BONES, MUSCLES, EXERCISE, AND BEST. 309 



paratus. The slow and measured step of the funeral proces- 

 sion, and the light "elastic step in the merry dance, are both 

 equally indicative of the energies of the muscles. There is 

 as certain a difference between the power of muscular con- 

 traction in the dancer and in the mourner, as there is between 

 the buoyant spirit of the one and the oppressed spirit of the 

 other. In one, the heart is joyous, the brain is active, and 

 the motion quick and easy ; -while in the other, the heart is 

 sad, the brain is heavy, and the movements are slow and 

 wearisome. 



714. All alcoholic liquors stimulate the muscular ener- 

 gies temporarily. A man under the influence of these can 

 make greater exertions, and for a short time accomplish more 

 work. But this increased power, like the effect of passion, 

 is of very short duration. While stimulated by excitement, 

 a man may strike heavier and quicker blows ; but then the 

 unnatural labors soon weary and exhaust him. All his ex- 

 cessive exertions make a draft upon his permanent constitu- 

 tional power, and leave him weaker than they find him ; and 

 he who habituates himself to depend upon the stimulus of 

 spirit to give him strength for labor, like all others that 

 overwork, wears himself out early, and brings on the infirmi- 

 ties of age before the natural time. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



Attitudes. Spine supported by Muscles equally on both Sides. 

 Spine very strong. Porters. Pedlers carry Burdens on Head, 

 and Spine erect. Centre of Gravity over Line of Support. Head 

 so carried. This Attitude easiest and most graceful. 



715. The attitudes assumed in exercise or labor are of great 

 importance. The structure of the spine, and the arrangement 

 of the muscles which support it, give this column its greatest 

 strength and flexibility when it is held erect. The spine 

 curves from back to front, and from front to back ; yet these 

 curves are so balanced that the upper end of the column, the 



