New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-28
"FVOLOGY."

A brief suggestion which was made by DR..
Addison Ballard in a letter to The Tribune the
other day has aroused some attention and de-
serves more. 1t was to the effect that in some
college or university there should be under
taken the systematic study Of the science OF
the prolOngation OF human life, under what
might be called a "Char Of .EvolOgy." To
some this may have seemed impracticabla, Wis
ionary, even fantastic. But such judgment
was not wise. Surely there is nothing of more
practical value than that which tends TO con-
serve and to increase mans most priced pos
sessions and surely there are few things which
men prize more than life. All that a man
hath will he give for his life" Amid our
studies TO gain distinction and power and
wealth and pleasure. then, what can be more
fitting than to study that to which these are
mere ministers and upon which they all de-
pend? We study biology in the hope of learning
the secret Of life's origin; and we study psychol
ogy to learn all we can about the spiritual mani
festations OF life and, If possible to get some
glimpse OF life beyond the veil which men call
death. Why not with comparable earnest
ness and system, study the art of making as
long as possible the space between the cradle
and the grave?
DR.. Ballard suggested in his letter some OF
urally, it would include at least some portion Of
biology and OF psychology. Physiology and by
giene and both private and public sanitation
would likewise be included Air, food and
drink and methods of taking them would be
considered. together with sleeping, exercising
and all the physical functions and activities
But the science Of "svOlOgy' would 90 further
than these 1t would institute research into
the influence Of mind over matter, into the
effect of mental upon bodily conditions. 1t
would study the relationship Of cheerfulness
cOntentment and happiness to longevity, and
the connection between serenity and health and
between mental distress and physical disease.
Thus the various pretensions Of mental heal
ing, Christian science" and the impressive
phenomena of Oriental occultism would become
subjects OF authoritative and discriminatory in
vestigation.
We shall not be rash as to venture any
estimate of the results of such study and re-
search. But II can scarcely be disputed that
such a sphere OF investigation would be both
legitimate and promising. 1t has been bluntly
remarked that we should be far better off II
we took as much care in and devoted as much
study to the propagation Of the human race as
we do 10 the raising of thoroughbred horses and
cattle. We may add that we might also be bet
ter of IT, in addition TO research into biogenesis
and all possible attention to therapeutics and
surgery and what not we gave more systematic
and scientific attention 10 the general caring
for and culture OF and prolongntion OF life after
Il has had its genesis and before II IS COM
PEELED. II ever TO intrust itself TO the hands OF
the physician and surgeon. There are many
ways in which educational foundations might
be-and have been-estabshed that are far
less practical and far less promising for the
welfare Of humanity than that suggested BY
DIR. Ballard-a chair OF avology" for the study
Of 'the science Of the prolongation OF human
life"