The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-05
<<0 ER1ATRlcS: the diseases OF old age
IT and their treatment is the title OF
~ an Interesting new work by DR.. I. L.

<r@ ER1ATRlCS: the diseases OF old age
r and their treatment is the title OF
an interesting new work by Dr. l. Il
Nascher the we'll known New York physician.
The book is published by P. Blakiston's Son
& Co. Philadelphia.
The unfamiliar term "geriatrics" Is derived
from the two Greek words "geron," meaning
-old man. and "iatrikos, meaning medical
treatment" 1t is, in fact. the science of cur
ing and keeping in check the diseases that
sMlct old age 1t is science which has re-
ceived comparatively little attention, for the
ordinary course is to look upon the diseases
OF old age sent by benefcent providence
old age, for this is the country of the young
and the tendency is to regard old people as an
improbable burden on the community.
No American work the subject of senile
diseases has appeared in thirty years. The
subject has received more attention in Europe
where the celebrated Professor Metchnikoff
has devoted his life to studying the influence
OF putrefactive conditions in the large intestine
In producing senility.
There excellent arguments In favor OF
giving more attention than we do to the dis
eases of old age in addition TO The religious,
moral and humanitarian reasons Tor such
cause. From the practical point of view, by
combating old age We reduce the very
siderable burden that now falls society and
private persons from the of the aged. We
should benefit greatly by prolongpg the period
of active and productive maturity in the most
useful members OF society.
DIR. NaScher has analysed and classified the
diseases and symptoms OF old age in very
thorough and useful manner. He summarizes
the treatment employed in standard practise
for the conditions mentioned and outlines
many new and promising methods
All the cells OF the body except those of the
lrain are different in the old person from the
corresponding cells Of the same person in youth.
In the constant waste and repair of tissue the
newer cells differ from the earlier ones. The
only connecting link between the child organ.
ism and the senile organization is the brain. as
1t is believed that brain cells do not regenerate
themselves. There is still the same per-
sonality. modified by intelligence education and
the acquisition and suppression OF traits. Con-
dnVity Of activity is maintained by retention OF
sentence III the original cells instead of by
transmission from generation To generation OF
cells in other tissues.
In the majority of normal persons there is a
distinct point at which old age sets in. 1t is
marked by shrinking of the whole frame. 1t
occurs commonly between the Si1tieth and
SEVENTEEN years
very valuable point made by Dr. Nascher
is that mental stimulation Is the most import
ant measure in the hygiene of the aged. Any.
thing which will tend to make the senescent
take an interest in life hey ond their own
little ego will benefit them. The psychic in.
huence OF hattery is potent in arousing
ambition than drugs or reasoning 1t will
arouse renewed pride in appearance which is
usually lost when ambition Is lost In the con-
temptation OF death in the near future
Just as long this pride in appearance is
maintained. so will the individual follow will
lnsly the hygienic rules necessary for his wei
iaTe' even though it requires some eXerton and
euoTl 10 carry them out. Mental activity
arouses physical activity and creates vigor il
Inc organism l. still i'll the condition to respond
Inc most powerful OF the mental stimulants are
cnange OF scene and residence change in the
mooe or living. young wife or husband dis.
cusslon upon some familiar favorte subject or
a hobby. -
The joke about the halu heads in the theatre
~nete here are pretty chorus girls has a
psychological basis Mental activity is aroused