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Nathan Allen
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PHYSICAL CULTURE
AMILE RST COL LEG E
NATHA.V ALLKX, M. 1) .
PREPARED BY THE REQUEST OF THE TRUSTEES.
LOWELL. MASS :
STONI: A: iirs K, HOOK IM.MNTKKS.
ISiV.t.
PHYSICAL (TUTUI-; IN AMIIKKST roLLKiiM.*
Amherst College is very much indehted for the estah-
lishllient of the department of Phvsieal ('ulture to the deep
interest and personal lahors of its President. At his inau-
guration in l( s -il. several pa^es of his discourse were occu-
pied in showing 1 the important relations that exist hetween
the mind and the hedv ; that hoth should alwa\'s he
exercised in harmony with each other, and thai no course
of education was complete without devoting special attention
to secure a ^ood development and healthy state of the
physical system. In his first report tothe Trustee- in i. s ~>~i.
upon the condition of the Institution, he sa vs. no one thin u 1
J has demanded more of mv anxious attention than I In' Innl/li
I
a/ l//r .s'/Vr/r/i'/.v. The Wailing of the physical energies 111 the
(.TI midwav o! the ('ol'e^e course is almost the rule rather than
the exception amoiii:' us. and cases oi eoni[ilete hreakilig
down are painfully numerous."
And in his repoi t for U V "HI. he savs. "the lireak-
- in- 1 do\vn of the health of the students, especially in the
i-pruiL:' o|' the year, which is exceedingly eoimnon. in\'ol\-
HIL:' the ni'cessit \ - of leaving college in many instances.
and crippliii ( u' the energies and destroying the prospects of
'cessai v.
lire ill' Hir I ,\ l,|]|;,-il|lll."
i tlir annual tih-i'liiu nl' ilu 1 l;.>aril. .hi , ... i,. i" .'.
if proper measures could be adopted to prevent it." He
.suggested that some lectures upon the subject should be
obtained from distinguished medical gentlemen, and accord-
ingly Dr. Morrill Wyman. of Cambridge, was employed,
who. in the spring of 1857, gave two lectures before the
students upon the laws of health.
In President Stearns' Report to the Trustees for 18o9,
the health of the students again constituted a prominent
topic. Fie says. " time and experience have convinced me
of an imperious demand, in the circumstances of an academic
life, for immediate and efiicient action on this subject :
many of our students come from farms, mechanic shops, and
other active occupations, to the hard study and sedentary
habits of college. Physical exercise is neglected, the laws
of health are violated, the protests and exhortations of
instructors and other friends are unheeded. The once active
student soon becomes physically indolent, his mental pow-
ers become dulled, his movements and appearance indicate
physical deterioration; he makes occasionally spasmodic
efforts to reg;iin his former elasticity by exercise, but bv
finding discomfort more than advantage from it. he eschews
exertion and becomes more inert than ever.
15v the time the Junior year is reached, many .-indents
have broken down their health, and every year some lives
are sacrificed. Physical training is not the onlv means of
preventing this result, but it, is among the most prominent
of them. If it could be regularly conducted. if a mod-
erate amount of physical exercise could lie secured as a
general thing to every student dailv. I have a deep convic-
tion, founded on clo><> observation and experience, that not
only \\oitld lives and health be preser\ed. but animation and
cheerfulness, and a higher order of efficient >tudv and intel-
al life would be secured. It will be for the con>jdera-
this Board, whether, (or the encouragement of this
exercise, the tune has not come, when efficient
measures should he taken for the erection of a Gymnasium,
and the procuring of its proper appointments. It is a settled
conviction, in mv own mind, that oiih hv a certain amount
of regular exercise, together with attention to other laws of
health, can that list lessness and dullness and inefficienc v
which is so hostile to u'ood scholarship and so common
anion^ students, he overcome.' 1
In concluding his remarks the President stated, that
two of the most promising students in the Senior class had
just deceased, whose deaths had pl'ohahlv heeil occasioned
hv violating the laws of health in college: and other stu-
dents were fast hreakinv; do\vn their constitutions, and
paving the wa\" to follow them. The statement of these
facts had at the time an impressive effect, and served to favor
immediate action in the matter. The Tru-teos chose a com-
mittee, consisting of the President. Dr. X. Allen. II. Kd-
wards. Ks<|.. and Col. A. II. Uullock. to take the suhject into
consideration, who reported at once, that it was expedient to
erect a suitahle hiiildiiiu' for a (J vmiiasium : and. provided a
certain amount could he raised hv suhscription. ihev recom-
mended that an eijiia amount he appropriated for that pur-
pose fioiu the treasur\ (if the Corporation. This report was
accepted hv the ]>oard. and a committee was appointed,
consisting of lion. .1. 15. Woods. Prof. \V. S. Clark. ll<.n. S.
\\ illiston and the President, with full powers to collect fund-.
procure plans, select a location for the huiidiuLi'. and to make
contracts for jl,c erection and completion of the same. In
ohtaiiniiu' snhscript ions, and as a memher of the huildm^
committee. Prof. \\.S.CIark.\\ith his accustoineil ener^v.
performed efficient and successful service.
'I IM place selected for the site of the hiuldlllLi' was ea.-t
of the drove, and diroctlv north of Ka-l ('olle-e. It was
huilt of Pelham granite. t\\'o stories hinli- lifl\' hv se\ent\'-
t\\'o ted ; and though tin- committee exceeded their iilst
plan iii the -i/.o of the huildin-. still, if twciitx feet more
G
hud been added to its length, the edifice would huve been
better proportioned and uflbrdod more ample aceommoda-
tions. It is verv desirable that this addition sliall yet be
made, us the \vaiits of this department render it neressuiy.
I pun the completion of the building, the name of " Barrett
Gymnasium " was given in it. from Dr. Benjamin Barrett, of
Northampton, who had contributed liberally towards its
erection. Since thai time, this same gentleman has put in.
at his own expense, u gallery a f the west end of the hail,
and also paid a part of the annual expenses, for repairs, im-
provements, ^'c.. ^'e. It is now hoped that some generous-
minded individual may he found who will liberally endow
this professorship of Hygiene and Physical Education,
thereby placing it upon an independent foundation.
As this department was new. and from its peculiar
character might, encounter more difficulties than usual, on
uccoiint of which its teucher might desire advice and counsel.
it was thought best bv the Trustees to have a (Gymnasium
Committee. Pre-ideni Stearns. Drs. K. Alden and X. Allen
were therefore appointed such committee in iMil) and iMll.
Since that time, the Pi'esideiit and Dr. Allen have served
evorv year, with the addition to the committee in dillereni
veurs of l)r. Benjamin Barrett. Kev. \\"illiam P. Pain-'. 1>. I).,
and Kev. L Sabin. I), i).
In hi- Annual Ueport for ISi'.O. the President s iid.
one <ij the pi'oiiiini'iit subjects requiring attention at the
present meeting of this lizard i- the ( Jymnusium. 'I lie
llnildniLi ('ommitlee \\ill reporl it.- cost, and the measures
taken bv them lo -ecill'e its erectidii : also wh;it \\iil be
nei'ded i'nr it- apparatus and oilier appouil men! .-. 1 he
Kaciihv are .if ihe opinion ih.-it it- exercises shouid he cim-
dilcted 111 -oiue -llch m.ililiel' ;i- ihe loilowillii' : 1 -t -
main oh]ect shall he not to secure feats of ability and
strength, or even powerful llllis:de. hut to keep ill good health
the whole body. 'Jd--That all the students, (unless there
should lie exceptional cases) shall he required to attend on
its exercise- for half an hour, de-ignated for the purpose at
least four das sin the week. -Id That the instructor shall
assign to each indi\idual such exercises as may he best
adapted to him. taking special care to prevent the ambitious
from violent action and all extremes, endeavoring to work
the whole body and not over-Work any part of it. 1th That
whih- ii may not he expedient to mark the gradation of
attainment a- in the intellectual branches, vet le^ularit v.
a 1 1 en i ion and doeilit v -hould be carefully noted so as to ha ve
it- pioper weight in the deportment column of the student's
general position. -it h That some time shall be allowed out
ol study hours for those volunteer exercises which different
men. according to their tastes may elect for recreation, and
particularly that the howling alleys be not given up to
promiscuous use. but be allotted at regular hours to those
who wish to make u-e ol' them. all these voluntary exer-
cise.-, of whatever kind, to be conducted under the supervis-
ion of t he ( i ymnasiiim instructor. iiih 'I hat the building
.-hall always be closed before daik. that m> light shall be
u-eil m it. and no smoking or irregularities o| any kind
shall be allowed in it. 7th That the instructor nf a -mt-
able person s loiild be employed ) oimht to be a member of
the Faculty, and give in to it his mark- and occasional ac-
count-, and receive direction-, as other oflicers of the college
are accustomed to do. It niii-l I hvious." h<- a< d-. " hm
tin- general view, i iat a teacher of very hiuh qualifications
\\iil b:> demanded. \\ ith such a teacher we max be alnio-t
-ure of siicee-- : \\iih an inferior man our failure need noi
be foretold.
