Physical development; or, The laws governing the human system

Front matter

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Introduction

V^NHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT is selected as a y^ title for this work. Almost every article it * contains has some reference to the development of the body, or the laws that govern the human system. For twenty-five years the writer has published a large number of articles in journals, magazines, and in pamphlet form. These papers have been of a practical character and had reference to some improvement or reform in the state of society. At the time of publication several of these papers attracted much attention, and were favorably noticed by the press, both in this country and in Great Britain. They have called forth a large correspondence with the writer, and a demand for several of these papers, from a distance, which still continues.

Some of these papers are out of print, and others are so scattered, or lost sight of, that they can not be found. Questions were discussed in these papers which were somewhat new, and upon which there were differences of opinion, and still other questions which were in advance of the times. It seems desirable that in some form these papers should be

6 INTRODUCTION.

reproduced. Besides, the writer maintains that there are new and important principles in physiology, which were brought before the public, that should be more thoroughly discussed, as well as their various applications pointed out. It is only in this way that the truth can be ascertained, and new principles become settled. In justice to the writer, and with a view to the public benefit, good judges familiar with these papers advise that they be reproduced, in part, or in substance, so as to be made available. Instead of making a compilation or collection of papers, the writer has virtually made a new book, by writing several new papers, by re-writing others, and introducing only the better part of a few long articles.

In submitting this book to the public, two explanations are deemed necessary. First: The frequent use of, and reference to, physiology. This science is not only important and comprehensive, but is a modern science; is comparatively in its infancy, in respect to many of its applications. No estimate can be made of the great advantages in the way of education and human welfare that are yet to be derived from this science. Second: In stating and explaining certain views in the different papers, there is some repetition which, for a correct and full understanding of the subject could not well be avoided. As these principles were new and very important this course seemed justifiable.

Contents, and

Biographical Sketch

Remarks on Early Education .

Education of Girls connected with Growth

Health

True Basis of Education ....

Normal Standard of Physiology

The Law of Longevity ....

Duties of Medical Men ....

Sanitary Science: Its History, and its Relation to

Medicine and the Medical Profession Prevention of Crime ....

Changes in New England Population Hereditary Influences .

The New England Family .

Prevention of Insanity Vital Statistics .

The Law of Human Increase Heredity, a Source of Pauperism Improvement in Domestic Animals Physical Degeneracy .

3 1 45 49 57 61 76

Contents

The Human Body: its Relations to Civilization

Intermarriage of Relatives

College Sports

Mental Philosophy : its Connection with Medicine Normal Standard for Motherhood

238 241 262 266 292