Inactivity, its consequences, &c.

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very little known ; whereas the indolent and inactive are very sel-dom free from them.

Weak nerves are the constant companions of inactivity. Nothingbut exercise and open air can brace and strengthen the nerves, orprevent the endless train of diseases which proceed from a relaxedstate of these organs. We seldom hear the active or laborious com-plain of nervous diseases ; these are reserved for the sons of easeand affluence. Many have been completely cured of these disor-ders by being reduced, from a state of opulence, to labour for theirdaily bread. This plainly points out the sources from whencenervous diseases flow, and the means by which they may be pre-vented.

It is absolutely impossible to enjoy health where the perspirationis not duly carried on ; but that can never be the case where ex-ercise is neglected. When the matter which ought to be thrownoflf by perspiration is retained in the body, it vitiates the humours,and occasions the gout, fevers, rheumatisms, &.c. Exercise alonewould prevent many of those diseases which cannot be cured, andwould remove others where medicine proves ineffectual.

A late author,* in his excellent treatise on health, says, that theweak and valetudinary ought to make exercise a part of their re-ligion. We would recommend this, not only to the weak and vale-tudinary, but to all whose business does not oblige them to takesufficient exercise, as sedentary artificers,/- shopkeepers, studiouspersons, &,c. Such ought to use exercise as regularly as they takefood. This might generally be done without any interruption tobusiness or real loss of time.

No piece of indolence hurts the health more than the moderncustom of lying a-bed too long in the morning. This is the gene-ral practice in great towns. The inhabitants of cities seldom risebefore eight or nine o'clock ; but the morning is undoubtedly thebest time for exercise, while the stomach is empty, and the bodyrefreshed with sleep. Besides, the morning-air braces andstrengthens the nerves, and, in some measure, answers the purposeof a cold bath. Let any one who has been accustomed to lie a-bedtill eight or nine o'clock, rise by six or seven, spend a couple ofhours in walking, riding, or any active diversion without doors, andhe will find his spirits cheerful and serene through the day, his ap-petite keen, and his body braced and strengthened. Custom soonrenders early rising agreeable, and nothing contributes more tothe preservation of health.

The inactive are continually complaining of pains of the stomach,

* Cheyne.

t Sedentary occupations ought chiefly to be followed by women. They bear con-finement much better than men, and are fitter for every kind of business which does notrequire much strength. It is ridiculous enough to see a lusty fellow making pins,needles, or watch-wheals, while many of the laborious parts of husbandry are carriedon by the other sex. The fact is, we want men for laborious employments, while onehalf of the other sex are reidered useless for want of occupations suited to their strength,&c. Were girls bred to mechanical employments, we should not see such numbersof them prostitute themselves for bread, nor find such a want of men for the importantpurposes of navigation, agriculture, &.c. An eminent silk manufacturer told me, that hofound women answer better for that business than men ; and that he had lately taken agreat many girls apprentices as silk-weavers. I hope his example will be followed bymany others.

H