ATHLETIC exercises; 73 



In order to empty the stomach previously to entering on 

 this particular regimen, the ancients appear to have prefer- commendng 

 red the use of emetics to that of purgatives. Vomiting was the course, 

 produced by tickling the fauces V>vith the finger, or by 

 means of a feather, which was occasionally dipped in a so- 

 lution of aloes. Stimulating glystcrs were occasionally ad- 

 ministered, and one of these modes of evacuating the sto- 

 mach or intestines was practised whenever the appetite 

 appeared to flag. 



Sexual intercourse was strictly prohibited ; and during -^^ sexual 

 the night plates of lead were worn on the loins, with a view intercoursci 

 to prevent venereal inclinations. 



In order to exercise their patience, and accustom them 

 to bear pain without flinching, they were occasionally flog- 

 ged on the back, with the branches of a kinji of rhododend- 

 ron, till the blood flowed pretty plentifully. By diminishing 

 the quantity of the circulating fluid, this rough kind of cup- 

 ping was also considered as salutary, in obviiiting.the ten- 

 dency to plethora, to which they were peculiarly liable. 



To be exercised in a pure salubrious air was deemed of 

 essential importance. The principal schools of the Roman Salubrious alr^ 

 AihUtce were accordingly established at Capua an^ Ravenna, 

 places, the air of which was reckoned the most pure and 

 healthy of any in Italy. They carried on their exercises in 

 ihe open air, in all sorts of weather, the changes of which 

 soon ceaed to affect them. 



You will probably agree with me in remarking a consider- 

 able degree of conformity between the ancient and the mo- 

 dern practice of training, in the kinds of food and drink 

 preferred, in exercise, and in constant e'xposure to pure and The ancients 



free air; the last point I should consider as beins; of essen- ^^"'^ ^'^^ ^^^h 

 ,. , . more than tha 



tial importance. moderns. 



The antients appear to have paid more attention to the 

 state of the skin, by their use of the warm halh, and of fric- 

 tion. And the adoptiofi of these means would probably be 

 found useful by our modern practitionets. Nothing is more 

 grateful after exertion, or tends to alleviate fcitigue more 

 than the tepid bath. I should imagine immersion in warm 

 Vol. XV. Sept. 1S05. h wateK 



I 



