The Code of Health and Longevity

ON ATHLETIC EXERCISES. 87 thefe, that he regulates the pulfe ; iby ftimulating or foothing them, that he raifes or depreffes the vital ac­ tions ; and it is matter of common obfervation, that in animals, a good fkin is the criterion of health, and the dryness of the (kin, the forming of fcahs or eruptions upon it, and the clapping of hair, (as it is called by thofe who have the care of flocks), are the firft and fureft ligns of approaching difeafe. Next to the free circulation of the blood, through all the body, terminating in the furface, that of the free tranfit of the blood through the lungs, is eiTential to health. The oxidation or chemical change produced by air upon the blood, is effential to its vital properties. A free and powerful refpiration is mofl effential to a frelh colour of the face, to lively fpirits, and cheerful feelings, and to the healthy and vigorous adlions of the body^ " It " ismy breathing hour of the day," fays Hamlet to Ofric. It is a princely thing to fet apart hours for cx- ercifes; and there is little doubt, that if all thofe who linger away their hours in luxurious and indolent relaxa- tions, were to affign a regular portion of their time, to the hardy and manly exercifes of walking, riding, fencing, &c. and would take t/jeir breathing hour^ they would breathe long and well. Thefe refledtions naturally arife upon confidering the almoft incredible perfection, to which thofe whofe pro- fefllon it is to train men to athletic exercifes, have brought their refpedlive arts. By certainprocefles they improve the j breath, the llrength, and the courage of thofe they take in hand, fo as to enable them to run thirty, or walk a hun­ dredmiles, in a given fpace of time ; to excel in wreftling ; or to challenge a profefled boxer. Would it not then be a moft important addition to the fa£ls we already know f 4 concerning