Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 4, 1802).djvu/206

•iSo] S W I contrary case, it becomes necessary to resort to warm and dry friction : draughts of generous wine, toge- ther with Mithridate or Venice- trtacle, anffnatics, and similar su- •dorifics, ought to be given. By this nianagemtnt, if judiciously adapt- ed to circumstances, the disease may be removed, even under the most alarming symptoms. — It IS, however, remarkable, that the persons most liable to the conta- gion, were those"in full health, of middle age, and of the higher classes ; while children, the poor, and the aged, were less subje6t to its influence. ■ Sweet-briar. See vol. iii. p. 506. Sweet-fern. See Cicely, the Sweet. Sweet-flag. See Flag, the Sweet. Sweet-william. See vol. iii. p. 385. Sweet-willow. See Gale, the Sweet, SWIMMING, is die art of floating, or supporting the human body on the surface of water, ■with a progressive undulating mo- tion. This art is in a manner natural to man (see Amphibious Ani- mals) ; and, from its evident uti- lity, it has in all ages formed part of the education both of barbarous and civilized nations, — As an out- line of the principles on which it is pradised, may be a mean of saving persons accidentally fallen into deep water, we shall give a few diredions "to that effeft, selected from the instrutStionsofDi". Frank- lin, and confirmed by our own ex- perience. First, the learner ought to walk courageously into the wa- ter, till the fluid reaches to his breast; when he must gently dc- SW I dine his belly towards the surface? the head and neck being ereft; the breast pressing forward ; the thora. being inflated, and the back bent. Next, the legs must be withdrawn from the bottom, while they are extended or stretched out j and the arras should be stricken forwards, corresponding with the motion of the former. Swimrning on the lack is not es- sentially different from the method just described, excepting that the arms are not exerted, and the pro- gressive motion is derived solely from the striking of the legs. With resped to diving, or plung- ing under water. Dr. F. observes, that the swimmer must close his hands together : and, the chin be- ing pressed upon his breast, he ought to make an exertion to bend forwards with energy : while he continues in this position, he should move with velocity under tlie wa- ter; and, when he wishes to return to the surface, it will be sufficient to bend his head backward, in con- sequence of which he will instan- taneously rise. From the natural timidity, or antipathy to water, which in some individuals is constitutional, no- vices in swimming have been ad- vised to employ bladders or coiks, for the purpose of supporting the , body above the surface; a prac-~ tice which has been severely cen- sured. Dr. F. is, however, of opi- nion, that such auxiliary means are useful, while the pupil is ac- quiring the mode of drawing in, and striking out the hands ; which is absolutely necessary to a pro- gressive motion. But, as no per- son can become a perfe6t adept, till he can sufficiently confide in the capacity of the water to sup- port him, he ought to walk into a place.