Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/391

Rh  of Signor 's discovery, to the volume of the "Philosopnical Transactions" above cited; and to the 4th vol. of Mr. 's "Journal of Natural Philosophy:" and, for later discoveries, to the 1st vol. of Dr. 's "Annals of Philosophy," &c. 8vo. Cadell and Davies, 1801, where the subject is perspicuously treated.  GAMBOGE, a concrete vegetable juice, of a gummy-resinous nature. It issues from the Cambogia gutta, a native of Cambia, in the East Indies; whence it is imported in large cakes or rolls. The best sort is of a deep yellow colour; is divested of all smell; and has very little taste.

As a pigment, gamboge makes a beautiful yellow, which is much used by painters. When taken as a medicine, it operates violently both upwards and downwards. It has been used in dropsies with cream of tartar, or jalap, or with both, to accelerate their operation: it is also recommended to be taken for the expulsion of the tape-worm, in doses of fifteen grains, early in the morning; and, if the worm be not expelled in two or three hours, this powerful dose is said to have been repeated with safety and with success, even to the third time, and in persons of delicate habits.—Great precaution, however, is requisite in the use of this precarious and active medicine; but, if accidentally too large a dose of it should have been swallowed, the most effectual antidote will be copious draughts of a solution of pearl-ashes in water.  GAME, in general, denotes any sport or diversion that is performed with regularity, and subject to certain rules.

Games are usually divided into those of exercise, such as leaping, playing it, &c.; and into those of hazard, such as back-gammon, &c. which latter ought, in justice to the persons addicted to them, to be completely abolished.

Having already treated of the more active games, under the article, we shall at present only point out such as are peculiarly detrimental to the health of children.

1. Bending of the head backwards should be carefully avoided, to prevent young people from tumbling over: besides, the muscles of the abdomen become thus unnaturally extended, and frequently dispose such hazardous adventurers to ruptures.

2. Jumping wantonly from, or to, a considerable height, ought to be either prohibited, or undertaken with the greatest caution, in order to avoid violent concussion, and sudden tension of the muscles. The juvenile sportsmen should, therefore, be taught to make such exertions with their knees somewhat inflected, as to reach the ground first on the points of the toes, and then gradually to drop on the soles of the feet.

3. Children are uncommonly fond of displaying their dexterity in lifting one another, and even weights far superior to their strength; a practice that ought to be seriously discouraged: for, while they are in such postures, every nerve is necessarily strained; respiration is impeded; and dangerous accidents may ensue.

4. All partial exercise tends to give the body a crooked form, and should therefore be allowed only at certain times, and with moderation; as, under these restrictions, it is even salutary; but, if continued to excess, it is attended with