144 HUMAN LONGEVITY. 



Individual temperament is partly concerned in producing 

 this weariness of protracted life ; but other causes also come 

 into operation to which we have not space to advert. There 

 is one fact, however, which we may briefly notice, inasmuch 

 as it seems a providential dispensation to the latter stages of 

 existence; and we do so by borrowing a few lines, which 

 succinctly express the circumstance to which we allude. 



No previous reason or feeling, no judgment of vigorous health, 

 can afford a right estimate of the relation the mind assumes to death 

 in the latter hours of life, even where little impairment of its facul- 

 ties has occurred. This is especially true where long and painful 

 sickness has been the prelude to the event. But the exhaustion 

 even from acute pain of short continuance alters this relation ; and 

 even without sickness or suffering of any kind, the mere diminution 

 of vital power by general decay produces the same effect. The 

 earnestness to live abates, as the possession of life, from whatever 

 cause, is gradually withdrawn.* 



This, we think, will be recognised as true by those who 

 have been observant of these things ; and witnessed the 

 changes which gradually supervene on the feelings, as the 

 physical conditions of vitality abate in power, and action 

 subsides into repose. We willingly close our observations at 

 this point. If unable to assent to the doctrine of M. Flou- 

 rens that a century is the natural term of human longevity, 

 we thoroughly agree with him that individual habits may be 

 made to contribute much to the healthy prolongation of life ; 

 and we can affirm with assurance that these habits are such 

 as best accord with the happiness, dignity, and higher 

 destinies of our species. 



* Medical Notes and Reflections, ' On the Medical Treatment of Old Age. 1 