" \\ hat we lieei is a professor-hip which shall extend
0\'el' the ell I !l e i 1 e 1 ,a 1 1 1 1 1 e Ii 1 of p]|\ sical edlll " H"!'. I -1 'I lie
officer .should be a skillful gymnast, capable of conducting
his classes, by example as \vell as precept, through all the
exercises which the best training would require them to
perform. 2nd He should have a good medical education,
with sufficient knowledge of disease, if not to manage severe
cases, yet to know whether a student is sick or well, obeying
the laws of health or breaking them. and. as a wise friend,
to caution him. advise him and put him on the track towards
physical vigor, ord -That he should have such knowledge
of elocution as would enable him to teach those movements
of the bodv. lungs and vocal organs which are essential to
graceful and effective oratory. Elocution is properly a
branch of gymnastics, and the highest degree of health, to
say nothing of good manners and good speaking, can hardly
be secured without it or a substitute for it. This officer,
while having charge of gymnastics, would naturally teach
physiology as far as might be necessary for all practical
purposes, including the laws of health and the physical part
of oratory : and as he would be much with the students, and
would be likely to have great influence over them, he ought
to be a man of cultivated tastes and manners. a man of
honorable sentiments and correct principles, having high
aims and a Christian spirit. Such a man. with such a work
as I have mw marked out successfully pursued, would he
an incalculable' advantage to the College and to mankind.
\Ve should not onlv have the honor of being the lir-t in>ti-
tiition in ihe roimtrv which has over sustained such a pre-
fessorship. but we ,-hould probably save to the word a vast
amount of physical and mental power which would other-
wi-o be wasted, and further the great ends of education.
/I'ltit'/l i/i'i' In n/ilhi an ii.
-aine meeting of the Tru.-tees. a lloport was
the Building Committee on the (lymiiasium.
August. IS") '.i. which, with the preceding
>f tin.- I 're.-ident. was carefully considered bv the
Board, and referred to a committee consisting of Dr. X.
Allen. HOY. Dr. Paine and Il.m. S. Williston. The Hoport
of this committee approved the doings of tlio Building Com-
mittee, notwithstanding they liad enlarged the. original plan
of the Gymnasium, and considerably exceeded UK; expenses
first contemplated. It states that the structure first planned
would not have conformed with the other college edifices, and
would in>t have been adequate in si/e and accommodations
to meet all the wants of such a department. It recom-
monded further appropriation to complete the, building, and
to equip it at once with all the necessary apparatus. It also
recommended the following general [dan, which was unani-
mously adopted :
To KSTAI'.LISH A 'Dr-.l'AKTMKNT OF PHYSICAL Cd/ITHE
IN THIS CoLLKiii-;; and that the duties of its Professor
shall he:
1st. To take charge of the Gymnasium, and give
instruction to the students in Gymnastics.
2nd. To take a general oversight of the health of the
students, and to give such instruction on the subject as mav
be deemed expedient, according to the general plan stated
bv the President in his Report, and under the direction of
the Faculty, like all the other studies.
ord. To teach elocution so far as it is connected with
physical training.
4th. He shall give lectures Iroin time to time upon
Hygiene. Physical Culture, and other topic.- pertaining to the
laws of life and health, including some general knowledge
of .Anatomy and Physiology.
~>th. The individual appointed to have charge of this
department shall ho a thoroughly educated physician, and,
like other teacher> and professors, shall he a member of the
College Faculty. It is distinctly understood, that He hiUk
of thf students shall at all times be an object of his special
watch, care and counsel.
The title or name of the Professorship in this depart-
ment having come under consideration by the Board, it was
moved by Dr. Allen, (and the vote unanimously adopted.)
that the stvle of this Professorship shall be " The Professor
of Ilyylem and Physical Education."
It was the intention of the Trustees to incorporate
these exercises into the regular curriculum of college studies,
and make it obligatory upon all students to attend upon
them as much as on instruction in Mathematics or the
classics. It should lie observed, that nearly all Gymnasia
connected with literary institutions, both in Europe and
America, had failed to accomplish the results intended or
expected, because no system of exercises was adopted in
harmony with the laws of the body, nor did the character
given them correspond to their importance, or to require that
dailv regular training, which was accorded to mental acqui-
sitions. In the present instance, instead of leaving the thing
to take care of itself. for students to exercise or not. at
their option or convenience, without any guide, system or
instruction. the Trustees determined at the outset to place
the enterprise in the position which its importance and suc-
cess demanded. To accomplish tin's object, two things were
deemed indispensable: 1st --The living frm-hcr one
thoroughly acquainted with the structure and functions of
the body, with a knowledge of the laws of Hvgionc : and
-dly. this physical training must be made a part of the
regular exercises of the Institution, and must be stamped with
the same importance, authority, rewards and sanctions as
are accorded to the other branches of studv.
With this feature in the history of Physical Culture. as
connected with large litorarv Institutions, Amher.st College.
we believe, take- the lead. In fact, it is the first instance
in the whole history of modern education where the claims
1 1
of the body, its proper development and hoaltliy training,
have been placed upon the same plat Conn, and the same
importance attached to them as to anv other branch of study
or mental acquirement.
(ireat expectations were on-ce raised from the establish-
ment in this eountry of manual labor schools, and some of
them attracted fora time large numbers of scholars, and
enjoyed apparently great prosperity. ]>ut the experiment
proved of shoit duration. 'I hev all failed and were given
up. principally for two reasons: 1st 'I he pocuniarv re-
sults, which were held out as a leading motive, were not
found practically to correspond to the anticipations created
or promises made: and '_Mly. neither the work undertaken
nor the employments pursued were of a character to interest
properly the mind, and thus exert that beneficial influence
upon the health which was desirable. They weie not calcu-
lated to develop harmoniously all parts of the bodv. and
create a pleasurable excitement in the exercise itself. And
it is questionable whether any kind of work or employment
suitable for a large body of young scholars to pursue
together can be found, that will be remunerative, and, at the
same time, productive of health and agreeable excitement.
In this department, at Amherst. we have, in addition to its
physical exercises, the services of a well-educated and skillful
phv.-ieian. who is the appointed supervisor of the health
of the Institution. whose duty it is to forewarn students
collectively and individually of the first symptoms or appear-
ance of disease, and whom they may feel at perfect liberty
to consult in respect to all manner of weaknesses and com-
plaints. Then, besides these physical exercises and the more
public lectures on hvgiene and health, this physician will
have familiar talk.- with students just entering college upon
the character and danger of habits of dissipation generally,
and of private vice in particular, to which vnung men con-
gregated together are p-culiarly exposed.
12
III. ITS HISTORY.
At the meeting of the Board of Trustees, August 6th,
John W. Hooker, M. D.. of New Haven, Ct., was
appointed professor in this department. Dr. Hooker was a
graduate of Yale College, and had spent some years in
Europe in completing his medical education. He had given
special attention to physical training, and. being himself a
skillful gymnast, possessed qualities that eminently fitted
him for starting such an enterprise. But before the close
of the year his health failed, and he resigned his position,
and died in about two years afterwards.
Dr. Hooker, during his short residence here, made an
excellent beginning in this department, by creating much
interest among the students in matters of Hygiene and
Physical Education, as well as in reducing the gymnastic
exercises to regular system and order. On account of the
martial spirit that everywhere prevailed at that time, the
attention and co-operation of students were more readily
secured. The urgent calls of our country for young men to
volunteer as soldiers for the war raging at a distance, and
the music of the " Fife and Drum." heard in almost every
town and village at home, were peculiarly calculated in those
times to inspire, students with a fondness for physical exer-
cises, and military drills. Such was the demand in this
direction, that Col. Luke Lyman. of Northampton, distin-
guished as a drill-master, was employed, in the Spring of
1801. to give instruction and training to students in military
tactics and exercises.
At the annual meeting of the Trustees. August Nth,
1801. Kdward Hitchcock. M. D.. a graduate of the College
and of the Medical School of Harvard I niversitv. bearing
a most-honored name, and possessing manv qualities admir-
ably fitting him for this charge, was appointed professor in
this department. And in his iirst report to the Trustees,
Dr. Hitchcock remarks: ' I am agreeably surprised that
the interest h,-is been kept up during the vear in this depart-
ment, as it certainly has. And I speak from knowledge on
the subject when I say, that there is no more disposition to
evade the duties of this department than there is of any
other exeivise of college. I have always insisted upon order
and obedience to rules. I have had but little dillicultv in
securing them. During a portion of the exeicises. I urge
upon the captains the necessity of introducing plavi'ul exer-
cises, Mich as running in grotesque attitudes, singing college
songs, ^c. Sometimes this mav seem boisterous and undig-
ut it seems desirable to me that a portion of the
should be worked oil' inside the stone walls
of the gymnasium, under the eve of a college officer, rather
than out of doors, rendering night hideous; and in no
instance has the captain found the slightest difliculty in
bringing his men into line at the word of command.''
