An Introductory Course of Modern Gymnastic Exercises (extract)

GYMNASTICS. 1 3 ence of bell, book, and candle, have been enthusiastically patronized in France and Switzerland, and are even forcing their way into England. Nothing earthly is privileged from abuse; and quack­ ery, which is ever ready with its imposing systems, was soon extended to Gymnastics. In the French Modern Encyclopaedia we find it divided into, 1st, Gymnastique civile et industrielle ; 2d, Gymnastique militaire, terrestre et maritime; 3d, Gymnastique medicale; 4th, Gymnastique sceniqueou funambulique ; and each of these divisions subdivided four or five times, as, for example, the 3d is arranged in four parts:—Gymnastique hygienique ou prophylactique, pour conserver une sante robuste; Gymnastique thera- peutique, pour le traitement des maladies ; Gymnas­ tique analeptique, ou des convalescens ; Gymnastique orthopedique. Celle-ci a pour but la guerison des de- formites, &c. &c. No such pretensions are here held out. By Gymnas­ tics are meant merely those preparatory exercises per­ formed with the aid of poles, bars, and triangles. We have nothing to do with their moral and intellectual uses. But their importance, in another point of view, admits of demonstration. They are one with another calculated, if persevered in, to develop every muscle of the trunk, the legs, and the arms, to its utmost extent. They give the student the most perfect command over his whole body. They are thus the best preparatives for the elegant and manly accomplishments of fencing with the small or broadsword, and other active exer­ cises. They afford,in like manner, an excellent school