The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1901-01-02
Discuss Old Age Recipe.


longevity that is engaging the attcn-
tion Of the medical circles of Chicago.
The theory is that such a course, fol-
lowed regularly once a year, will give
nature chance to make those repairs
in the nervous and physical systems
that are rendered necessary by the
constant waste of energy in the frame
of the ordinary citizen. The solitary
confinement rest cure, it is asserted
will countcract this waste, and give
the average ran from eighty to nine
ty years or more Of life. instead Of tile
allotted three score and ten.
The idea has an English source,
discussion Of the theory now being
general in the London medical world.
DIR. William Playfair has rest cure
sanitarium, where he rreScribcs from
five to six weeks in bed rs Il means Of
countcractng the effects Of the modern
strenuous life. This solitary conGnc-
mcnt idea, it is asserted. has become
quite Il fad, not only among the p.o-
fcssional men Of the metropolis, but
among the laity.
Among Chicago physicians opinions
differ as to whether the idea is a good
one to be observed and followed by
every one. Whether it is but a varla-
tion of the simple crest cure" idea, or
whether tho SOLITARY confinement"
feature differentiatcs it from the form
cr, is question that is also raised, To-
cal physicians being equally divided
on the subject.
II agree" said DR.. John T.. Owens,
chief Of the medical board of St.
Lukc's Hospital, that two to four
weeks rest once year would have
beneficial effect on harrasscd and
worried nervous system, and would un-
doubtcdly induce longer period Of
life in the individual undergoing it. |
cannot agree, however, that the rule
is good one for every body, nor can
consent that the solitary confnc-
mcnt' feature is or could be proved q
good one. Solitary confinement, apart
FROM every one, with the exception, it
is granted, Of an attendant, would to
the average man be unbcarablc"
y collateral theory Of the London
idea is that many men subject them
selves to wocful waste of energy by
exercise. 1t is contcndcd that mental
and bodily energy arc SO closely rcla-
ted that when the man who does con
siderable brain work takes long walk
or'6thcr form of exercise, he, instead
Of rccupcrating, draws further upon
his vital resources.
SIN this, said DR.. w. \. Evans,
pathologist Of the College Of Physi-
clans and Surgeons, yesterday, "thcro
can be no general truth. 1t is true
that some men are so exhausted by ar
duous and continued brain work that
physical exercise Immediately follow
ing cessation from such labor would
work actual harm. 1t is but infre-
quently, however, that such conditions
prevail. AS q rule, long WALL or
other exercise in the open air after
mental or nervous strain leaves such
good feeling that Isis absurd to believe
such exercise is not of benefit"
"a moderate degree of rest un-
doubtedly would benefit any co."
said DR.. Harold N. Meyer, "but
think it would make the average man
sick to lay in bed three weeks. un-
derstand DR.. Playfair gives his pa
tients massage treatment while they
are undergoing tho rest cure, and this
would have q tendency to counteract
the restlessness that I believe would
come to the average man from cnforc-
ed confinement.
"Thc idea is practically the rest
cure theory" said Christina p. For
sythc, "only the rest cure does not en-
: force solitary confinement, nor does it
advocate the idea as prescription for
people apparently in good health.
The solitary confinement feature is
new one. Whether it is really n solu-
tion Of the secret Of longevity or not
/ could not attempt TO advance an
opinion upon, even from my cxpc.i-
ence."
Solitary confinement in bed for
short period each year might prove
The secret Of longevity said DR..
Sanger Brown, ''but it would take
some years trial to demonstrate it.
Personally, do not think it would
prove good rule for every one to fol-
low. People of nervous dispositions
could not stand it. The accompany
:s Il L. J.