The morning times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1897, 1896-08-09
Physicians Give Opinions As
to the Hygienic Effect
on Women.

us the use OF the bicycle conducive to
beaith?''
This question was asked by Times re-
porte RS or anumber OF the leading physicians
OF Washington. With the exception OF
one all those seen agreed that the temper
ate use of the wheel Is i great factor in
promoting the public health, and that
not only are the good effects To be seen
now, but the next generation will be great
ly benefited by the present popularity OF
the pastime.
The physician who opposed the wheel
would not. allow his maine TO be used, but
he is an old man, and when pressed for
i reason or his opposition to the pastime
1t was found that he had none. Below will
be found theopinionsor six hysicians, whose
professional sta ndine gives their views
weight, and their conclusions have been
rendered after careful study OF the
effects which they have observed IL
patients who have taken up bicycling:
DIR. w. W. JoHNSTON-''I do not think
that the custom OF bicycling has been in
existence long enough to form very definite
opinions as to the effect upon the health
or men and women. SO far bav no reason
To think that il is injurious except to those
who are very feeble or who have organic
disease OF the heart. Opinions are chang
is much smaller than formerly. In time
INV own opinion may be changed by eX-
perience and may be less favorable than
IL is now. 1t is not wise TO condemn the
sport hastily. and general condemna-
ton at the present time must he "A hasty
one.
Il have seen no had results excep- al
course, from fails. Bicycling liz especially
beneficial III that ii aiI,iIs i,,i,-.ion H.
many people who would not otherwise
exercise. one feature OF the pastime II
that it has the effect or di>tTactiDg TIN
mind from the ordinary affairs Of life.
ANY exercise associated with p&asurabl,
emotions is doubiy beneficial. Unlike tIt
gymnasium. where man goes through
movements for the purpose Of developing
his mU scles, bicycling affords all tht
beneficial effects of the former, while IL.
mind is not intent upon the exercise"
DIR WALLACE JOHNsoN-"ID modera-
ton. bicycling is decidedly beneficial TO
most women. The wheel dan be used to
excess, perhaps, more easily than some
other sports Oh account OF the fascination
there is about it.. AS moons OF getting
people out OF doors and receiving the
benefits of fresh air, il is TIE best thing
yet 10 the shape of a fad The only IN
furious effects attributable to the wheel
are from excess, which can he said of any
form OF exercise, and Is not 10 the detrimcDt
of the wheel. II
Tine German medical societies have In
vesugated the subject Recently and one
learned doctor, TO whom the matter was
given for Investigations, came to the con-
clusion that bicycling was, In It's effects,
quite similar TO mountain climbing. In
this connection he worked. out the effects
upon the heart. and as mountain climbing
4. a. rl,...s
In certain forms of heart disease II ma y he
deducei from the decision that bicycling
Is beneficial In various kinds of heart
trouble
II recommend wheeling as an exercise
particularly for people employed in sedan
tary pursuits; but in all cases ride in
moderation" --r- $780,
DR. n. S. LINCOLN-"The bicycle may
no doubt be used to excess. but when ridden
In moderation it Is a great factor In pro-
noting health. When the machine is
properly selected and adapted TO the in
dividual wheeling Is one of the best forms
OF exercise known. l see evidence OF great
benefit derived from the use of the wheel.
In great many diseases its use is at
tended with good effects. 1t will i'm
prove the health of those suffering from in
digestion, loss OF appetite. and insomnia.
Many forms of female troubles are cured
~ the use of the bicycle, and recommend
wheeling as an exercise for women es-
pecially.
In certain forms of heart trouble it
is highly beneficial. Temporary Is
turbaDces are sometimes brought about by
a badly adjusted machine, but i have
never seen case in which moderate
bicycling has wrought other than good
results
DR.. JAMES bicycling IS emf