At the close of the third year, the Professor in his
repoit says : In regard to the success of physical exercises
in the (iymnasium. as at present carried on. I can only reit-
erate what was stated in my report one year ago. and this
is that the plan originally proposed works admirably. '1 he
noveltv passes o|T by the end of the first six months, and
then the students regard the principal exercise in the same
light as they do any other college duties. Ami 1 feel confi-
dent nf the truth of the statement when I say. that a required
exercise in the gymnasium is no more irksome to the students
than is a required dutv in anv of the literary and scientific
departments of college." In Julv. 1S!>4. the Professor says
in his report to the Trustees: '1 he past year's experience
shows that this department is being rapidly established upon
a permanent ami systematic basis." It mav be proper 1o
explain mon- in detail, how and in what wa v these exercises
are conducted from dav to day in th<' ( ! vmiiasium. 'J he
leading design is. that all the muscles of the bodv shall be
14
brought into exercise in harmony with the laws that govern
their natural action, and in a manner to promote the
greatest possible amount of health. It is the practice
of classes to perform some exercises together in concert, and
they generally occupy one half-hour in the forenoon for this
purpose ; sometimes sections of a class will go through cer-
tain exercises, one right alter another, and then again here
and there individuals will be seen trying their agility and
strength upon some parts of the apparatus.
Each class has a unil'oim of its own, and forming
together in a line, in the lower room, marches in regular
order into the upper hall under its respective captain, fre-
quently singing ;l lively song : the roll is then called by the
Professor, absences and deportment marked ; the members
of the class then dividing into sections, and obtaining their
dumb bells. Indian clubs or wands, take their places in the
centra] portions of the hall, where they go through with an
almost endless variety of evolutions, assuming 1 every position
of the legs, arms and liodv possible. It is intended by the
kind and variety of movement to exercise every muscle
of the body in a manner to afford pleasure, not fatigue, and
und'r such circumstances as to keep up an increasing inter-
est to the close of everv performance. These movements
are made sometimes with great rapidity, and at other limes
very slowly, and then again interchanged from one kind to
another, so that thev shall not tire, and are performed appa-
rently with remarkable ease and /est.
A writer in one of the popular newspapers of the dav,
after referring to the regular performances, give-- the tnlh>w-
ing amusing description of these miscellaneous exercises :
'And now." says he. " thev lay down their clubs or dumb
hells and perform a variotv of genuflexions and prostrations
on the floor, with more than Mahommedan /eal. or down on
all-fours, plav at leap-frng. and put themselves in every con-
ceiyable and inconceivable attitude, tdl in spite of them-
selves every m;m is in ;i roar of laughter. Then breaking
up into smaller squads, or every man on his own hook, they
chase each other along the parallel bars and horizontal lad-
ders; run up and down inclined planes; hound over horses
from spring-hoards; turn somersets on springs; mount up
to the roof on a series of parallel spring-bars asifbv magic ;
and by magic come down again unhurt, and when thev have
gone through with all these evolutions and others too numer-
ous to mention, (not all in every half-hour, of course, but
always enough to touch everv muscle in the most hidden
recesses of the frame, and local! forth a gush of life and joy
from the darkest and deepest fountains of the soul.) after
all this apparent medley of confusion, enough to distract
almost as much as it amuses the looker-on, they are brought
up standing at the expiration of the half-hour, like the sing-
ers at the end of our old-fashioned fugue tunes, and sent
away to their meals or to their studies, as the case may be.
with an appetite to relish, and a stomach to digest without
dilliculty or danger classics or mathematics, physics or meta-
physics. beet-steak or roast pig. mince pies or plum-pudding."
(Mi \Vedne.-days and Saturdays, the regular exercises are
omitted, part !v to o'ivo to the ofHcers of classes, as well as indi-
1 < '
viduals. an opportunity to perfect themselves in gymnastics,
but more especially because those days in college are gener-
ally appropriated to miscellaneous duties, and the afternoons
particularly to recreation, reading, work, business. tS:e.
The ijuestion has often been asked, what kind of gym-
nastics is best V This depends mi the object sought. If it
is intended to make acrobats, pugilists, gladiators, or persons
distinguished for physical strength or particular feats of
anility, then it requires long training of certain mu>cles and
di>tinct parts of the bndv. together with groat care in the
kind and quant it v of |i KM!.
Again, if certain parts or organs of the body are weak
or diseased, and the hygienic influences of exercise are sought
IP.
to restore strength and health, in this case, particular muscles
must be exercised in just, such a manner, and to just such an
extent as may be directed by a skillful physician. This is
what has been denominated the movement cure, and has met
with great success, both in Europe and in our own coun-
try.
But in an Institution where a large body of students
require daily exercise, with as little exposure and loss of
time as possible, the lighter gymnastics as here practiced
are undoubtedly best adapted to effect the object intended.
It is surprising what a great number and variety of exercises
are here devised and practiced, amounting in the course of
the year to some five hundred. The design is. that all the
muscles of the body should be exercised in a manner to
equalize best the circulation of the blood. to expand the
lungs. to aid the stomach in the digestion of food. to
strengthen the joints, develop all parts of the bodv in har-
mony with the most efficient action of the brain. Thus not
only agilitv and strength of the limbs are acquired, but the
vital forces of the system fed from their natural sources
of nutrition, absorption and respiration are most abund-
antly supplied. The true course pointed out for phvsical
exercise is. imitate the natural action of the muscles, or. in
other words, follow the laws of nature in bringing the svstem
into tin? higbest state of physical health compatible with
mental exercise. If there is danger of injury from anv
source in this svstem. it \vill arise either from the ton rapid
movements of the muscles, or from excessive exhaustion of
the system. l>oth these extremes should be careful! v watched
and guarded against. In some quarters an attempt has been
made to draw a broad line of distinction between what are
denominated on the one hand/'//'' /////// ////////^/*//r.v. and on the
other I lie licurii. and to create prejudices in the coiniiiuinlv
' ' It' ,
against one class or the other. Such a distinction is entirolv
unnecessary. There is plenty of room for both classes: one
kind may be hotter adapted tu certain purposes than the
other: and again lor other purposes they should go
together.
As an evidence that the public has been greatly inter-
ested in this department, the number of visitors present from
time to tune is a prettv good index. At first no count was
kept ; but from September 1st. I Slid, to the close of the
college year in -Inly. 1807. there were present at these exor-
cises ).tl~)S persons as visitors, and from September. ISO", to
July 1 Uth. I SOS. the number was l.T'-'S. more than one-Court h
ol' whom were ladies; and the average number of visitors
present at each exercise was over ten Cor both vcars.
The newspaper press generally, and the Springfield
Republican in particular, has always manifested great interest:
in this department, speaking oC it in the most commenda-
tory terms. From many such notices we must. Cor the want of
room, make only one ([notation, from a correspondent in
the Congregational Journal of October Liord. 1SO published
at Concord. X. II.: Xo description." .-ays this writer. " of the
gymnastic manoeuvres can give any idea of them : they
are such as call into action every ligament, joint and muscle
of the body, the whole frame. not the least the chest and
the lungs. Xo snail-like movement is tolerated. All their
motions are as quick and regular as those of the well-disci-
plined soldier : they inarch, run. hop. jump ; their legs ami
arms swing back and forth : the dumb iron bell they throw
over head and shoulders with quick regularity; they run up
long ladders with folded hands, their feet doing all the work" :
they >wing. climb, hop. jump from place to place, from pule tu
pole like squirrels, and all done in perfect order, under the
command of company officers.
Xow what is the olfect of those gymnastic exercises mi
the students'.' (Jood and onlv gnod. on Imdv. mind, man-
ners and character. Thev are greatly proinotive of health.
This is evident fn>m the general appearance of the students.
18
Their countenances are ruddy, their persons erect, their step
quick and elastic, their manners easy, their gait gentle-
manly, all their motions indicate healthfullness and cheerful-
ness. Casting my eye over the assembled college on sev-
eral occasions, I was struck with the apparent joyousness of
the students. No sad countenances were visible.
The gymnastic exercises greatly promote the good
order and murals of the students. Their animal spirits \vork
off by the correct movements of ihe gymnasium. They are
indisposed to the unmanly and olten mischievous doings of
students too frequent in our colleges. A citizen of the town
assures me. that the amount of injury done to the college
and other buildings in the village is almost nothing since the
opening of the gymnasium, compared with what it was be-
fore. Xo less advantageous, probably, is the gymnasium to
the )Kcul((l progress of the students. They come from the
gymnastic exercises to their studies with healthful bodies,
clear minds and cheerful spirits. The blues,' those most
formidable enemies of successful study, assail them not.
All is bright and promising, all hopeful. Time will undoubt-
edly show that no one adjunct, no one department of col-
lege, will conduce more to the noble object for which the
Institution was founded, than the Gymnasium."
When the subject was first agitated in respect to intro-
ducing into college gymnastic exercises, there we're various
prejudices and objections to such a course. One of the orig-
inal objections to the establishment of a gymnasium and
it still exists to some extent is the danger of some serious
harm or injurv befalling those engaged in such exercises.
