280 GENERA I- CONSIDERATIONS 



in 47; in 1811, 1 in 50; and in 1821, it was no more 

 than 1 in 58. 



894. In large cities, the diminution of mortality is still 

 more remarkable. In London, 80 years ago, the annual 

 mortality was 1 in 20 ; it is now 1 in 40. In France, 

 according to recent accounts, the annual mortality in the 

 kingdom is 1 in 40 ; in Austria, 1 in 38 ; in Russia, 1 in 

 41; and in the United States of America, 1 in 40. In 

 the city of Paris it is 1 in 32, whereas, in the same city 

 in 1781, it was 1 in 25. 



895. From all these statements, it is clear, that as 

 knowledge increases in the world, the average life of man 

 is protracted. 



PRECAUTIONS WITH RESPECT TO YOUTH. 



896. Predisposition to Consumption. The most im- 

 portant time of life to persons who, by hereditary predis- 

 position, or otherwise, seem especially liable to diseases of 

 the lungs, is from the age of 14 to 20. At this period the 

 system is under rapid growth, but wants that consolida- 

 tion and bodily strength which will enable it to undergo 

 much fatigue, either of body or mind. In most young 

 people, the transition from adolescence to maturity is so 

 rapid that for several years all the animal powers are 

 tasked to enable nutrition to keep pace with the growth, 

 and a corresponding debility of both body and mind is 

 often observed to co-exist, indicating, in the clearest man- 

 ner, the necessity of a temporary remission from such 

 studies, and occupations, as require much exertion, or 

 confinement, especially within doors. 



897. During this period, the development, and health 

 of the physical system, ought to be the chief matter of 

 concern, after which, the system having acquired power 

 and solidity, the mind, from being nearly torpid, will be- 

 come active, and fit for exertion. 



898. Indeed it is not uncommon at this period for pa- 

 rents to despond with respect to the mental prospects of 

 their children, owing entirely to physical causes; but 

 when the system has acquired its proper consolidation, it 

 is seen that the mind becomes energetic in proportion, 



