The sun., 1882-03-19
A Doctor All at Sea.

| N DoStot All at Stds
The Struggle for Life Against Civilization
and Esthcticism" was the subject of paper
by DR.. FRANK II. HAMILTON read before the
Academy Of Medicine ON Thursday evening.
The poisonous effect of sewer gas was, Of
course, pointed out in terrifying language by
the learned Doctor. Sewer gas, he said, Is
the insidious enemy Of all of us. And it is
an enemy which, once introduced into our
apartments, cannot be conquered. 1t is found
to do Its dreadful work. spite of the resist
ance Of medicine.
All that, however, we have often heard Of
late. Condemnation OF sewer gas Is fashion
able In these days. The pervasiveness Of its
evil effects is undoubtedly exaggerated
Aling women and hypochondriacal valetudi-
narians, or people who make pastime Of
coddling their physical disorders are apt to
be fond Of attributing to 1t the diseased con-
ditions In which they exist. Sewer gas is
new thing for their discussion, new cause
of their real or imaginary disorders, to be
chased to its remotest lurking place. But
that it really is, that it carries bacteria
with it, and that it can be kept out Of houses,
all this is not at all doubtful. 1t may not be
the greatest enemy OF the human race, and
lively high death rate; and yet it unques-
tionably lies in wait, unless it Is guarded
against, to sap the foundations of health
1t Is necessary, therefore, that all our
plumbing arrangements should be carefully
and scientifically made to prevent the en-
trance Of the gases from sewers into dwell
ings and other buildings occupied by people.
Too much plumbing, experience teaches US,
was formerly introduced into houses. There
was demand for what are called modern
conveniences in excess OF the requirements
OF comfort, and in opposition to the physical
well being Of their Inhabitants. But by bring
Ing the amount of plumbing within reason,
and listening to the teachings OF common
sense as to what is likely to be healthful or
unhealthful in dwelling, by avoiding dan
gerous collections Of sewage In the house. we
can sleep in peace, so far as sewer gas Is
concerned.
DR.. HAMILTON found other enemies to
health in our modern manner of life. That
is the old story. Undoubtedly, If all men
conducted themselves wisely and pru-
IDENTIFY, the average OF human life would be
vastly increased. II all the inhabitants OF
New York avoided even the more easily avoid
| able causes of Illness, IL they were all wise
and good, faithful to every duty, and as care
full of their health as they ought to be, and as
| they might be- without much trouble in each
| individual case, the bodies Of not half so
many people rs now die yearly would be
taken by the undertakers to the neighborng
| cemeteries. Moreover, the next generation
would have q far better chance Of health and
long life than they are likely to have as things
now are.
But when DR.. HAMILTON came down to
particular condemnation OF our modern
methods OF living he went astray. He said
this, for instance, speaking OF fashionable life
and the appliances Of modern civilization:
"Uuv and regard, for health are almost invariably
made subseryent TO the caprice OF fashion and the study
Of effect Fimsy headdressss low necks short sleeves
tight corsets, high heels and narrow toes do
tribute the of the aesthetic requirements Of civ
ilzaon in matters Of dress Walking as \ means OF 10.
comotion and of is rendered difficult
times impossible To romp, with rapid.
ty and sharp angularty is unHemIy in young ladies'
And such young men move In the most refined and
polished circles, neglectng robust and manly
exercises pose in attitudes which demand the pos
sibe muscular exertion, dawde in efemnate disspa
ton. In the best society there is neither muscle
backbone. Almost all respectable citizens ride when
they might walk, and complain OF the want Of breath
when the absence of an elevator conpes ascend
hght OF steps, when travel overheated cars long
confinement in one position hurried and irregular meals
dust and smoke bring the end Of Journey weary
and often sick"
But is all that true? Ia there any fact
more patent than that our young women are
now showing more vigorous physical de-
velopment than formerly and that our
young men have better muscular training?
So far from fashions dscouraging healthy
il tina, Il IA.
desire to take part in them. Both girls and
boys in New York are reader to seek mus
cuar exercise now than a generation ago
and they have adapted their garments and
their habits Of life to 1t. Women are wearing
thicker shoes, and therefore are better able
to walk. They are not SO generally spelling
their natural figures BY iil-adapted clothes
They have truer conceptions than in the past
Of beauty OF form They are freer in their
movements, more suitably clad for all wealth
ers more sensible III the fashiOuiug of their
garments When they are in the country
they take part in outdoor sports with men,
md 1t Is no longer fashionable 70 be ailing
Physical weakness and inability to stand
muscular exercise are looked on by them
with d!siavor or greatly lamented over
Horseback riding is commoner occupation
with them than generation ago, and many
admirable women riders may be seen on the
side saddles in the Park and at the summer
watering places,
As a consequence, marked improvement
in the physique OF our girls has been OBJ
seryabe during the past twenty years. They
are taller, better developed, ireer in their
movements more graceful in their carriage
than Formerly They aro more hanlthful
handsomer, more charming than ever.
Noralo they content with the young men
of whom DR., HAMILTON speaks as dawdlng
in eilemnate dissipation. They want to see
youth who are capable Of the exercise Of