354 



HITCHCOCK'S ANATOMY 



the attractive and fascinating objects of study which they 

 offer, they divert the mind from the ordinary cares and trou- 

 bles of life, and also exert a healthful moral influence. To 

 literary and professional men, as well as many of business 

 engagements, such a source of recreation and improvement is 

 of very great importance, since often they are not interested 

 in many of the recreations and pleasures which divert the 

 great mass of society, and also because new thoughts and 

 means of illustration may be gained from them. 



647. The Brain must be worked Philosophically, not 

 Spasmodically. — 6. The brain and nervous system will per- 

 form more labor, if wwked philosophically, than if worked 

 spasmodically. That is, mental and corporeal labor performed 

 regularly and steadily, and only up to the ordinary power of 

 the brain and nerves to sustain, will not wear away the ner- 

 vous system to such an extent as if it be performed by over- 

 working for a few days and then lying idle. 



648. Value of Mental Abstraction— 7. As a general fact 

 the mind acting through the brain can not successfully work in 

 the midst of noise and external attractions. But by practice 

 many can engage in deep study and intense thought, even in 

 the company of those who are talking, laughing, singing, or 

 in the midst of any noise. This is a valuable acquisition and 

 one that should be sought after by every one, since all of us 

 are liable to be thrown into such circumstances, that we 

 must work, think, and transact business in noise and confu- 

 sion. 



649. The best Time for Study. — 8. We see from this sub- 

 ject that the best time for study is in the morning, for then the 

 brain is rested, and can with the greatest vigor and alacrity 

 engage in its efforts. But here the fact presents itself, that 

 the morning is the best time for physical exercise, and to 



647. How should the brain and nervous system be worked ? 64S. What is said of the 

 value of mental abstraction ? 649. What is the best time for study ? 