]>ut such accidents very seldom occur in the regular prac-
tice of gymnastics, ll should be remembered, that the more
OIK- exercises in this wav the better command of his limbs
and body lie obtains, and therefore is less likely to meet
with injuries. During the eight years since the establish-
ment of this department there have been quite a number
of bruises and sprains, one broken limb and one dislocated
joint, but no really serious or permanent injury. Consid-
ering the great number and variety of exercises and the
extraordinary exposures in the performance of daring feats,
-that over six hundred students haye taken a part in
these exercises, and most of them, for a time, entirely inex-
perienced, the accidents haye certainly been very few in
number and slight in character. And those that have taken
place occurred generally out of the regular exercises, for
the want of care, or on account of some physical weakness
of the individual injured. It is stated on good authority, that
the accidents arising in ball-playing. practiced only a few
weeks each year. are four times larger than those from
gymnastics.
Another objection to the introduction of such exercises
was drawn from the fact. that, in one sense, all the students
were to be compelled to engage in them the same as in any
other branch of study or general college exercise. This was
something new. It was pretended that the Trustees and
Faculty of the College had no direct control oyer the bodies
of students, and had no business to direct when and how
they should use their limbs. The plan proposed here of
introducing gymnastics and making it compulsory upon all
students to take part in them, was a new and advanced
position in respect to a class of exercises or duties to which
no members of a college or large literary institution in our
country had ever been obliged to conform. It was appre-
hended by some that opposition to this course might be found,
or a question of discipline between the Government of
the Institution and its members might arise upon the ground
of right or propriety of f<>////>ti/x"/'// exercise. I>ut fortu-
nately no trouble or difficulty of this kind or even the shade
of any has ever arisen from such source. The students have
always promptly and cheerfully responded to all demands
made upon them in this direction. It is now the opinion of
the Professor as well as the general sense of the students,
we understand, that they would rather dispense with any
other department or college exercise than that of Hygiene
and Physical Education. To no other task, exercise or duty
connected with college studies and requisitions do students
now more readily repair, or so heartily engage in as those
ol the gymnasium.
But there is one feature in this department that deserves
careful consideration, and which is here introduced bv two
([notations from the annual reports of the Professor to the
Trustees. Tn 18 ()"), he says. - I experience some trouble in
being obliged to giye excuses to new students on account
of direction or request from parents or physicians, nianv of
of whom kim\v nothing of our exercises except that they are
styled " gymnastics." and hence infer that they are of the
severer form of labor, such as formerly were always con-
nected with gymnasia. The students themselves who apply
for these excuses are geneially of the effeminate class, or
the decidedly la/v ones."
In IMiStho Professor says. "I ought to speak upon
one point, for fear that it might seem a weakness in the
system unless fully understood. I am obliged to be more
liberal in granting excuses for absences than are the oHicers
of other departments. Une reason is. because no idea of
rank is attached to excellent and faithful performance at the
gymnasium. Another reason is. our exercises in this depart-
ment wore established for recreation and exercise, so that
extra work, such as wood-sawing, coal-carrying, other extra
labor. &c.. seeiu to be equivalent to an occasional exorcise.
Hence one who is well acquainted with the si/e of a class
might often wonder at the proportion of their numbers pres-
ent at an exercise. I am. however, careful that these excuses
shall be given only occasionally, and that no one student
shall be in the wa v of obtaining excuses as a regular habit."
It 1.-5 possible that there mav sometimes be found a vouii" 1
student possessing a constitutional weakness or nervous
idiosyneracy who should he excused iVoin gvmnastic exer-
cises at the request of his parents or physician : but such
cases will seldom occur; and then instead of being sent to
college, such students should rather lind a home in some
invalid's retreat, or he placed under the inornnenl cure for
treatment.
In respect to the other topic referred to. it is. perhaps,
the weakest point, and the source of u'reatest danger con-
nected with this department. And the more excuses are
granted on such grounds or expedients, the greater is the
danger. Let ;i little choring. or \\ork. or business, or a
walk displace these regular gymnastic exercises to any
groat extent, and it constitutes a verv weak point an
entering wedge, which if constantlv. }>ersistantly and suc-
cessfully applied, would break down this whole department.
In the first place the students themselves, as a body, should
make it a conscientious dutv. and should allow no incidental
work or trilling consideration to interfere with their constant
attendance upon these exercises. An examination of the
table showing the number of absences in the different classes
from these exercises, does not speak well for the higher
classes. that the absences should increase with each class.
so thai those of the Senior class are almost 1 wice as many
as tho>e of the Freshman class.
While the Professor should pursue a most wise and
judicious coiir>e m granting excuses, his general rule in the
matter, if not resembling in fixedness, the laws of ihe .Medes
and Persians, should certainlv partake much of the Roman
character. Something mav be done bv the other teachers
in the Institution to sustain in this respect the Professor of
( ivmnast ics. and to create the right kind of public sentiment
upon this subject : and in our opinion it should be a serious
ipiestion with the Facullv of the ('ollege why improvement
or excellence iii performance here should not count in rank
22
or attainment as well as in an}' other branch of study. If
punctuality and deportment are favorably considered, why
not improvement and excellence? "Why not put this de-
partment upon a par in every respect with the others in the
Institution ?
IV. ITS RESULTS.
When the erection of a Gymnasium was first agitated,
and even for some time after gymnastics were introduced,
it was said by some persons that the whole thing was an
experiment ; that after the novelty was over the interest
would soon subside, and the enterprise would prove a failure.
It is now eight years since this department was established,
eight different classes, numbering in all over six hundred
students, have taken part in its exercises, and four classes
have enjoyed its benefits throughout their whole collegiate
course. What then has been the effect of these upon the
health of the students, as well as upon the sanitary condition
of the Institution ? This may be exhibited in a variety of
ways.
1st. There has been a decided improvement in the
very countenances and o-eneral physique of students. In-
* o 1 *
stead of the pale, sicklv and sallow complexion once very
commonly seen, with an occasional lean, care-worn and hag-
gard look, we now witness verv generally, fresh, ruddy and
healthy countenances, indicative of a higher degree of vitality.
and that the vital currents, enriched bv nutrition and oxy-
gen, have a free and equal circulation throughout the whole
system. This change is so marked as to attract the atten-
tion of the casual observer, and has been commented upon
by those formerly attending Commencements or other public
occasions here, as exhibiting a stiiking difference between
the personal appearance of students at those times, and. that
at the present dav. This fact is also corroborated by the
testimony of boarding house keepers. some who have been
here twenty years or more. who say lh;it the students now
have ;i more rctjuliii' \\\\(\ wilnm! appetite than formerly,
muni tested not so mncli in the quantity 01 quality consumed,
as in ;i hetter relish for plain, suhstantial and wholesome
food. There is certainly the promise of a more; harmonious
development of the whole system. a hetter commingling
of all the temperaments in the physical organization of the
students now than formerly.
2nd. In the use of the limhs and the hodv. in the
physical movements and conduct of students generally, there
has heen. we think, decided improvement. Once the awk-
wardness of manner and the ungraceful hearing of scholars
were matters of common remark, and such characteristics
not unfrequently followed them through life. This resulted
not so much from the want of early training and instruction
on this suhjoct. as from the formation of had hahits in study,
and the long continued neglect of proper exercise. It was
frequently exhibited in stiffness of the joints, a clumsy use
of the limhs. in round shoulders and a stooping posture, and
sometimes hy a countenance set. stern and almost devoid of
expression. Now gymnastics, when properly practiced, are
calculated to product/ in this respect, a surprising effect upon
the use of all parts of the hodv. as well as upon its devel-
opment. They give not onlv agilitv and strength to all
the muscles, but a quick and ready control of them, thereby
begetting an easy and graceful carriage of the person. In
other words, they tend to bring out the most important ele-
ments of a polished manner in the natural and dignified car-
riage of the liodv. in the easy and graceful movements of all
the limbs, together with those expressions o| countenance
and those gestures which constitute the highest style of elo-
quence, whether in conversation or public speaking. And
what gives tins physical culture so much advantage and
heightens its power is the fact, that the mind, whose disci-
pline is co-ordinate, is conscious of this power. conscious
24
that it can direct, control and command every muscle or
part of the body at its own will.
3rd. The practice of gymnastics in concert is calcula-
ted to beget personal sympathy, cheerfulness and buoyancy
of spirits. The fact that a large body of students go through
with precisely the same exercises together, at the same time
and under the same general influences. and these exercises
continued for years. creates a peculiar kind of sympathy,
of interest and affection. In some respects it resembles the
common practice of large companies eating and drinking
together as expressive of their mutual good-will and friend-
ship. It brings a whole class upon one common level, and in
personal contact in such a variety of ways, that it tends to
bind its members together b\- the strongest sympathies and
bonds of fellowship. Kxercises that would be monotonous
and burdensome to the individual performed alone, when
practiced by a largo company, create the greatest interest
and even enthusiasm. There is also a strong tendency at
such times to mix in with these exercises no small amount
of amusement and occasionally real fun : the odd. the gro-
tesque and comical, producing bursts of enthusiasm or shouts
of laughter. All this with improved circulation, digestion
and respiration mu.-t. in the very nature of ihings. piodnce
cheerfulness, hopefulness and buoyancy of -pints, expelling
from the mind all despondency, melancholy, and "the
blues/'
4th. \\ e come now to consider what, has been the
effect more directly upon the health of tin.' students, and the
sanitary condition of the Institution. It is nee, d less to state
how many student- formerly impaired or broke down their
constitution.- for want ol suHiciont exorcise, or from irregular
or excessive hours of studv. or from .-ome improper habit-,
oi' for want of suitable attention to diet, sleep or ,-omo other
physical law. Perhaps the effects of violated law were not
always visible at the lime, and did not apparently impede
the college course, luit tlio seeds ^v/v ln-rc x<ni'n which aftcr-
w;u'(ls brought on disease and jireiiiature death, or crippled
the energies and limited the usefulness through alter life.
