The Code of Health and Longevity

90 APPENDIX. propofcd to thofe who profefs the art of training pugilifts^ wreftlers, and runners of foot-races, by fuch intelligent men as have the opportunity of converfing with them. 1. By what criterions or tefts, they judge of the muf- cular ftrength, or wind, or other qualities of thofe who feek to put themfelves under training ? What is the ear- lieft, and what is the latefl age they would attempt to train ? 2 . How they judge of the length of time that may be required for bringing a man into good plight, vigorous health, and free breathing ; and what period of prepara­ tion is ufually required for running a match? 3. What purges they ufe ; and in what fucceffion ; and by what rules do they adminifter them •, and how do they judge of their effeds ? Is the purging only prepara­ tory, or is it regularly continued ? Is it meant, by this procefs, to reduce the plethoric ftate of the fyftem, (on the idea that there is too great a quantity of blood), or is it fimply defigued to put the bowels in the moft favour­ able condition, for eafy and good digcftion ? Is the redu­ cing the adlualfize of the belly, neceffary to more free and perfeft breathing *. 4. Is the diet rich or fimple ; of animal food, or of ve­ getable ; in great quantity or fparing ; is it increafed gra­ dually, or diminifhed gradually ? What meals have they in the day ; and at what hours ; one or more j frequent feeding, infmall and fixed portions, or full and fubftan- tial * The effeifb of taking up a running horfe from idlenefs and foft pafture, to hard food and regular exercife, isattended with this peculiar effecS, that while the animalbecomeslank, lleek andglolTy,while he gets firein his eye, and a new vigour in his limbs, and wind and fpeed, his belly, (fwollea with coaife indigeftible food, eaten in great profufion), is drawninto half its fize. May we not then prefume from this analogy, that the ftate of the belly has a tetnaikable effedt upon the wind ?