The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-07-22
The Feminine Physical Development

| CeDUeu Wy DtUuOCEulo III 1NoNOLhpOhs
The Feminine Physical Development.
The attention now paid to the subject Of
| feminine physical cultivation and develop
| ment Is SO great and extensive that 1t may
reasonably 10 described as feature pecu-
| liar to the thought. ambition. and education
| OF the times, in this country. at least.
For two or three years past. physical cul-
| ture. as 1t Is called, has been one OF the
prominent themes Of discussion by women
lecturers at Chautauqua and other summon
| schools modelled after it, though their
original purpose was spiritual and intel
lectual training merely. A distinct profess
sion devoted to this speciality has
grown up. and it is pursued by
feminine enthusiasts. who are in de-
mand at these schools in all parts Of the
Union as q powerful attraction for wo-
men attendants. They treat the subject
with all delicacy: but the particular ex-
plantations requisite to make their teach
ing OF practical service. involve degree Of
frankness in the discussion Of physiological
details that would not have been tolerated
by such society few years ago.
Moreover. they give prominence to the
mortal and physical part which formerly
was deemed sinful and especially undesira-
BILE for feminine consideration. or course.
they proceed on the old theory that sound
body is essential to sound mind; but in
accordance with it they must treat Of
the human being as, first OF oil.
an animal. In talking to women about
physical culture they must follow substan-
TALLY the same principles as are applied
in the training and criticism Of horses.
They deal primarily and essentially with
the bodily frame. and only incidentally and
inferentially with the spirit it contains.
These lecturers also pay great attention
to physical culture as q means Of promoting
feminine gracefulness. They teach that
women should make their muscles not
merely strong. but supple too. so that all
their movements may have the har-
mony OF grace. They urge them to
carry on their physical exercise 80 that
every part OF the frame may be
trained systematically; and tell them
that the improved circulation which will
result will enhance their beauty Of COM
plexion and multiply and preserve their
various charms. This Is lesson of vanity.
according to the instructions Of the old
preachers. but it is q lesson to which
the young Methodist women of Chau-
tauqua the pious girls at Mr.. MooDY's
summer school at Northheld. and null
titudes of other feminine pupils Of the
same general social and religious surround
ings. are now for the first time giving eager
attention. 1t Is the particular application
OF the teachings Of the physical-culture
lecturers and exemplars In which they are
most interested. 1t Is as a means of
cultivatlng grace and beauty. that ex-
/ ercise has Its strongest attraction for
them. and the teachers. themselves women.
understand that fact instinctively and ex-
perimentally. At the bottom. as they well
know. the growing passion for physical
development is q new manifestation OF
the old womanly craving for beauty. 1t
is not that they wish to be strong: it Is
that they want to be lovely to the sight.
when they adopt as their models the
sculptured types Of feminine symmetry.
This ambition for physical improvement
has distinguished the young women OF the
gayer and more luxurious society for twen-
ty years past. 1t has accompanied the
simultaneous passion for athletic devel-
opment among the young men of the
same social circles: but now. through
the impulse OF these popular teachers
OF physical culture. 1t is extending rap
idly among giils who before had been
taught that adeptness in such exercises is
distinctively unfeminine accomplishment.
Country girls who formerly cared nothing
for their physical development, are now
riding bicycles. rowing boats. swimming.
playing outdoor games. and In various
other ways seeking to gain the beauty OF
health and vigor by systematic athletic
| cultivation.
1t is great and happy change. and 1t
will have consequences OF the highest value
TO the race.