HORSE-BACK RIDING. 93 



which excellent results could be obtained. To this 

 he gave the name of Organoplastique-hygiene. 



It consists in so controlling the nutritive function, 

 by means of suitably arranged alimentation and ex- 

 ercise, as to correct a faulty or vicious organic con- 

 dition, and thus replace a crumbling ruin by a sub- 

 stantial edifice. 



As an example of the results procured by this sys- 

 tem, we may instance the training of horses for 

 racing, or of men for the ring or rowing. While I 

 cannot admit that hygiene possesses a generic power 

 sufficient to change the constitution of a man, I still 

 believe that it is capable of converting a diseased 

 condition into a healthy one, and of effecting this In 

 a person in whom disease has already manifested 

 itself, provided, of course, that no Important organ be 

 too deeply involved. The indications for treatment 

 in this state or tendency are plain : to introduce into 

 the body materials from which fibrine to make the 

 tissues and blood discs to carry oxygen can be 

 readily made. In order to do this, two conditions 

 must be fulfilled : 1st. To select food suitable in 

 quality and properly prepared, and, 2d. To cause the 

 organs whose duty it is to elaborate and assimilate 

 the ingesta to perform their functions In a more per- 

 fect manner than they are doing under the influence 

 of the morbid condition. 



Physical exercise, without doubt, is one of the best 

 means of intensifying the organic acts. Under the 



