322 Human Physiology. 



of form ; when the texture of the skin is finest, the circulation 

 most vigorous, the blood most pure, we have the glow and 

 charm of the finest complexion. Beauty is therefore more than 

 a sign of health ; it is its expression ; and perfect beauty can 

 only come of perfect health. Partial beauty, fading beauty, 

 decaying beauty there may be, with partial, fading, decaying 

 health ; but it is unsatisfactory and painful. The artist and 

 poet imagine beauty glowing with health, and cannot separate 

 these ideals. No painter or sculptor would represent a Venus, 

 a Diana, a Hebe, other than as in the perfection of health, and 

 therefore beautiful and glowing with life. 



" A picture of health." What is this picture ? A form of 

 perfect proportion and symmetry; skin smooth, clean, semi- 

 transparent, with the red blood shining through, especially in 

 the cheeks and ends of the fingers and toes ; hair glossy and 

 lively, or full of life ; eyes clear, bright, full of expression, and 

 dancing with life ; lips rosy, full, pouting, and smiling ; teeth 

 sound, even, and of a pearly white; breath sweet as the breath 

 of a healthy cow ; the body free from any disagreeable odour, 

 and, where health is perfect, giving out a pleasant perfume; 

 activity of body, with a love of exercise and work ; activity of 

 mind ; courage, hope, cheerfulness, mirthfulness, buoyant 

 spirits, and a happy disposition ; enjoyment of life, and con- 

 stant desire and efforts to promote the happiness of others. 

 This is a picture of health, which comes only from the orderly, 

 regular, and perfect performance of all the functions of life. 

 This is the state at which we should all aim to make the most 

 of the great gift of life for ourselves and others. 



Health is the energy of life in harmonious action. It is, in 

 the human being, the perfect combination of bodily organisa- 

 tion, intellectual energy, and moral power, all in harmony with 

 each other. The brain and nerves must be as perfectly 

 organised, and as finely proportioned, as the bony and muscu- 

 lar systems. There must be a symmetrical head as well as a 



