New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-12-21
CYCLING A GOOD THING.
IT'S INFLUENCE DISCUSSED BY DIR. G. w.
HAMMOND
Use or THE WHEEL. UNDER PROPER RESTRic-
TIoNs DECLARED TO BE CONDUCIVE TO

Use OF THE WHEEL UNDER PROPER REsTRIc-
TroNs DECLARED TO BE CONDUCIVE TO
HEALTH AND CURATIVE OF DISEASE.
The Influence Of the Bicycle in Health and Dis
ca se' was the theme Of comprehensive ana ex-
ceedingly interesting paper read by DR. Graeme NJ
Hammond before well-attended meeting OF ue
New-York Academy of Medicine In It's lecture nail
Nos H. 10 and q West Forty-thrdst.. last evening"
About two years ago. the paper said, us au'hor
had called attention to certain nervous diseases
which had been attributed to bicycling. Now thou-
sands OF people rode where there were then only
hundreds. Physicians had since Joined Iaymen III
the recreation and found the judlcous use OF the
bicycle to he a OF great pleasure. conducive
to health and, in many instances. curative or ais
ease The deleterious effect OF bicycling on healthy
human organization was only through injudicious
and mmoderate use Of the wheel. II would be i'm
possible formulate rule which would be applica-
BILE to all riders; each OF them must formulate a
rule for himself herself. but should consult Win
physician as TO lung capacity, condition or hear'
etc. Or. Hammond had personally observed the
cases OF fourteen amateur bicyclists who had been
riding from Ave to thirteen years EACH and had
ridden from 5000 to 1900 miles respectively. Al.
had healthful increase Of muscular tissue OF tne
heart and were otherwise physically developed by
riding The highest type OF mankind was that which
was developed physically as we'll as mentally.
bicycle
cal development than any other mechanical agent,
and at the same time afforded heathful mental
recreation Riding developed both heart ana lungs
The average expansion OF the human chest IN
breathing was only one inch but that Of the four
teen amateur wheelmen observed was Al inches
Bicycling developed not only the muscles oil the
legs but also of the back and the whole system
Riding with the body bent forward at right angie
1t had been said interfered with the action OF the
heart and lungs and induced spinal disease. but OF
fourteen professional wheclmen whom Dr. Ham
mond had observed, the muscles OF their thishs
and abdomens greatly developed their heart
and lung capacities were above the average. and
none % them had any spinal trouble But while
these men were In training for racing ana
showed no bad effect from being doubled up Ike a
jackknfe while riding II must not be assumed that
amateurs could ride in the same posture anu W
the same extent WIN imphsnIty. 20 no future
champions could be seen tearing along on whecis
with backs bumped and every nerve ana rnuscle
tcnsely strained but Instead OF gaining champion
ships they were bringing on heart ana lung Uouoles
Appendictis had been attributed to bicycling, but
Or Hammond had been unable 70 discover any con
nectlon between the bicycle and that disease DIS
eases Of the pelvic organs could be produced or ag-
gravatcd by wheeling. but only through the care
av,rted by the adjustment OF saddles 50 that the
weight Of the body would rest upon the proper
IL was not injurious FOR women to ride and some
kinds OF diseases pecuar 10 men "efe ,be heprt
bicycling was also beneficial. but no one suffering
from any affection Of the heart should ride without
consulting a physician. In abnormal pulmonary
conditions the use Of the Wheel might be iol9Wel
bv in INJURIOUS results. Wheeling was benencIal ioF
functional dyspepsia. constipation. govt ana dA-
bctes.
heartily applaulcd concluded as follows EXPERT
,tdr,ts - ono Of the most excellent forms oi exer-
else for maintaining health. riardng disease ana
girenRthening the constitution. ana j. also a peas
ant recreatlpn FOR the mind and In many fneAnS 81
disease. when used cautiously under medical s'C"t
vision. It VIII often be found OF inesuhAp'e a"-
vantage >, o,,.,..u
The paper was dis 'ussei 10y Drs. y d RockWel,
: - Powell William Polk. II. Knapp. Frank y an
Feet : : Burt and II Holbrook several 81 whh on
are wne.lfnen. and a.. Of whom r"gardei rlllns
under prop-r restrictions heithfu ana d"sif.D.e
President Rosa. IN answer 10 a question sIlt'
am not 4 h.ryc.i-i. bui am an alnlret OF d.
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