464 [Assembly 



So with their food and drink, their exercise, personal cleanliness, 

 and all other things pertaining to health and longevity; when once 

 instructed in the principles which should be observed with regard to 

 them, how great would be the difference in the habits of life. If it 

 is admitted that many of the improprieties of life are due to an igno- 

 rance of its laws, then a knowledge of those laws would cause a 

 diminution of the improprieties. 



And I submit, whether a more powerful aid of temperance can bfe 

 found, than instilling into the youthful mind a knowledge of the 

 structure and functions of his system, and the poisonous results of 

 alchohol upon them. 



The general introduction of this subject as a branch of school 

 learning, would, I hesitate not to say, have a greater meliorating in- 

 fluence upon the human condition, than any other. Already has it 

 been introduced into many private schools, and given delight to both 

 teachers and pupils. The abundance of material, and the facilities 

 for its illustration, put it on a par with chemistry and natural philo- 

 sophy, in attractive interest, while foi' real usefulness to the concerns 

 of life, it is far in advance of astronomy, and many other studies, 

 now generally taught, and for which it might be advantageously 

 substituted, should any change be necessary. The operations of a 

 living machine must necessarily possess a degree of interest to the 

 student observer beyond those of inanimate bodies, and when once 

 the study of the animal machine is divested of its ancient and unna- 

 tural feelings of superstition, and of its exclusive and unnecessary 

 confinement to the physician, (which I think are rapidly disappear- 

 ing,) it will be found to yield a degree of entertainment, as well as 

 usefulness, unsurpassed. 



Now where are the advantages of this study most needed? among 

 what classes of the community are its precepts and laws, its vital and 

 saving influences, its checks and guards against disease and danger, 

 most required? Is it among those who live in high-ceiled rooms, 

 who have plenty of time and means to go abroad and seek fresh air 

 in the country, who can afford to live on the choicest delicacies, and 

 dress in the most comfortable manner^ who have no fear of want, and 

 are not compelled to study the most economical mode of living? or 

 to seek out, from a very limited field, the best they can do for them- 

 selves? No! indeed, such need comparatively little aid. They may 

 turn night into day, and dissipate their time and strength in de- 



