The record-union., 1895-05-01
THE BICYCLE.


Its Uses and Abuses-Facts From a
Noted Doctor.
Bicycling has become national pas
time, and in view of the immense lnfiu-
ence for good or harm which it may
exert, according to its use or abuse, Dir.
&. Nj. HammOnd's recently published
paper on the influence of the bicycle in
health and in disease is of real service and
value to the public. DIR. Hammond set
out to learn whether the bicycle did
harm or good; first in the case OF healthy
persons, and secondly in the case of those
diseased. He found it was good for both
under certain conditions. Each lndlvid.
ual must formulate rules for his own
guidance, and if he cannot for one reason
or another do this, he should consult his
medical adviser, who by studying his
physique, heart measurement and lung
capacity, can judge with accuracy the
amount of exercise which IS most con-
ducive TO healthy physical development.
AS a general rule, however, after tar
amount of experience, the average lndl-
vidual should be quite competent to de-
! terIDine his own capabilities and require
ments. DIR. Hammond Investigated the
cases of fourteen amateurs VINO had rlu-
den the bicycle from 5000 to n 900 miles
each, in from tive to thirteen years.
Their ages ranged from "A TO 45. In every
muscular system we'll developed.
1t is often claimed by those who do not
know that bicycle riding develops the
muscles of the leg at tho expense OF the
rest OF the body. This is not so. On the
contrary, the muscles OF the back, chest,
arms and abdomen are employed great
deal; not to the same extent as the
muscles of the legs. but sufficiently to es-
! tablish bicycle riding as an exercise IN
ducing general development of the
muscular system. Next. as to the Pc
| culiar malformation Of the spine which
| the use Of the bicycle is said to induce.
70 got at the truth of this vexed ques-
| ton, DIR. Hammond examined carefully
fourteen professional riders vino had rid
| den further and faster than almost any
| one else-all men celebrated in the racing
world There was excessive develop
ment of the muscles of the thighs and
! abdomen, but no deiormity of the spinal
column. Excessive work OH the wheel
! is, for the average man, extremely lnJu-
| dlcious, and parents and physician s
should use their authority TO prevent
! young lads, many OF whom consider
! themselves the coming champions of the
world, from injuring their health and
| undermining their constitutions by over
| eXerti0n.
! Riding great distances at rapid speed is
| an abuse of the wheel which cannot be
too severely condemned. In the excite
inent of century runs" where hum
dred miles have to be covered in limited
number Of hours, riders are apt to exceed
their strength. and even for shorter dis
tances they may ride at such speed as to
return home thoroughly exhausted.
This is injurious, and If continued it may
| be seriously so. Persons suffering from
cardiac affection should not ride a wheel
unless advised to do so 10y physician.
Where exercise is advisable in heart af-
feclions. there is no better way OF obtain
ing it than by the Wheel By slow and
gentle exercise the heart may be greatly
/ strengthened. What has been said OF
cardiac cases applies equally to pulmo-
nary ailments. The bicycle, used inoder-
ately, is an admirable cure for nerves"
/ and it's value in gout and diabetes has
been demonstrated. After an exhaustive
investigation of the subject, DR.. Ham
mond concludes that bicycle riding for a
healthy individual is one of the most ex-
cellent forms of exercise for maintaining
! health, retarding disease and strengthen
| ing the constitution, and it is also pleas
ant recreation for the mind; and that in
many forms Of disease, when used cau-
tiously and under medical supervision, it
will be found of inestimable benefit.