204 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



We have the strongest testimony from the most 

 eminent physicians in regard to the efficacy of exer- 

 cise in overcoming abnormal sexual desires. Mr. 

 Acton relates the following statement made to him by 

 a gentleman who has become distinguished in his pro- 

 fession : 



'' 'You may be surprised, Mr. Acton,' said he, 'by 

 the statement I am about to make to you, that before 

 my marriage I lived a perfectly continent life. During 

 my university career, my passions were very strong, 

 sometimes almost uncontrollable, but I have the satis- 

 faction of thinking I mastered them; it was, however, 

 by great efforts ; I obliged myself to take violent phys- 

 ical exertion. I was the best oar of my year, and 

 when I felt particularly strong sexual desire, I sallied 

 out to take my exercise. I was victorious always, 

 and I never committed fornication. You see in what 

 vigorous health I am; it was exercise alone that 

 saved me.' " 



Says Carpenter, on the same subject, in a text-book 

 for medical students, ''Try the effect of close mental 

 application to some of those ennobling pursuits to 

 which your profession introduces you, in combination 

 with vigorous bodily exercise, before you assert that 

 the appetite is unrestrainable, and act upon that asser- 

 tion." 



Walking, riding, rowing, and gymnastics are among 

 the best modes of physical exercise for sedentary per- 

 sons; but there is no better form of exercise than out- 

 of-door work. The cultivation of small fruits, flow- 

 ers, and other occupations of like character, really 

 excel all other modes of physical exercise for one who 

 can engage in them with real pleasure. Even though 

 distasteful at first, they may become very attractive 



