The Indianapolis journal., 1899-08-06
MENTAL ADHESlONS.

Long keeping OF joint in one position
produces anchylosis, which makes motion
impossible. A much shorter time OF fixed
ness causes adhesions of the ligaments in
the joint and along the flexors and ex-
tensors. which make motion difficult and
painful. Surgeons always enjoin great care
to keep a joint active If possible and patients
often submit to very painful manipulations
TO restore lost motion.
1t Is not good for the mind to remain very
long in one posture. To be sure, habit is
a mighty aid in all departments of living.
1t is only with trained muscles that we
safely descend stairways. kindle fires or
handle cutlery. 1t is with trained minds
that we make and execute plans for a days
work To be sure, the force of habit is
sometimes inconvenient, when one woman
draws on overshoes just before leaping from
a burning deck into the sea: and another
gives her maiden name to the shopman after
she has changed 1t: but these are trifles, as
when ones foot is asleep" But the mental
adhesion is serious matter and should be
prevented corrected lest it lead to some
thing very hard TO overcome.
1t is not wise to allow ones thoughts TO
dwell continuously upon one task-the daily
skirmish with dirt: the thrice daily burnt
offering on the family shrine; the constant
effort to make both ends meet and lap over;
the care of the sick; the poignant pangs of
a bereavement-ail are potent causes of the
mind adhesions which easily lead to
aDchylosis. What motion is 10 the joint, rest
and diversion are TO the mind. Men bear
sorrow, care, anxiety, better than women
do because they are compelled to set their
thoughts TO many tasks, making continually
new groups OF the existing conditions.
The simplest movement serves TO save
joint; and very simple expedients serve a
similar purpose for the mind. Merely shift
ing the furniture in the living room or max
ing several rooms exchange functions. as the
sitting room and the parlor. the guest cham
ber and the family sleeping room breaks
Up half-recognized habit OF the mind and
supplies a novelty to the hum-drum life.
Look out of the window, remembering that
the smallest patch of sky in sight is entirely
outside of this weary old earth and lies on
the road to the furthermost borders OF the
universe Take your opera glass. to bring
distant objects near. Scan the features of
the passers-by. watch the spsrrows In the
trees. lighting. wooing. building homes. CIV
| ing coming-out parties"-their world is al
| most as distinct from yours as If 1t were
separated from 1t by miles OF ether. Bring
the neighbors' houses right up close to yours
| so brotherly and big. Look at the clouds
| that dip 30 near that you may almost feel
their balmy breath upon your face. The
| glass Is an Aladdin TO summon all pleasant
things that may be seen to come and cheer
you unobtrusively.
Then turn the glass and look through the
larger lens. Step out on the lawn and sec
| how far away your own house has receded.
| carrying with 1t all your tasks and cares.
See what an estate you have. a smooth
| green park stretching away so far. The
street trees are mile away. the birds are
| flying specks. Look down the street. how
| can the horses hoofs make so much noise
while still so far away? The very clouds
seem 10 float in some other sky. Or. take
a magnifying glass. so down on your knees
and watch the ants In the crevices OF your