The gymnastic free exercises of P.H. Ling / arranged by H. Rothstein ; translated, with additions, by M. Roth.

  • Rothstein, H. (Hugo), 1810-1865.
Date:
1853
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The gymnastic free exercises of P.H. Ling / arranged by H. Rothstein ; translated, with additions, by M. Roth. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    130 tiou might thus become only the exception, while they are now the rule; with regard to the infirm and ailing, as well as to those who have a predisposition to the diseases above mentioned, and to deformities of the spine or limbs, the time of infancy and youth is the most favourable for counteracting their constitutional defects, and preventing the dreadful diseases which so frequently cripple children, and condemn them for life to be a burden on the parish. The introduction of gymnastic institutions, according to the Swedish system, which differs entirely from those at present in use, would also give an opportunity to persons, not paupers, hut still far below affluence, of availing them- selves, at a moderate expense, of means all important, yet in this country scarcely known. Their value has been acknowledged by the official support of the Swedish Government for the last forty years, by the [Russian for several years, and lately by the Prussian Government, which sent an eminent physician to in- quire into the system, and in consequence of his f favourable report, has lately established a central I, model institution at Berlin; in Vienna, Dresden, Cassel, Stettin, similar gymnastic? institutions, accord- , ing to the Swedish system, are established. With regard to the third suggestion which I am | desirous of making, viz., the removal of the prevailing 1 ignorance as to hygienic means of preserving health, 11 woidd urge the necessity of making the workman ac- j quaiuted with them by popular lectures, by frequent I meetings, and the distribution of intelligible popular I tracts on the subject; for which purpose it might bo3 advisable to offer a suitable reward for the production of a pamphlet on Hygiene, which should take up the j subjects of food, drink, dress, air, exercise, etc., and which should be widely distributed among the classes ] it is intended to enlighten, and serve them as a guide in their every-day life and habits. Thomas Hamuli), Printer, Silver Street, Fnlcon Square, London.