Dr. Bother gill on Longevity. 373 
and debauchery, compatible with health and 
longevity. The duties and occupations of life, 
will not, indeed, permit the generality of man¬ 
kind to live by rule, and fubjeCt themfelves to 
a precife regimen. Fortunately, this is not 
neceffary: for, the divine Architect, has, with 
infinite wifdom, rendered the human frame fo 
ductile, as to admit of a very confiderable 
latitude of health ; yet this has its bounds, which 
none can long tranfgrefs with impunity. For, 
if old Farr , notwithftanding fome exceffes, 
and irregularities, arrived at fo aftonifhing an 
age, yet we have reafon to fuppofe, that thefe 
were far from being habitual; and may alfo 
conclude, that had it not been for thefe abufes, 
his life might have been ftill confiderably pro- 
traded. 
On the whole, though forne few exceptions 
may occur, to what has been already advanced, 
yet, it will be found, in general, that all extremes 
are unfriendly to health and longevity. Excef- 
(ive heat enervates the body; extreme cold 
renders it torpid : fioth and inactivity clog 
the neceffary movements of the machine; in- 
ceffant labour foon wears it out. On the other 
hand, a temperate climate, moderate exercife, 
pure country air, and find temperance, together 
with a prudent regulation of the paffions, will 
prove the molt efficacious means of protracting 
life to its utmoft limits. Now, if any of thefe 
B b 3 require 
