828 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



plunging into a rapid gallop, and seeing a large void space open- 

 ing out in front of him, will never fail, as the saying is, " to do 

 himself up." The mere rapidity of his motions gives him vertigo ; 

 he loses sight of danger ; and when an obstacle suddenly rises 

 against him, if he does not jump over it, he breaks himself against 

 it. So, all rapid movements deprive us of complete possession of 

 ourselves ; we go on, we follow our impulse. It may be a foolish 

 one ; so much the better. Go on ! up ! quicker ! What is such 

 behavior but sheer intoxication ? 



To the physical pleasure of motion is added a moral and 

 emotional pleasure. In like manner as it helps us to escape from 

 physical suffering, muscular activity may serve as a remedy for 

 disappointments, for moral pains. We weep and struggle when 

 we have a great grief, as well as when we are suffering from a 

 physical wound. The most afflicted man forgets his trouble while 

 he is performing a vigorous exercise. Byron had his boxing- 

 gloves brought to him, and went through his accustomed practice 

 with a servant, while his mother was being buried ; but the serv- 

 ant felt that his touch was stronger than usual, and all at once 

 he threw down his gloves and fled to his room. Who has not felt 

 the necessity of what is called throwing off his grief ? When we 

 remain quiet our mind is, as it were, bent back upon itself, and all 

 the pains that can affect us are augmented, as it were, by the very 

 attention which we give them. In action we forget ourselves, 

 directing our thought to the attainment of the purpose upon 

 which we are fixed. 



Physical exercises also give us positive mental pleasures, the 

 chief among which is the satisfaction of our self-love. When I 

 execute any movement, or devote myself to an exercise, I try to 

 get as much as possible out of it. I want particularly to acquit 

 myself better than any one else, and have a feeling of pride when 

 I have succeeded. This leads to a real increase of ardor, and a 

 luxury of physical activity. Observe youth who are indulging 

 themselves in any sport together ; is not emulation the essential 

 principle of their activity, which enables them to expend all they 

 have of available energy ? Tell a child to run as long as he can ; 

 he will stop in a short time, out of breath. Give him rivals, and 

 the fear of being left behind will prevent his feeling fatigue and 

 provide him with unaccustomed nervous resources, and he will 

 go till his strength is exhausted. It is a recognized rule with all 

 couriers, gymnasts, canoeists, etc., that one should not train him- 

 self alone in exercises of speed ; there should be at least two, to 

 excite one another by competition. Some persons have tried to 

 show that the pleasure of play 'is disinterested. They are speak- 

 ing without knowledge. When we are playing, we are entirely 

 occupied with the result of our activity. We may not be very 



