Our Bodies 335 



daily valuable in developing the muscles of the upper part of the 

 body, while bicycle riding, dancing, and walking have more effect 

 on the muscles of the lower part. 



Physical Culture. Physical culture is a term used by some 

 to mean systematic exercise of the muscular system, or some of 

 its parts, for the correction of physical defects, for the preserva- 

 tion of health, and for the acquirement of right motor habits. 

 This meaning makes physical results the chief or sole purpose. 

 By others the term is used in a broader sense and, according to 

 their point of view, includes not only the physical results of these 

 activities but also their influence for good on the mind and the 

 character as well as on the body. 



With this broader interpretation it will be seen at once that 

 the purpose of physical culture involves more than the athletic 

 ideal and more than the hygienic ideal. Interpreted according 

 to this definition, it involves the education of the whole man, 

 morally and mentally as well as physically. Properly carried on, 

 it means that all shall benefit by physical culture, and not that 

 a few shall be prepared to engage in contests of a spectacular 

 nature, where rivalry and the desire for victory often lead men to 

 overtax their powers, and sometimes to win by means not alto- 

 gether honorable. 



Effect of Alcoholic Drink on Muscular Tissue. Muscular 

 tissue forms over forty per cent of the weight of an average man. 

 Muscles derive their energy from the chemical union of oxygen 

 and food which are carried to them by the circulation of the 

 blood in their tissues. The efficiency of the muscles in doing their 

 work depends upon the amount of energy stored in the tissues, 

 and upon the nerves which carry to them the impulses to act. 

 The nerves and the muscles work together. How are they af- 

 fected by the use of alcoholic drink? Doctor Parkes of the 

 British army made an interesting experiment bearing on this 

 topic. 



Two groups of soldiers living under the same conditions and 

 having the same kind of food were assigned work of a like nature. 

 One group was allowed a full ration of beer. The other group 

 was allowed no alcoholic drink. After a few days it was found 