This may still happen : hut with such exercise and instruc-
tion as can now he obtained it is not near so hkelv to occur.
Besides, where the vitality of the system is kept up bv
regular muscular exercise, to an even healthv state, it is
OIK; of the strongest, safeguards against disease; and then
when any organ or portion of the body is affected, nature is
more powerful to throw oil the attack. In a uoininunitv
thus trained and instructed the more common complaints,
such as colds, headaches, sore throats, feverish attacks, will
seldom occur, and the diseases to which scholars are pecu-
liarly liable, such as dyspepsia, neuralgia and consumption
stand a far less chance of finding victims. Anv skillful and
experienced physician will testily at once, that such a com-
munity is possessed of a wonderful power to prevent as well
as throw olf disease. The common proverbs, "a xfih-h in
Itini' xtii'c* itii)i\ and "an o/u/cf />/ n rev cut ion t* (t'ui'tli d iiouud
of cure" are not more truthful than the statement here made
of the remarkable exemption from disease of a community
trained and educated as above described.
~>th. A comparison of the present health of students
with what it was ten or fifteen vears ago. shows a snrpiising
improvement. It is rare now for any student to break down.
suddenly in his health, or to be compelled to leave college
on this account. In IS-)-) (i 7 and S such cases were
common, as mav be seen by icferring to tin: statements of
I'resident Stearns in the opening of this paper: and the
truth of the statements is moreover confirmed by others
personally conversant here fur twenty or thirty years. As
no record was formerly kept o| the amount of sickness from
year to year, or ol the number ol students leaving college
on account ol illne>s. no exact comparison on these points
in figures can be instituted. lUit the experience am
id oiise
26
vation of those who have been on the ground a long time
must bear decided testimony to a greatly improved state of
health among the students over that of former times ; and
as for those who once were members of the Institution, and
return here on public occasions. the} r cannot fail to see a
great improvement in this respect.
Oth. But the evidence of improved health does not
rest wholly upon individual opinions or upon loose compari-
sons. Since 1801. a register has been carefully kept of the
kind and amount of sickness in college, an analysis of which
presents some striking facts. Xo student is placed upon the
sick list, unless he is detained two consecutive days from the
usual exercises of the Institution. The number of students
reported sick ranges in the course of the year from twenty-
five to sixty, showing a far greater amount of sickness in
some years than others, which depends very much on the
fact, whether some epidemic prevailed, or whether the year
as a whole, either on account of the weather or from some
other cause, was not generally unhealthy. If allowance is
made for this extra sickness in two of the years out of the
eight, the register shows that the actual amount of sickness
in college has diminished in these eight years more than
(nK'-tltinl. That is. in the year just closed, there were only
two-thirds as much sickness as in 1SG1, the year when gym-
nastics were introduced.
Again, the average number of students sick each year
of these eight was thirty-eight, and the average number
present in college was two hundred and twenty-four, show-
ing that there were one hundred and eighty-six students on
an average each year who did not experience two days'
sickness at anv one time. The register reports fortv-one
diflerent diseases or complaint.- to account for this sickness,
and a careful inspection of the list shows a remarkable
exemption from what are considered generally the more vio-
lent and dangerous diseases. Most of the complaints were of
a common class that might occur in ;iny community ; and the
number which naturally would grow out of the usual exposures
of college students is very small. In 1'act there are scarcely
any diseases reported as connected with the stomach and
the brain, organs which are. in some respects, the most likelv
to become deranged bv the sedentary habits of student
life.
7th. Hut the most marked evidence of improved health
is found in the diminished sickness of every class each year
after entering college. In a table giving the amount of sick-
ness arranged by classes, it seems there has been for these
eight years on an average ntor<' flixu /I/ /'<'< iiin<'* as much
sickness in the Freshman Class as in the Men/or Class. It
mav be said that the students upon first entering college do
not know so well how to take care of themselves as they
do in the third and fourth years ; or that some students who
come here feeble and sickly, leave the Institution early, so
that the vigorous and more health}" alone remain. This may
account in part for the change, but only for a small part of
it. For some students who now enter college with slender
constitutions encounter considerable sickness the first year.
but afterwards improve in health, and in the third and fourth
years are comparatively well. And the number now leaving
college during the first and second rears, on account of ill-
health is very small. Then again, if we compare the sick-
ness or health of a class all the way through college now.
with that of one ten or fifteen years ago. a surprising diil'er-
euce will be found ; if the sickness did not then increase or
keep up through the whole course, it certainly did not
diminish so much in the second and third years ;iud almost
entirely cease in the fourth, as is the case now.
Sth. There is still another class of facts verv import-
ant in their bearing, though their value can not be fullv
exhibited at present. These are properly denominated >'ilnl
xfalisticx, and con.Mst of nine items to each student, taken
28
twice the first year and once each year afterwards. Every
student upon entering college is examined upon these points,
namely; his age, weight, height, girth of chest, girth of arm
and forearm, capacity of lungs, power of expiration, and a
simple test of muscular strength. These points, making
about three thousand distinct items each year, are carefully
recorded in a ledger, and in the course of time will become
very valuable, when comparisons can be instituted between
results recorded here at different periods, and similar results
obtained in other Institutions and elsewhere. This is com-
paratively a new field of inquiry, and when sufficient statis-
tics are gathered, it will lead to the establishment of some
very important facts, such as the size and strength of
particular limbs and muscles as increased by exercise, and
also of the capacity and power of the lungs as affected by
the same means. They will help to settle or throw some
light upon what is the normal standard of students of the;
same age as it respects the several points given in these
vital statistics, and then what are the best means or kinds
of exercise to bring or keep them up to this standard.
As far as these statistics are already collected, they
present some curious and instructive facts. The average
age of all the students for these eight years has been 21.723
years; Seniors 23.04S, Juniors 22.32!), Sophomores 21.241,
and Freshmen 20.27-"). The average weight of all has been
130.4 SO pounds ; Seniors 145.021, Juniors 130.009, Sopho-
mores 139.970, and Freshmen 132.041. The average height
has been 5. (JO I feet; Seniors 0.634, Juniors 0.006, Sopho-
mores ;).664 and Freshmen ;).G-)1. In those two last items,
(weight and height,) there was a decided gain to each class
all the way through college, and they will compare favorably
with other statistics collected upon these points. Qnelelet,
who has devoted more attention to this subject than any other
writer, gives the average weight of an adult male 136.003
pounds, and the average height ->.333 feet.
Dr. Gould, who examined a large number <>f students
in tlic .Junior and Senior Classes at Harvard 1 'niv<;rsit v ami
Vale College, together with some members of the professional
schools, reports their average height ").i;ri feet, and average
O < - f5
weight I -'ill. 700 pounds. A. Maclaren. who lias charge of
O 1 ^
the ( i vmnasium connected with the Oxford I'niversit v, Kn<'-
* * O
land, reports of the first one hundred names on his book as
they arrived at the I'niversity. their average height O.8U5
feet, and average weight l^.'.'TO pounds.
A careful inspection of the Table giving the vital sta-
tistics of each class as it entered Ainherst College, and then
in its senior year, shows a decided enlargement of the arm.
at both points of measurement, and also of the girth of the
chest, together with a marked increase in the capacity and
power of the lungs. It is surprising what a change in sev-
eral of these particulars some individuals have undergone
in their college course. Instead of dwelling farther upon
this part of the subject, the reader is referred to some facts
and tables at the close of this paper.
There is still another very important consideration, viz:
has the standard of scholarship in college been raised by
means of gymnastics ". A* the svstem of marking or mode
of exhibiting this standard was changed a few years since,
an exact comparison in figures cannot here be instituted ;
but it is the decided opinion of the Registrar, (the College
(Mlicor who has charge of these statistics.) that there "has
been an elevation of rank within the past few vears." It
mav be that .-mc individuals in a class formerly reached as
hiii'h scholarship as aiiv now do; hut the </<////> ///ill' scholar-
ship of a whole class, we are confident, is higher now than
it once was. and. to sav the least. i< much easier obtained,
with fewer hours of studv. and less loss of health and
life.
