The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-10-15
CYCLING DEFENDED.
THE BICYCLE DISCUSSED IN RELA-
TiON no THE IN YsICIAN.
The Erect Posture IL the Correct One for
wheelmcn and the Position Like q
Half Open Jack X nife Is injurious.

Seneca Egbert, A. NJ. Md. Lecturer on
Hygiene at theDrexel Institute. Philadel-
phia, has written a highly interesting
article on "the Bicycle In its relation to
the physician" In which he says: 1t Is
with the feeling that cycling is TO have
an increasing influence on public health.
one way or the other. that. after practl-
cal experience OF several months, the writ
er ventures to note the various relations
between the doctor and the silent steed.
say after practical experience. because
have found that decidedly modifies GER
tain notions and theories that /, along
with others unused to the riding, formerly
had. And. though 1t is hard not to speak
with enthusiasm of that which is really
a delight, / shall try to put down the
facts exactly as they are.
In the first place, as an exercise cycling
Is superior TO most, II not all others. at
our command. 1t takes one into the out
door air is entirely under control, can be
made as gentle or as vigorous as one de-
sires; is active an not passive: takes the
rider out OF himself and the thoughts
and cares OF his daily work; develops
his will, his attention, courage and indie
pendence, and makes pleasant what is
otherwise often most irksome; moreover,
the exercise is well and equally distribu-
ted over almost the whole body, and, as
Parkes says. when all the muscles are
exercised no muscle Is likely to be over
exercised.
This general muscular exercise also has
It's direct effect upon the other and vital
organs OF the body, the heart. lungs and
digestive organs especially; and the i'm
provement In general health and digestion,
after a few weeks riding, is by no means
ilusory or neeting We all know that the
trouble with many OF our patients Is
purely functional and that their maladles
have been brought on by lack Of pure air,
too little exercise, and too much mental
worry over their work or business For
these the bicycle furnishes an agreeable
remedy.
Take case OF nervous or anemic dys-
pepsia, Of hepatic or intestinal torpor;
the increase in the flow of the blood cur
rent, the gentle vibration and the add-
tional elimination Of waste matters
through lungs and skin, all results OF
a ride on the wheel. are just what we
desire for the cure of our patient
or with one OF a tuberculous dlathesis.
or with incipent phthisis. how much de-
ponds upon teaching him to breathe proper
ly, 1. e.. fully and deeply and to spend
much of his time In the open air.
This the bicycle will do for him. per-
force Cases, also. of neurasthenia, mel
ancholia, and other nervous troubles, will
derive much benefit from our present
hobby, for, in addition to the above hy-
gienic elements, the wheelman must
deyelop-whether he will or not-his will.
his independence and self-reliance. and
the accurate control Of all his muscles.
Those Of rheumatic tendencies, especial
Is. will find that regular and systematic
riding will do much to keep the disease
In allegiance, and even to act as cure.
OF course, l have been presupposing
in all my previous remarks that the rider
will have wheel adapted TO his or her
weight and strength. properly adjusted In
all It's parts. but especially IT. the relation
ship between the saddle and handle bar
and pedals. and, above all, that the rider
takes pains to maintain correct posi-
ton and 10 do all he can TO benefit his
health and bodily development. In fact,
] am confident that it through neglect OF
some one of these important points that
the evels attributed in justice TO bicycle
riding arise.
MI.