

NERVE IMPULSES AND REFLEX AC1TON 323 



ber, and it will be found the next day that almost nothing is 

 retained of that which was studied the night before, so that 

 the hard work was of no value. The bad habit of cramming 

 should be particularly avoided. To accomplish the most in 

 the way of learning, one should do a proper amount of work 

 regularly each day. If this is done, it will be found that 

 when the time comes for examinations, cramming will not be 

 necessary. The poorest way to prepare for an examination 

 is to sit up late the night before, vainly trying to crowd into a 

 tired brain the information which should have been previously 

 acquired. Too long continued attention given to one sub- 

 ject is also a mistake. A change of occupation is sometimes 

 just as much of a rest as to stop work entirely. To work 

 with the muscles is a rest from study, and reading is a rest 

 from muscular work; to study algebra is also a rest from the 

 study of language, although both of these require brain 

 work. 



The condition of the body is largely modified by the con- 

 dition of the mind. We know, for example, that one's 

 emotions affect the beating of the heart. Worry and anxiety 

 are matters which have their origin in the mind; but their 

 actual effect may take very unfortunate forms; e. g. loss of 

 appetite, inability to sleep, super-sensitiveness, lack of in- 

 terest in things in general. These and many other of our little 

 ills are made worse by continually thinking of them. On 

 the other hand, health is augmented by cheerfulness and 

 mental buoyancy. Muscular fatigue, or even headache and 

 toothache often disappear before a game of tennis or baseball, 

 or during an evening of music. Digestive juices are more 

 readily secreted when one is in good spirits, than when one 

 is nervous or worrying. All of these things show that the 

 mind has a decided effect upon the condition and general 

 health of the body, a fact which imposes upon one the 

 possibility and duty of cheerfulness, not only because of the 

 advantage to himself but for the sake of others. 



