Page:Book of health.pdf/5

Rh A. They must do every thing to recover their natural strength.

Observation. By this strength, you must not understand a rude but a cultivated strength, when the body is accustomed to exercise, and is full of life and vigour.

Q. By what means can man recover his natural strength?

A. By receiving a judicious and liberal education, and leading a prudent life.

Q. By what particular means can a strong and healthy body be injured or rendered unwholesome?

A. By a bad education, and corrupt way of living; by intemperance in eating and drinking; by unwholesome food and spirituous liquors; by breathing bad or unwholesome air; by uncleanliness; by too great exercise, or by inactivity: by heats and colds; by affliction, sorrow, grief and misery; and by many other means the human body may be injured, and loaded with disease.

Q. How ought infants to be attended and nursed?

A They ought always to breathe fresh and pure air; be kept dry and clean, and plunged in cold water every day.

Q. Why so?

A. Because children are thus, at the time alluded to, made more placid, because not irritated; and they grow and thrive better.

Q. Is it good to swathe a child?

A. No. Swathing is a very bad custom, and produces in children great anxiety and pains; it is injurious to the growth of the body, and prevents children from being kept clean and dry.

Q. Is the rocking of children proper?

A. No. It makes them uneasy, giddy, and stupid; and is therefore as hurtful to the soul as to the body.