140 



HITCHCOCK'S ANATOMY 



274. — 2. Muscles need Rest —The muscles also need rest. 

 That is, after work they need repose to restore the energies 

 which they have expended, and if the amount of rest which 

 they receive is not sufficient to recruit the strength, they will 

 soon become small and weak ; for the lymphatics are so stimu- 

 lated that the amount of matter removed exceeds what is de- 

 posited. But sleep is the grand restorative after severe mus- 

 cular exertion ; this alone gives back to the muscle its life 

 and strength. 



275. — 3. Muscles should Rest gradually after Violent 

 Exercise. — Experience, however, shows that when the mus- 

 cular system has been exercised vigorously it should not be 

 allowed perfect rest at once, but by degrees. Such a course 

 would save many an ache and stiff joint to the hard-working 

 farmer and mechanic, and especially to the one who labors 

 till the body is in a state of perspiration. 



276. — 4. Muscles require Regular Exercise. — Labor or 

 exercise that is regular and uniform is much the most conducive 

 to health. The muscles will endure a much greater amount 

 of effort if made steadily, rather than spasmodically. Regu- 

 larity of action is important in every function, but in none 

 more evidently so than the muscles. 



277. — 5. Especial want of Exercise by Students and 

 Sedentary People. — "We see that students and other seden- 

 tary persons are in special need of physical exercise, and 

 should consider it a moral duty to secure it, for it stimulates 

 every organ to a healthy action. The blood flows more 

 readily, and more completely fills all the minute vessels ; the 

 glands of the skin act more vigorously ; the lymphatics and 

 nutritive vessels perform their part more perfectly ; and even 

 the nervous system is kept in a healthy state by exercise. It 

 is best, however, to get exercise if possible with some other 



274. For what do the muscles of hard-working men need rest, and especially sleep ? 

 275. Is it always best to gain rest at once, or gradually ? 276. What kind of labor or ex- 

 ercise is most conducive to health? 277. Why do students and sedentary people stand 

 greatly in need of muscular exertion ? Is mere drudge work the best exercise ? 



