Evening journal., 1897-06-12
cYcLINo ANp Use AEAkr.
Eng1ish Doctors Idea of the Eject
of the Popular Exercise.

Eugkkfb Doctors Idea OF tne kAuecr
of the Popular Exercise.
DIR. Herschell, an English physician,
has written a book, in which he at
tempts TO show the effect upon the
heart OF overeSertion in bicycle riding.
lie Is much opposed TO racing, and de-
clares that fast riding by children is
dangerous and almost sure TO affect their
henlth later in life.
''rhe cyclists who habitually ride long
distances must now be considerable"
SAYS DR.. Herschell. "The number of
individuals who make a profession of
cycling Is rapidly increasing, particular
ly that class who travel over the coQn-
try attending meetings. These will ay-
eraee two or three races a week for
six months in the year; and as they
are handicapped according TO their for
mel. and previous performances, such
races are usually hotly contested
Among amateurs every large club has
its record for long distances against
time
att is an open question whether we
should allow little children TO cycle.
They are all eager 10 do so, as they
see their elders crazed upon the sub
feet, and the cycle manufacturers are
fostering the idea by placing on the
fsnrket diminutive wheels. OF course,
cycling for short distances with low
gear and frequent rests can do child
no manner Of harm. But. TO insure this,
constant supervision is necessary. My
experience is that when boy learns
cycling he does not confne himself TO
what would be harmless TO him, but is
even more inclined TO do IL than grown
up people. When out with n party
he will OF necessity have 10 keep up
with his elders. and when alone be tries
80 break records. The average boy has
very lofty ideals in the way of ath-
letics. / read in the cycling papers
qlite recently Of little boy who, at
the mature age of four. has taken to
the path. What effect viii the continu-
ous high pressure in the arteries Of this
infant have upon the development Of
his circulatory system? Time only will
show. We have at present no data upon
which to form an opinion, as 1t is prob
ably the first time in the history OF
the world that the problem has been
presented 20 ms. and that anything like
cycling has become n factor in the evo-
lntion, development and growth of our
ihlldren. When we allow a child to
ide long distances upon a cycle we are
,arrying out n physiological expert
ment which, although possibly of in
terest from a scientific standpoint, must
be utterly unjustifable.
The amount of disease which will
be produced by cycling in the near flu
ture rests with that large body of fam
lily physicians whom am addressing
in this essay. They must Insist upor
making a thorough examination OF tho
heart OF every patient over middle ag'
Who maybe taking up cycling.
Having made such an examination
the practitioner win be in n position
to allow the patient 20 cycle withou
restraint. or 90 put an absolute vet
upon this form of exercise, or TO la.
down rules for its safe indulgence; AM
10 prescribe the daily amount. the pace
and other details which may enable tn
patient 20 use the cycle not only wit
impunity but even with advantage. o.
his part every intending cyelist viii
be well advised II he consult his med
cal adviser and be thoroughly over
hauled before commencing to learn
Chicago Times-11erald.
ID