The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-05-31

against springs there is always sense Of
incompleteness of action-always some
thing more to be done after one has done
his best; while the varying, quiverine
character of the resistance produces Oh
aggravates muscular and nervous tremor.
1t should also be remarked that the lift.
ing or pulling against only slightly yield
ing resistances, as on platform scale, is
deficient in the necessary amount of mo-
ton; and the gradual tension of the mus
Giles, attained by Strengthening the knees
through three to five inches, is not secured.
/ With both these forms of apparatus, as
well as in the jerking, irregular action of a
scale beam, the effect on the circulation is
like that produced by ordinary gymnastic
feats-that is, the hearts action is made
quicker, more irregular and inefficient,
while the muscles are tremulous and un-
steady. And, instead of the buoyancy and
freshness which follow the proper use of a
good machine, sense of fatigue and ex-
haustion is the usual result of the use of
such devices.
Second. Side-Aandles, Nth a proper con-
nect'on to distribute the aoeigM uniformly on
both arms, thus sasuring symmetrical derel-
oyment Of both sides Of tie body. The GEN.
tre-lifting, which is the mode practieed in
gymnasiums in this country forty years
ago, is open first, and most importantly,
to the objection that it causes lateral
twist of the spinal column, congresses the
chest ON the side of the forward hand,
relaxing the abdominal muscles of that
side (favoring the production of hernia or
RUPTURE, while the muscles of the other
side are unduly strained. In short, the
whole position is unnatural, hence danger
Gus, and unfavorable to the exertion of the
full muscular strength, as shown in the
fact that % per cent more can be lifted
with side-handles than with the contorted
spine caused by the centre-rod and cross
bar. Aside from this, the cross-bar is, to
say the least, extremely awkward and
inconvenient for ladies' use.
To these two primary qualifications, may
be added "a
Third. Facility Of adjustment. AS each
days exercise is begun with ene-half the
total amount, and is gradually raised Ito
-, 90 and finally 100 per cent? it is mat
ter of no small moment to be able to read
lily adjust the varying amounts. If this
must be done by handling masses Of iron,
etc, with the body in a bent or STOPPING
posture, it is a grave defect, and would
make the adjustment of the machine out
of the question for lady or an invalid.
Handles or grasping-pieces NTH inclined
surfaces for the palms Of tile hands, whereby
the pressure is thrown on the tieshy cush-
ions of the palm instead of on the bony
fingers-so preventing the formation of
painful callouses, blisters, corns, &C., and
the stiffening of the fingers:-also, suitable
height Of apparatus from .foor,-range Of
a'eight,-porta6ility, compactaess and general
convenience, while less important than the
first three points, are all worthy considera-
ton.
And now, after having said so much of
the requirements for a good machine, it
seems necessary to reiterate:-No girtues
inheres in the machiae of ITSELF 1t is only
by its intelligent use, according to the
principles of the System of Cumulative
Exercise, that any more benefit can be
obtained from it, no matter how elaborate,
than from the crudest appliances of the
gymnasium.-The HealM-LJt Company,
No. 17S Broad1av, Neao York.