30
V. ITS ADVANTAGES.
After having recounted in the preceding pages so many
beneficial results of gymnastics, it may seem almost super-
fluous to point out any further advantages, but there are
some which have not yet been noticed, the value of which
will be better seen and appreciated by way of comparison
with other kinds of exercise. 1st --How can the student
find, with so little loss of time and all the requisite mate-
rials at command, other exercises equal in every respect to
these, where, at all seasons, he is protected in his person
from the storms and the cold, and his character shielded so
much from temptation to bad habits as well as from immoral
influences.
2nd. In attempting to carry out the motto. '' ruens
sana in corpore sano" preference should always be given to
those exercises in early life, which serve not only to keep
the body sound at the time, but will help to lay such founda-
tions as will afterwards tend most effectually to keep it so and
improve it. Now no kind of gymnastics or physical exercises
whatever is so well calculated to do this as those under
discussion. As they are designed to exercise everv muscle
in the human body, and to produce a harmonious development
of the whole system, we may reasonably expect that they
will ward off local weaknesses, or abnormal developments.
The more evenly balanced is the organization, or the more
perfect the harmony in the temperaments, the sounder is {he
constitution, and the better is the general health. And what
is there so important to the professional man as a well-bal-
anced constitution or uniformly good health ? What multi-
tudes fail for the want of them ! Neither genius, talent nor
learning can make up for them.
3rd. Again, there is another advantage from such ex-
ercises bv way of creating wlf-i'didiicc or avti'dubitity <>f
power. It is frequently found in public life that neither
brilliant talents nor great learning achieve success so often
or so much as a readv skill, lad or aptness to use one's
resources. 'I he same is true from a phvsical jtoint oi' view.
It is not the mere possession of vjood health or sound consti-
tution, however advantageous these mav he. so much as the
knowledge ;md control over the phvsical svstem obtained bv
years of gymnastic exercises, that gi\ es that real srlf-rcliance
that true xi'lf-finsst'iiiiion which sustains one under all cir-
cumstances and emergencies. In order to applv knowledge
and mental power most successfully 011 all occasions, there
must be combined with it a strong feeling of self-reliance,
the outgrowth of a healthy', well-trained and evenly-balanced
physical system. The full force of this statement can he
appreciated only by those who have had experience in public
life, and passed through changes that are not uncommon at
the present day.
4th. There is another advantage from these exercises
worthv of notice, that is in preventing vicious and irregular
habits. While no svstem of gymnastics alone can he ex-
pected to break up settled habits of dissipation, such as intem-
perance, licentiousness, and the excessive use of tobacco or
an v other stimulant, still, combined with other good influences,
thev have a direct tendency to forestall or arrest such practi-
ces bv giving a safe vent to the animal spirits, by regularity of
phvsical exercise, bv improving the general health, and pro-
ducing a more normal condition of the brain. J5nt there is
a vice. ( nameless here.) more terrible in its effects, both
phvsical ami mental, upon the student, than either of the
above, and over which gymnastic exercises have great influ-
ence. In fact, it is the te-tinionv of the highest medical
authorities, that regular and tolerably severe gymnastic ex-
ercise is not onlv the most ellcctive means of preventing or
checking this vice, hut is really the be-t curative agent.
And it is a ui at ifvinu' fact that we can add the testimonv of
32
the Professor in this department, that gymnastics have been
working to a like result in this Institution.
5th. It is found that a rcaular system of gymnastics
operates in a variety of ways as a powerful auxiliary of dis-
cipline ; that it answers as a kind of safety valve to let off
in an indirect way that excess of animal spirits which is
characteristic of some young men, arid which not unfre-
quently leads them into trouble or conflict with authority.
Again it serves with others as a kind of regulator to the
system, exercising certain parts of it to such an extent as to
produce weariness arid fatigue, so that the individual seeks
repose ; and with another class it tends to remove any un-
natural or innate weakness of the frame, and by such im-
provements serves to equalize and regulate all the forces of
nature. Thus such a system of gymnastics sets up a stand-
ard of law for self-government ; for it is based upon those
great laws of life and health which are a part of the will and
government of God in this world, as much as the ten com-
mandments. Xo by-laws or code of ethics established by any
human teacher or institution can compare in authority or
final appeal to those great natural, primeval lavs engraved
upon our constitutions by the Creator. It will be seen at
once v:hat a power the instructor has over the conscience and
reason of a student thus trained. There are. it is well
known, in every institution various misdemeanors and overt
acts, which may not come under any formal rule, with plan-
J J
sible excuses for the same ; but here, in the laws of our own
being, we have alwavs at hand a standard of appeal. It is
based upon that sacred injunction, "do thyself no harm."
Every well-informed teacher, and especially one versed in
the laws of physiology, will see almost intuitively the great
importance and convenience of having such a standard ol
law [\>v f> rira/ ! as well as fmhllr discipline. Said President
Felton to the writer, shortly before his decease, referring to
the gymnastics at Amherst which he had just witnessed :
' Such a system of physical exercises thoroughly understood
and applied bv the members of Harvard I niver.-itv. would
aid me in the matter of discipline in that In.-t it ution more
than anything else." We are here aiithori/ed to state, that
the Faculty of Amherst College have found 21 eat assist-
ance in government from this source ; that since the intro-
duction of this department, the cases requiring discipline
have been far less numerous, and more easily managed, than
formerly.
I'dh. Within a few years great interest has arisen with
reference to physical exercises, partly on the score of amuse-
ment and recreation, but more for the sake of sanitary
advantages. Few of these exercises are new. but a fresh
interest in many quarters has been kindled up in their
behalf. The following list comprises most of them : walk-
ing, horseback riding, skating, cricket and croquet plaving.
gymnastics and calisthenics, base-ball, foot-ball, boating. Xc.
Now no two of these exercises are precisely alike : they all
have their peculiarities, calling into exercise dill'erent classes
of muscles, and exerting diverse influences upon the system.
The great objection to some of those exercises is. that they
call into practice only a few muscles, and that over and over
again. Others do not have that physiological influence upon
the brain, nor produce that pleasurable excitement in the
mind that is desirable. In fact it is found dillicult to keep
up the interest in many of them for month.- or years, with-
out resorting to collateral aid-, such as set uaine-. bets nr a
species "I gambling.
Walking, the oldest of all exercises and the most exten-
sively practiced, has many advantages calling into play a
large part of the muscles; requires no expense. is pur-
sued in the "pen air : and. \\heii one ha- leisure, plea-ant
company and objects or attractions -uflicient to interest the
mind, ii" better physical exercise can be t'"iind.
Horse-back riding- and skating; may be reckoned among
o o / O
the most delightful exercises ; but then these, to say nothing
of the expense, can be enjoyed only at particular seasons of
the year or in certain kinds of weather ; and, to be rendered
really pleasant and profitable, one must have company of the
riyht stamp. These exercises are admirably fitted for indi-
viduals or small companies in pursuit of pleasure or health,
or to resort to occasionally, but could never be practiced
regularly and systematically by a large body of students.
In pleasant weather children and young ladies can find
/ o
no better physical exercise than in cricket and croquet
playing, but, when congregated in school or in seminary,
calisthenics afford in these places the best kind of exercise
for them. It is an encouraging fact that more and more
attention is being devoted to such training both in the
School and in the Family. Base Hall. always popular
and formerly practiced somewhat extensively. has of late
years come into great favor, and may be considered almost
a national game. The ellects of this exercise as a whole
upon the system are decidedly beneficial. It is peculiarly
calculated to call into practice nearly all the muscles of the
limbs, as well as most of those of the trunk. The munncr
in which all parts of the body are called into action, afford-
ing a constant change of muscle, and variety in the rapidity
of movement are very conducive to the promotion of both
health and strength. Hut when this game is played with
great x.eal. there may be danger, in the too rapid and long
continued exercise of running and violent efforts at striking
the ball, of producing an injurious eilect upon the heart and
lungs. 1st. by increasing the circulation of the blood to an
unnatural extent, and. 2nd. by causing a congested state of
both these organs. If there should happen to be any con-
stitutional weakness or abnormal formation here, the injurious
eilect and the danger would be still 'greater. There is also
;in objection to this kind of exercise from tin; intense and
general excitement sometimes created hv competition, ami
again hv resorts to wagers or lids. The sanitary effect is
entirely lost sight of in the strife for victory. As this pi me
can he carried mi milv in pleasant weather, and ri'ijiiires
extensive grounds where the numhers are lame, it is not at
all well suited to the wants ol an Institution whose momhers
require daily exercise throughout the year.
