Page:How to Get Strong (1899).pdf/27

 comes, and losses or reverses make him anxious and haggard, little in his day tends to draw him out of a situation he could have readily faced, and weathered too, had he only known how. To be sure, when he gets on well, he drives out in the late afternoon; and home and social recreation at night tends to freshen him; and to fit him for the next day's round; but, if he has been a strong young man, he finds that he is changed, and cannot work on as he used to do. His bodily strength and stay are gone. The reason is plain: when he was at his best, he was doing most work; and of the sort to keep him in good form. Now he does nothing to build up any strength; and he may be glad if he keeps even half of what he had. To be sure, he does not need the strength of a farmer; but, if he had it, he would find that, with very little daily exercise, he would be fit for all the demands of the day. And what a boon it would be, if, instead of having taxed and worn-out nerves; he could all the time be hale and strong; and not know that he had any nerves?

Who does not know men whose faces show overwork; who get thin, and stay so; who look tired, and are so; who drag along through their duties—for they are made of the stuff which does the duty as it comes up, be it hard or easy? The noon-meal is rushed through when the brain is at white-heat. More is eaten, both then and at night, than will digest; and while the drive before or after dinner helps; it is not enough to make digestion sure. Then comes broken sleep. The man awakes not rested, rebuilt and strong; and ready for the new day.

With many men of this kind—and all city men know they are many—is it strange that they have jaded nerves; and that physicians who know this field often