CHAPTER XLVIII

MEANS OF PRESERVING THE HEALTH.[23]

[23] It is advised, that a thorough review of the hygiene of the
preceding chapters be given from the suggestions contained in
this.

979. Our bodies are constituted in harmony with certain laws, and
every person should learn these, in order to regulate his actions and
the performance of his duties, so that health may be unimpaired, and
the power of enjoyment, activity, and usefulness continue while life
lasts.

980. It is a law of the bones and the muscles, that they should either
be used in some vocation, or called into action by some social play
and active sport.

981. All admit that food is necessary to sustain life; and unless it
be of a proper quality, taken in proper quantities, and at proper
times, the functions of the digestive organs will be deranged, and
disease produced.

982. Pure air is essential to the full enjoyment of health. The impure
air of unventilated rooms may be breathed, and the effect be so
gradual as not to arrest attention; yet it is a violation of the
physical laws, and, sooner or later, we pay the penalty in disease and
suffering.

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979. Why is it incumbent on every person to learn the laws of health?
980. Give a law of the muscles. 981. In preserving the health, is it
necessary to give attention to the food which is eaten? Why? 982. What
beside food is essential to the full enjoyment of health? What is said
of the impure air of unventilated rooms? 983. What should be observed
in regard to sleep?

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983. The body also requires sleep; and if it is not taken at the right
time, or with regularity, we do not feel full refreshment from "tired
nature's sweet restorer." Let youth be taught that "early to bed and
early to rise" gives him health and its attendant blessings. The
brain, like other organs of the body, should be called into action at
proper times.

984. From the extent of the surface of the skin, and the close
sympathy that exists between it and those organs whose office is, to
remove the waste particles of matter from the body, it therefore
becomes very important in the preservation of the health, that the
functions of this membrane be properly maintained.

985. The function of the circulatory and secretory organs, together
with the operations of absorption and nutrition, should be steadily
maintained, as vitality and the generation of ani