The onlv remaining exercise that can properly claim
attention is that of Boating. .In>t at the present time this
is creating verv great interest hoth mi the jiart of the puhlic
as well as of smne of our literary institutions. While, mi
the one hand there are great advantage-, physical and men-
tal, arising from this kind of exercise, on the oilier there are
evils of a most serious character. In order to ascmtain its
real hygienic or sanitary etl'ect< it hecomes necessary to
examine the physiological changes it produces. '1 here are
two styles or modes of rowing, and where long training has
heen had the elfect is marked in the difference of physical
development. One mode increases particularly the muscles
of the arms, shoulders and chest, while the oilier enlaiLivs
more t he muscles of the legs, hi p> and hack. \>\ the former
stvle. the rowers heml the hack, how the head forwaids. and
raise the shoulders, making a Ion LI', sweeping stroke \\n imit
dipping the oar very deep into the water. Hut hv the other
mode, the hack is more erect, the leet are lirnilv hraced. the
ro\ver resting upon the oar. partlv. does t!ie \vork more \\iih
his legs, hips and hack. Sometimes these two styles of
rowing al'e lilem ei| together, and til' 1 developinenl \ muse e
is more etjual. In eithei case a powerful >tiain comes upon
the hack and chot. exert in u; a n'reat inlluence o\ei the func-
tions ol' respiration and eii'culatiou. Tin- elfect i- \\ell
descl'lheil in the |o||o\\m^ ipictatlon ll'om the London Lan-
cet of J a i ma i v. 1 MiS : " the act ion ol ro\\ m u intei fere- more
directly with the respiratory process than almost any other
exercise. In running. which, however, is equally liable to
injurious excess. it is within the power of the voluntary
muscles to regulate the rate of the respiratory movements;
and it is well known that a well-expanded chest and rhyth-
mic breathing greatly diminish the disturbing effects of
exercise upon the heart and lungs. But in rowing the
chest is nearly always fixed, and the respiratory movements
are only possible in the short interval of rest at the termi-
nation of the stroke. As the racing pace is forty strokes
per minute, the rate of respiration is doubled, and the act
itself, being necessarily shortened, is reduced to a mere
involuntary gasp. Under these circumstances the lungs he-
come rapidly congested and the heart seriously oppressed.
It involves a draught on the muscular, and we should add,
nervous and respiratory powers of those engaged in it more
or less injurious to their future health, some temporarily,
others permanently."
Mr. Skcv, one of the most eminent surgeons in (Jreat
Britain, in an article discussing this subject, in the London
'finies. 1SI17. referring to the condition of the crews at the
termination of the races as he had witnessed it, describes it
thus; -the men look utterly exhausted. Their white and
sunken features and palid lips show serious congestion of
the heart and lungs, and the air of weakness and lassitude
makes it a inanel how such great exertion should have been
so noblv undergone. We have repeatedly seen the after ill-
ellects, spitting of blood, congested lungs, and weakness of
the heart and great vessels from over distention of their
walls: and we are therefore of the opinion, that some re-
strictions should be put upon the candidates for boating
honors, and that the regulations for training should be based
upon scientific principles rather than the crude dogmas of a
blind experience." Dr. Hope, one of the most distinguished
writers upon diseases of the heart, gives it as a settled opin-
ion, that "hard exercise in lowing" is one of the most
prominent causes of heart disease.
There can he hut one opinion on tin; part of the medical
profession in our own country ;ts well as in (Jrea.t Britain,
as to the injurious ell'ect of h'lal-riu'iinj upon the constitution
and health. If the exercise could he practiced moderately
or upon scientific principles, the profession, we presume, would
he equally agreed that its sanitary effects were decidedly
henelicial. Here is the difficulty: can its practice be kept
within proper hounds, or he conducted upon right principles,
where especially large numbers of young men are concerned.
representing different localities, communities and institutions'.'
lint the welfare of //n' /"///// is not alone endangered: what
can be said respecting the exposure of regular habits and
good morals of young men on too many public occasions
growing out of boating and l><ml racing ? Let the public
accounts given us by the press answer. As this exercise, is
now conducted, and is likely to be. is it becoming scholars
and educated men to engage in it. or wise for our public
institutions to encourage it '.'
VI. ITS hiroin'AN' '!:.
That there is a most intimate and necessary connection
between the improvement of the mind and the culture of
the bodv all will admit. It is now prcttv well established
by the highest authorities in medical science, that the brain
is. in some sense, the or LI'; i n of the mind. that all mental
manifestations in this world depend very much upon the sixe
and <iiialilv nl the brain, and the varim^ agencies aflectiiig
its functions. If. therefore, all intellectual culture is imt
only dependent upon. but. in a u'rcat measure, controlled and
y certain ph\sical conditions, it is of the highest
430511
38
importance in the course of a liberal education, to under-
stand what these conditions are, and to be able to turn- them
to the best possible account. And it is not alone the rela-
tions which the brain itself sustains to the mind that are
important, but those are equally so, in some respects, which
it bears to other parts of the body. For instance, it is well
known, that the mind is sometimes greatly affected by the
state of the stomach, the liver and the digestive organs
generally. In fact there can scarcely be a diseased or
abnormal condition of any organ in the human system that
will not have some influence upon the mind. Now while the
primary object of gymnastics is to facilitate, in the highest
degree, mental culture for the time being, they tend also,
when properly conducted, to prevent disease by checking or
removing in their incipient stages those weaknesses or lire-
dispositions which, if neglected, will inevitably terminate in
sickness of some kind. And to do this most successfully
every part or organ of the body must receive its due pro-
portion of exercise, and that too not only in harmony with
the laws that govern its own functions but with the laws
and functions of every other part or organ of the system.
For it is in this way that the greatest measure of health as
well as of strength and longevity are secured.
The human body in its normal or most healthy state,
may be compared to a perfect machine, made up of a great
variety of parts, each part performing its own work, doing
just so much and no more, and not interfering with the
exercise of others, so that the wear and tear will come upon
all parts of the machinery alike. The lungs, the heart, and
the stomach. &c.. have each a specific work to do. which
requires a ceitain amount of exercise of not onlv the muscles
immediately connected with these organs, hut of the muscles
more or less, in all other parts of the system. For illustra-
tion, in order that the lungs should become well developed ami
3'J
receive healthy exercise, it is indispensihle that the muscles
about the chest and shoulders be properly trained, no less
than those of the arms and the legs.
1 heit> are several modes or kinds of exercise in popular
use. which however otherwise allowable, are open to this
objection. \ i/... that they develop and strengthen mainly the
extreme portions of the body. Health and strength are not
synonymous terms. A person may have great strength in
his limbs or in certain muscles about the body, but really
not have good health. It is altogether a mi-taken idea to
suppose, that physical exercises have for their sole object
the attainment of strength. There are othei tissues and
organs in the human system besides the muscular: and.
the healthy action of the lungs and the stomach is far
more important than great strength in the arms. legs, or
the back. It is here, in this general exercise of all the
muscles and parts of the body, that the system of gymnas-
tics advocated in this paper has its great excellence. It
aims to produce just that development of the human sv-ieni
upon which good health is permanently based, described by
a distinguished writer as follow- : "health is the uniform
and regular performance of all the functions of the body.
ari.-ing from the harmonious action of all its parts. a physi-
cal condition implying that all are sound, well-lining and
well matched. Some minds do not look far enough into life f
see ibis distinction, or to value it if seen ; they fix their eyes
loiiii'iiiiilv upon sliTH'/llt upon strength //'///'. and seemingly
care not for the [tower to \vm k long, to \\oik \\ell. to woik
successfully hereafter, which is ll<tt/llt.
There is another, a higher and more commanding po>i-
tioii from \\hich thi> subject max be viewed: it i- in the
livjit of x/i/i'nrilsliiii of accountability to (iod lor all the
-ifl-. (he powers and talents that Me ha- elltlll.-ted to our
care. These bodies, however we max pamp'T '>r ahu.-e them.
40
are not our own. They are a sacred trust from the Al-
mighty, for the use and improvement of which we shall
individually be held responsible in the great day of accounts
no less than for mental talents and acquirements. When
the inter-depenent relations of body and mind are considered
in their true light with reference to the life eternal, it is
scarcely possible to overstate or overestimate the importance
of physical culture.
A P P E N DFX.
Statistirsin the Department of Physical Ivlm-ation ami Hygiene
in Amherst College, extending from Srptcmher, l y ul, to SfjiU-iiilirr,
1XM :
VITAL STATISTICS KKillT VKAIJS.
Cl.ASSKS.
Seniors,
Juniors, -
Sophomores
Freshmen,
Average-,
, r .(kV> 17.'. '.''.'.i ,",."1. :rj ! . i 2i->.2iMi 11.7."'- iu.,-c>;j
r.-iitu l:j9.iiTU :;:>/i7i -j'U.u'U n..>- !t.:^--2
ll.;;:i s.sol
STATISTICS OF DISAIUIJTIKS KK4HT VKAIiS.
42
FORMS OF DISABILITY AND THE NUMBER OF CASES,
FOR EIGHT YEARS.
Colds and Pneumonia,
88
20
Intermittent Fever,
Liver Complaint, . .
5
6
1
Boils,
23
Nervous Irritability,
1
Meningitis, (parti}- of a moral character)
20
10
sciatica,
>
>
10
4
10
1
Typhoid Fever, . , . .
16
.>
'
2
Dysentery, ......
1
Q
Quinsy and Sore Throat,
Teeth
15
C,
Camp Fever, ....
1
1
Colic, .......
5
1
4
}>ile
1
Chicken Pox, ......
1
1
Fi-tula, .....
1
1
Doubtful, ....
1
TESTIMONY IN FAVOR OF THE GYMNASIUM.
A"MHKI!ST (V)I.l.K(iK, JuiH' 14th. 1S()0.
