om the shoulder, but curves and spirals constitute the lines of
beauty. Nature shows us this in the free untrammelled motions of a
child, or again in man, when his whole nature is so stirred to its
best and sweetest depths that he is carried out of his usual tense,
conscious self into unconscious rythmic expression of his feeling.
What nature does for us in times of great excitement Delsarte will do
for us at all times by means of his exercises, practiced until the
conscious mechanical motion becomes unconscious, automatic, and the
body grows responsive to all high emotions and impulses.

Relaxing the Muscles.

In relaxing movements, the whole arm and hand, shoulder, elbow, wrist,
fingers, are shaken until the joints are completely relaxed and a
warm, tingling sensation passes through the entire arm. It is then
dropped at the side in perfect passivity. The result is twofold--a
feeling of repose and controlling power, and an absence of that
nervous tendency to "fidget," or handle something, glove buttons, or
watch chain, without which a morning call can scarcely be accomplished
by either hostess or guest. This alone will give us a sense of perfect
rest which we have never before experienced. Similar exercises are
given for other portions of the body--legs and feet--a revolving of
the head to limber the neck; a revolution of the shoulders and the
body to gain that flexibility which is the secret of grace.

Delsartean exercises break up constrained awkward physical habits,
establish in their stead restful, graceful, natural ones. Of these
there are many classes.

The Delsarte relaxing exercises precede and prepare the way for all
others. In their restful removal of nerve-tension they appeal
especially to the overworked, nervous class.

The Delsarte sleep exercises are useful in overcoming insomnia. The
Delsarte laws of expression give us a key to character, study, and the
laws that underlie all art. The Delsarte work develops self-possession.
The Delsarte rythmical exercises enable one not only to appear better
and feel better, but, by a reflex action, to be better.

In this physical work the first object is an entire, absolute letting
go of all unnecessary tension, all tension that has overstrained the
muscles through an excess of effort in our daily life, though many
times this effort is purely unconscious on the part of the individual.
"How many a patient, trusting soul do we see with the muscles of the
forehea