PHYSICAL CULTURE FOR CHILDREN
true man than the esteem and affection of his fellows? And who gets it like the doctor? And he is appreciated more than he is aware of. And it must have been always so, from "Luke, the beloved physician," right down to our day.
But, grand as is their work, is there not a part of it which they omit; yet might easily know; and would often find of rare value?
The medical man studies anatomy, physiology, hygiene; materia-medica, chemistry; surgery; obstetrics and other branches. But where do they fit him to be a physical director? To deal with the weak body; not with medicine; but with exercise; in the countless cases where that is the real need? Galen, who was "Inspector of Gymnastic Exercises at Rome"; Hippocrates, Esculapius could not have known a tithe of what is now known, in the field of medicine. It is said that in one of the great Scotch libraries, every medical book, even ten years old, is sent to the cellar, as behind the age; so extensive and ever-widening is the study in this field. But these renowned men yet managed to heal disease, to an extent almost beyond belief save to those who know, from the only true school—experience—what sensible exercise can do. Doctors are not asked, to be sure, to prevent disease; but only to cure it.
But every man worthy of the name of physician, wants to know how to do both. And with such men, the words of one like Dr. Sargent, long familiar with both fields, will have great weight. Rich indeed will the State be that has such men in charge of the bodies of its children. They should have ample pay; and their whole time and best energies, given to this great field, would extend the longevity-tables of the State to an extent passing belief. It would pay the more powerful life insurance compa-
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