INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 9 



beyond belief. The aggregate length of human life would be 

 much increased ; pupils would study more, but not so hard ; 

 teachers would teach more, and with less exhaustion ; farmers, 

 mechanics, merchants, professional men, and men of science 

 would achieve and enjoy greater results than no\v. This would 

 be better than adding so much to our population ; for while 

 all good results would be correspondingly increased, the ex- 

 penses would be diminished. Many of the same laws, also, 

 not being restricted to man, but equally applicable to animals, 

 (indeed, in the single item of properly providing for cattle, in 

 the State of New York alone, the economy may not be stated, 

 as it would appear incredible,) there is an additional reason for 

 the study. 



Let every teacher, and all others interested in the educa- 

 tion of children, give due heed and full weight to the argu- 

 ments adduced: 



That health can be improved and preserved ; 



That the body is one of the tools every one must use in any 

 avocation or enjoyment, and, for perfect use, must be understood 

 and kept in perfect condition ; 



That Hygiene, properly pursued, induces correct methods 

 and habits of thought ; 



That Hygiene is a great economist. 



Thoughts and arguments like these, which should induce 

 each pupil to study and each teacher to teach this subject, have 

 influenced the author to write this work. True, many books, and 

 good ones too, have preceded this. Nearly thirty years ago 

 Dr. Charles A. Lee, the pioneer in this good work, produced a 

 text-book which at this day ranks as one of the best. The 

 names of a score who have written since might be worthily 

 mentioned, for every one has exhibited much merit, and some 

 least known, the most. 



But the study is not yet as universal, not yet as attractive, as 

 is desirable ; and whoever can, or thinks he can, should add his 

 mite to the best of efforts. 

 1* 



