THE MUSCLES 41 



be greatly our superior in strength. When we consider that in 

 those days only very strong men could endure the hardships of 

 soldier-life, it is fair to suppose that our age has not so greatly 

 degenerated in respect to physical strength. 



16. Importance of Exercise. Action is the law of the living 

 body. Every organ demands use to preserve it in full vigor, 

 and to obtain from it its best services. The value of that 

 training of the mind, which we call education, is everywhere 

 recognized. The child is early put to school, and for many 

 years continues to study, in order that his brain, which is the 

 great centre of mental power, may act healthfully and power- 

 fully. It is important that the muscles, also, should receive 

 their education by exercise. This is true, not only in respect 

 to children, but also of adults whose occupation confines them 

 within doors, and requires chiefly brain-work. 



17. Persons who are engaged in manual labor in the open 

 air obtain all the exercise necessary for bodily health in their 

 regular business : their need is more likely to be a discipline 

 or exercise of the mind. A perfect business of life, therefore, 

 would be one which would combine both physical and mental 

 labor in their proper proportions. If such a business were 

 possible for all the human race, life would thereby be vastly 

 prolonged. Such, in fact, is to a large extent the occupation 

 pertaining to one period of life childhood. One part of the 

 time is given to study, and another to muscular education by 

 means of games and sports. The restlessness and playfulness 

 of children is not only natural but beneficial. 



18. The Effects of Exercise. Exercise consists in a well- 

 regulated use of the voluntary muscular system. The effects, 

 however, are not limited to the parts used. Other organs, 

 which are not under the control of the will, are indirectly 

 influenced by it. The heart beats more rapidly, the skin acts 

 more freely, the temperature rises, the brain is invigorated, 



16. Action ? Use of organs ? Training of the mind ? The child's brain ? Education 

 of the body ? 



17. Work in the open air ? A perfect business ? The consequence of universal perfect 

 business ? Occupation of children ? 



18. In what does exercise consist ? Effects of it ? 



