EXERCISE OF THE LUNGS. 201 



tions are encouraged, but that a considerable im- 

 pulse is communicated to the bowels, affording a 

 marked contrast to the slight breathing and quies- 

 cent posture of those whose voices never rise above 

 a whisper. 



Reading aloud, public speaking, and lecturing are 

 excellent exercises for developing the lungs and the 

 chest. But, as they require some exertion, they 

 ought to be indulged in with prudence, and with con- 

 stant reference to the constitution and health of the 

 individual. When early resorted to, and steadily 

 persevered in, they are useful in warding off disease 

 and communicating strength to an important func- 

 tion. But when begun suddenly, and carried to ex- 

 cess by persons with weak lungs, they are more 

 directly injurious than almost any other cause. It 

 is not uncommon for young divines to give them- 

 selves up to preaching, without any previous prepa- 

 ration for the effort which it requires, and to expe- 

 rience, in consequence, pains in the chest, spitting 

 of blood, and other dangerous forms of disease, 

 which often extinguish their brightest prospects in 

 the morning of life. Sacrifices of this kind are the 

 more to be lamented, because it is probable, that, 

 by a well-planned system of gradual preparation, 

 many who fall victims might find in their profession 

 even a source of safety. 



The late illustrious Cuvier, as was mentioned at 

 page 135, is considered to have been saved from an 

 early death by his appointment to a professorship 

 leading him to the moderate and regular exercise of 

 his lungs in teaching, a practice which soon re- 

 moved the delicacy of chest to which he was sub- 

 ject, and enabled him to pass uninjured through a 

 long life of active usefulness. Other examples of 

 the same kind might be mentioned. But it is im- 

 portant to observe, that in all of them the exercise 

 was, at all times, accurately proportioned to the ex- 

 isting state of the lungs. Had active disease ex- 



