302 On Chronic Debilitg 



fied with this, I tried^notherkind, which I thought pre- 

 ferable. Take four fiat irons, (sometimes called sad irons. } 

 Tie them in pairs face to face with strong cords. A piece 

 of stout brown paper should be put between, to prevent 

 their slipping, and made to extend over the corners, to 

 prevent their cutting the cord. Then take one pair in 

 each hand, by either handle. 'Let the body be entirely 

 erect, and the arms hang aside the body as before. Sud- 

 denly elevate the irons as high above the head as can be 

 done conveniently, keeping the arms pretty firmly ex- 

 tended the v/hole time ; immediately bring them down 

 again, and carry them as far beliind the body as ease of 

 motion will admit. Repeat the process till weary. This 

 not only exercises the arm.s and shoulders briskly, but 

 also the chest and whole body, and it will be well to ele- 

 vate the feet each time. It may be repeated often during 

 the day. Care should be taken when it is first attempted, 

 not to push it too far, as it will occasion lameness in the 

 shoulders. It had this effect upon myself, and on a 

 friend of mine, whom I persuaded to give it a trial. — - 

 But after ten or twelve days I was able to pursue it to a 

 considerable extent without inconvenience. I nov/ daily 

 resort to it, as a part of my habitual exercise, and find 

 srreat advantaare resultins" from it. It has an excellent 

 effect on my chest, and Mill, I am persuaded, cure me of 

 tremor of the hands, by the strength which it will commu- 

 nicate to the arms and body. The longer 1 continue to 

 make trial of it, the higher is nriy opinion of its efficacy. 

 Instead of four fiat irons, two v/eighing about ten pounds 

 each, would be preferable, or two wooden blocks made 

 of heavy wood, and shaped tike the head of a beetle, with 

 suitable handles, might perhaps answer as good substi- 

 tutes. I would also recommend the swinging of a 56 lb. 

 weight, in the following manner : With both hands grasp 

 iirmly the handle, previously covered with cloth, or paper, 

 place the feet from eighteen to twenty-four inches apart: 

 swing it forvv^ards and backwards. Some other species 

 of house exercise seems to be necessary for females, es- 

 pecially for those v/ho labour under Chronic Debility of 

 the Stomach. Women in this part of the United States, 

 though their daily employments are sometimes sufiicient- 



