refreshing, and that is great
kenefit to the body. AS the muscles
grow upon the bones, and are capable
of moving, they necessarily draw upon
the bones which are immovable, and the
stronger these muscles become by exer-
else, the more powerful do they draw
upon the bones on which they grow,
and are enabled gradually to change
-their shape. 1t follows then, that the
muscles of the breast, which grow upon
the ribs, necessarily expand them, thus
enlarging the room for the lungs, and
especially beneficial is gymnastic in all
disorders of the bowels, such as aceu.
mutation of the blood in the bowels,
constipation &c., caused by q sedentary
life, and found generally among women,
teachers, shosmakers, tailors &c. There
are a multitude of diseases which can
be wholly removed or at least relieved,
by regular systematieal use of gym
nastical exercises; but an extended
treatment on this subject must be left to
a physician, and l will content myself
with the hope, that this incomplete state
ment of the effects of gymnastics upon
the body and the mind, may serve to
turn the attention of the rejecting pub
lie, towards this invaluable means of OBJ
tanning health. But the conviction will
force itself ON every mind, that the