The Class of ISOo, having compk'tod its studies in Amherst Col-
lege, desires to express its hiu'h appreciation of the physical culture
which it has received under the direct ion of Prof. Hitchcock. As
this class is the first one in College which has enjoyed through its
whole course this physical training, some cx])ression of opinion seems
quite proper. There have l>ecn ninety-two ditl'erent students con-
nected with the class, liftv-five of which now [graduate; ei^ht have
died, two with consumption, and six in the Army from wounds or
disease. There is no one <>f the tjratluatinj* class lut could pass a
complete examination I'm- life in>urance <>r admission into the I'nited
Stall's Armv. From a thorough trial of four vears' coiir>e of train-
ing, we can fairlv jud^e of the system here adopted. Our exercises
have been conducted in a well-furnished ^\ mnasiuni, and alwavs under
43
the direction of tilt 1 Profe--or in tin- department. \Vehave found
tlii' required at 1 endance a part of tin- sv-tcni \\<>\ at all objec-
tionable, and, what at tir-t in the e\erci-e was a little embarrassing
or unpleasant, soon became a po-iti\e pleasure. The simultaneous
participation of manv persons in tlir same e\erci-e- ha- contributed
a lively /e-t to them, \\hen otherwise thev would ha\e proved dull
and unmt ere-t MIL:.'. Tlu'st 1 exercises have lieen so varied in character
as to In- adapted both to the -tronu'e-t and the \veal\e-t -t lldent. eoli-
diicinu' alike to health, slreiiu'th and 'jfraee of action. The halt-hour
rei|iiired tor eM-rcisc lia> jiroved t lie golden mean hetueen len^t h and
brevity of time for thi- purpose, aii'l ha- ne\er been considered lo>-t
by us, as our health at the close of our college course te>tities to the
inestimable \alne of this traiiiinjj, 1 , \\'e are contident, if this matter
of exercise had been left a voluntarv thinu'. manv ot' our cla->, who
are now strong and healthv, \\nuld ha\e vielded to the di-ea-o inci-
dent to student life, while other-, uho were \\eak and -lender bovs
on entering college, are now stion^und vii^oroii- men. ('a-e- ot' pro-
tracted illnes- have been almo-t unknown amon<_r u-, and lar^e num-
bers in the cla-s ha\e not been detained bv illne-s from a -MiLi'le col-
lege dntv. Believing that a -tronu' body is the be-t luilwark to a
sound mind that strong museles and well-developed limbs are pow-
erful aids to the brain, and beini* indebted verv much tor these re-
sult- in our ease to the phv-ieal trainiiiLf we have received in Amherst
(', illru'e. \\ e <_d\ e this voluntary testimony to the value of the -y>t em
ot' u'ymna.-tic- here adopted.
!:. P. FHU>T, )
.M. K. PAS. o, Cint tl itte:.
A. 11. H..\\ I.ANI', }
AMIII;];-!' ('OLLKUK, Ma\ Tin. l^t) 1 . 1 .
1 )i:. N \ rii \ \ A 1.1 i:\ :
Deal- Sir,
The Senior Cla-s learn through Prof. Hitch-
cock that \ on Uould be gratified t'' IVceh e ail e\pre--ioll "I our
dpinioii a- tii 1 he \ al lie ot' our L;'\'] e\erci-e> \t-ar-
experieiu-e. I; -i\ - u- --real plea-ure : > -> nd yon a co| \ re.-o-
lution- adopted tinit,i'intii*l>i l>\ the da a- I'ollow-:
44
and knowing that an expression of our opinion of it is desired, there-
fore
" Resolcc-fl, That the daily required exercise, as at present con-
ducted by Prof. Edward Hitchcock, by the happy union of pleasure
and exercise is exactly suited to our needs, giving us strength and
vigor for our other duties, and developing a more manly physique.
Therefore,
"Resolved, That we convey to the friends of the gymnasium our
hearty thanks for its foundation and support."
You will not understand of course, when we say "exactly suited,"
that we consider that the gymnastic system is brought to perfection.
We refer to the union of exercise and pleasure, which contributes so
much to make everything pleasant, and which we do not think can
be changed for anything better.
"With great respect,
ALVAII B. KiTTHEDGiO
JOSEPH 15. SEAUI'KV, > Committee.
GEO. M. GAGE, )
TESTIMONY OF STUDENTS.
Numerous testimonials from this source might be obtained, but
only two cases will here be stated, of students coming to college
from city lite, who experienced great changes one in his mural
character, and the other in his plnjxirul condition by means of this
Department. The first says, in a letter to Dr. Hitchcock : " As my
college course draw- to a clo>e, I owe it to von to state how com-
pletely my opinion has changed in reference to voiir department in
college. T came here, von remember, from the citv, with certain <1[1-
li'tiiitti- and delicate-handed notions, which led me to look witli some
contempt upon the gymnasium, though I was soon obliged to submit
to its salutary authority. /*'"/ t/ti* I (:<in //< r< roi: too <//'<if<fi/l
I have reason to believe that the melancholy which always clouded
my intellectual and religion-- life, would still shut out the cheerful
health and sunshine I now enjoy, had it not been for the beneficial
effects of the phv^ical e.\erci>es in vour department, combined with
your kind and faithful treatment."
The other student referred to writes a- follows: " When I came
to Amherst College, mv physical condition could not be called good.
o\I v limbs were slender, mv flesh was thin; I feared trouble from
my lungs, and not imfrequeiit ly had spell- of sickness of different
kinds. Since my connection with college, I have been almo-t con-
stantly well, and, when I have been otherwise, I have generallv been
able to trace my illness to some violation of the laws of health. This
change I ascribe mainly to gvmnastic training. I)iinnir mv first
year, my arms increased in -i/.e two indie-, and mv che-t three
inches. J have exercised more than most students, and so perhaps
but few of them could show so great u'ain. but mv exercise has never
interfered in the least with mv studies The general health of
college students is not only better during' their college coiir.-e, but it
has uniformly improved, so much so that there i- a marked difference
in the verv appearance of the clas>es as they advance in >tandin'_r.
The' round shoulders, lank limbs and li-tle-< motion- of the lower
classes are in striking contraM with the erect carriage, robu-t frame
and vigorous action which, as a rule, are exhibited by those who have.
been in college two or three years. Of cour-e, there are some well-
developed physiques among the Freshmen, and some who are far t'n 'in
being muscular amon^ the Seniors; but generally the fact i> as stated
above." "
UKdTLATIONS FOR T11K TSF OF TIIF (i VMNASI F.M
AND r>owij\<; ALLFYS.
The (Gymnasium is open for exercise from
prayer time, excepting the hour tor dinner.
1. No person is allowed to use the Parallel I'.ar-, the Rack P>ars,
the Ladder-, or the Incline Hoard, without -lipper-.
'.!. I )itr'mu' the regular cla exercise, no member of the cla^s will
be admitted to it \\ithoiit hi- complete unitbnu ; and each -Indent
will keep hi- po-ition in the rank- dui'iii',;' the whole exerci-e.
;-{. I'ei'siins nut ci'iinected with collect', even it'in\iti'd by one
of its members, cannot be allo\\-ed to exen-isc in anv part <>t' the
building', without -peeial permi--i"ii tV"in the Profes-or, and no per-
son, not a member of the college, can at anv time u-e any of tlie
apparatu-, or an alley, to the exclusion \ any member ot eiilK-'je.
4. A ]>art\ after n-im_r an alh-\' for one name, niu-t gi\e way. if
others are waiting for their turn.
46
5. It is forbidden to throw the balls on the alleys, or indulge in
any but the legitimate game. The balls must never be sent from
East to West except in the gutters made for the purpose.
0. It is also forbidden to smoke, or spit on the floors, or litter
them ; to use improper language, or indulge in violent or boisterous
conduct.
7. Each person, after using any piece of the movable apparatus,
\vill at (nice, in an orderly way, return it to its proper place.
S. Persons wantonly or carelessly injuring the building or any
of its apparatus, will be held strictly accountable therefor.
MOTTO OF THE BARRETT GYMNASIUM.
' Such are the dominating powers with which we, and we alone,
are gifted ! I say gifted, for the surpassing organization was no work
of ours. It is lie that hath made us; not \ve ourselves. This frame
is a temporary trust, lor the uses of which we are responsible to the
Maker.
u ()li! you who possess it in the supple vigor of lusty youth, think
well what it is that lie has committed to your keeping. Waste not
its energies ; dull them not by sloth ; spoil them not. by pleasures !
The supreme work of creation has been accomplished thai you might
possess a body the soul erect of all animal bodies the most free,
and for what ? for the service of the soul.
"Strive to reali/e the conditions of the possession of this won-
drous structure. Think what it may become, the Temple of the
Holy Spirit! Defile it not. Seek, rather to adorn it with all meek
and becoming gifts, with that fair furniture, moral and intellectual,
which it is your inestimable privilege to acquire through the teachings
and examples and ministrations of this Seat of Sound Learning and
Religious Education." [/Vo/1 Otctn, Jh'itiah Jfuneuni, London.]
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