126 On Scientific Physical Training 
fanatic advocacy of such systems of gymnastics, which aim 
only at brute muscular development.’* 
If space permits I will try to show some of these move- 
ments with resistance with these three guardsmen, that you 
may see how unnecessary it is to introduce what is now 
supposed to be requisite, the use of dumb-bells and clubs 
into the army. Government, as a rule, prefer things that 
are not expensive ; and if it is proved that the introduction 
of these exercises will save expense in the way of apparatus 
and dress, then I have some hope that the system will be 
adopted. 
Advantages of free exerceises are— 
a. That the movements, being very simple, are easily 
understood and easily executed. 
b. Much time is saved, because they can be executed 
simultaneously by many persons. 
c. The expense for apparatus and machines is saved, and 
the dresses less spoiled. 
@d. The free movements can be executed in any place, 
in the open air, as well as in-doors; for instance, in schools, 
barracks, in the open field, in the camp, and in the 
bivouack. | | 
e. As every motion of a free exercise is to be executed 
exactly, and as many persons are simultaneously at work, 
they must accustom themselves to a certain attention and 
precision, by which means the sense of order is developed, 
and the attention sharpened. 
J. The free exercises produce an agreeable feeling in all 
the movements of the body, and develope better than the 
exercises on gymnastic apparatus, a good posture, and an 
appropriate appearance and deportment of ordinary life. 
There is an erroneous opinion prevalent that free exer- 
cises are suitable only for youths, and not for adults. As 
long as gymnastics are not made a part of education 
generally, the free exercises are useful also to adults, 
“ For further information regarding these exercises, I must 
refer you to the following works on this subject :— 
1. ‘* The Gymnastic Free Exercises of Ling, according to the 
system of Ling,” arranged by Major Rothstein, translated, with 
some additions, by Dr. Roth. 
2. ‘Elementary Exercises or Movements according to the Sys- 
tem of Ling.” 
Sheet Tables of a few Gymnastic Exercises.—M. R. 
