4o 4 POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



exercise a self-respecting care that their physical attractiveness may 

 never exert the influence which in duty bound it should. The possessor 

 of beauty is, to quote the immortal Bunthorne, ' a trustee ' with responsi- 

 bilities definite and grave. To ignore these, to suffer them to fall 

 into neglect, is a misdemeanor in young or old. 



Beauty may be marred by factors both psychic and physical. 

 Physical deteriorations are of wide variety, some preventable and others 

 inevitable. Where disease steps in it should be philosophically en- 

 dured, but only up to a certain point, because even here apparent 

 destiny need not be accepted as final. Disease is sin, hence prevent- 

 able in great measure and remediable in a large degree. The greatest 

 peril is from listlessness, self-indulgence or indifference, or, worst of all, 

 from unwise meddlesome advice. 



Can beauty then be increased by effort? Yes, and to a conspicuous 

 degree. Can good looks be retained as age advances to, or beyond, 

 middle life? Decidedly much can be done, even for those who in 

 earlier years had little or none, and be made to remain with one till 

 death. This is practicable, too, by the expenditure of only a moderate 

 degree of time and pertinacity. The sine qua non, however, is a 

 sincere and zealous desire for results. No tepid willingness will 

 suffice. The arrogant woman or man who condescendingly submits 

 to such measures as shall be outlined here, but fails to supplement 

 them by earnest cooperation, should use time and strength otherwise. 

 There must be an investment of hours and energy, and above all of 

 intelligence. Along with this must be assumed a submission to some 

 slight bodily discomforts, at least at first; by and by the means em- 

 ployed become a positive and unfailing source of pleasure and comfort 

 and there soon arises an increased and sustained capacity for enjoy- 

 ment and usefulness. 



It is possible only to speak in general terms in so brief an article 

 and to enunciate merely fundamental principles. These can be 

 amplified in proportion to the wisdom and vigilance of each. They 

 are best first taught in outline by experts and later can be systematized 

 and pursued alone. The line of action should involve a clear notion of 

 bodily hygiene, food, rest, sleep, bathings, care of the skin, teeth, hair, 

 outings, clothing, etc. Every one may think he or she knows enough 

 about each and all of these points, but will find that there is yet much 

 to be learned if the subject is approached with an open mind. A 

 great deal that is currently accepted on physical fitness is wofully 

 archaic, and yet ample knowledge exists for those who search diligently. 

 Recognized authorities are too often palpably ignorant in some impor- 

 tant quarter, and all the dicta of teachers should be critically weighed 

 in the light of advancing physiology, and only their tenets accepted 

 if genuinely sound. 



