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CHAP. XVII.

OF PUBERTY-IMPORTANCE OF ADHERING TO GENERAL PRINCIPLES-PARTICULAR ATTENTIONS, REQUIRED BY THE STATE OF THE PHYSICAL SYSTEM, AND MENTAL MANIFESTATIONS OF THIS PERIODCAUTION WITH REGARD TO SOCIETY-DEVELOPMENT OF THE MORAL POWERS-GENERAL ATTENTIONS TO THE PRESERVATION OF HEALTH-NECESSITY OF CONSTANT EMPLOYMENT AND OF PARENTAL SUPERVISION-DIRECTION OF THE INTELLECTUAL FACULTIES-CAUTIONS WITH REGARD TO READING AND THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF MORAL MOTIVES AND JUST PRINCIPLES.

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SYSTEMATIC Writers on physical education have commonly devoted a great deal of time and attention to that particular period, when the full powers of the animal machine are evolved, and youth slowly glides into maturity. We differ, however, from these writers in our the relative importance of this period, and of the degree of detail necessary in considering its phenomena. We believe that it requires no particular or exclusive rules, but only the prudent application of those principles of physical and moral education, which have been already, or which will be hereafter explained and enforced. It will therefore be sufficient to recall the attention of

parents to some of those simple principles, which have been already mentioned as consisting of two distinct kinds, viz. physical and moral; but which for the sake of convenience, will here be thrown together in a very few paragraphs.

I. The period of puberty is characterised by the rapid growth and development of the body; and especially by the preponderance and susceptibility of the nervous system. These communicate a certain degree of irritability, or aptitude for excitement, or morbid action to the several functions of the system and it often happens, as a consequence, that an undue stimulus is given to some one organ or function, which is followed by a loss of the balance of the circulating system, and by a greater or less degree of positive disease. The effects of this morbid condition are principally exhibited upon the function of alimentation, in which the remarkable and bizarres cravings of the stomach, are strongly contrasted with the feebleness of digestion, and the sluggish motion of the bowels: this function once impaired, the vigour and energy of all the rest are undermined; and these effects are early visible upon the head, upon the chest, and upon the skin: headache becomes a frequent complaint, attended by bleeding at the nose, which most frequently relieves, but sometimes exasperates this symptom; the action of the heart is disturbed, and it becomes liable to palpitation and oppression, in consequence of its too great irritability, as well as from the loss of its muscular

power; the lungs become congested, and a considerable degree of breathlessness and anxiety is the result; while a certain amount of general languor is remarked, and is particularly exhibited in the function of the skin, which becomes clouded, pale, and sallow.

II. A corresponding influence is exerted upon the mental manifestations, and these are characterised by a certain degree of mobility and susceptibility, accompanied by proportionate feebleness. The aptitude for intellectual energy is diminished, while the operations of the imagination acquire and exert an undue power over the general habits of thought and action. Works of imagination are therefore earnestly desired, while there is a proportionate amount of loathing, amounting to more than satiety, aye almost to disgust, for those which require the labour of thought, or demand the elaboration of idea. An analogous extent of tenderness of feeling, an easy susceptibility to powerful emotion, is also most readily to be traced; a sensibility, which duly appreciated, and modified by the restraints of education, and developed understanding, is an attribute of great value, and a source of pleasure to its possessor, and of good to others; but which, when allowed to exert its uncontrouled sway, hurries its victim into all the littlenesses of morbid excitation. The same state also renders the mind highly susceptible of friendship, that purest, best boon which has survived the fall, but which requires great care with regard to the object

upon which it is placed, and to the degree in which it is exercised: always considering it as an evil when it ceases to be the quiet solace of the cares and sorrows of life; and when it becomes one of those stormy passions, the indulgence of which leads almost unconsciously to every variety of misery and woe.

The general attentions required by these states, are therefore easily divided into an arrangement similar with that of the foregoing phenomena. Hence,

III. The development of the moral powers, must keep pace with that of the body; and the two together must be guarded from those excesses to which they are liable.

IV. The physical attentions required, are such as subdue the susceptibility of the nervous system, and preserve the balance of the circulation. The general rules to sustain the health, which have been before insisted upon, are only now to be more rigidly observed. The digestive function claims pre-eminent notice, and is to be guarded from morbid action, by maintaining the greatest simplicity of diet, which should be even sparing in quantity; by avoiding spices, highly seasoned dishes, and stimulants of every description; by abstaining from the excitement of alcoholic fluids; and by securing a regular action of the bowels.

With regard to dress, this should be light and cool, and especially such as to avoid the accumu

lation of heat during the night. This principle, however, is not to be carried to excess: the body must be preserved comfortably warm, or congestion in the vessels of the brain will be the consequence; but a state approaching to heat should be carefully avoided. Feather beds are to be cautiously excluded; and a horse-hair mattrass or straw palliasse substituted in their room; and this will in a great measure prevent the little pupil sleeping longer than nature requires for her refreshment, and enable it to escape the irritation which is the consequence of prolonged sleep: but if, in spite of this precaution, there should be a disposition to the continuance of morbid slumber, the little disciple of correct education should be aroused early, and be accustomed to that universal cold ablution, which should be the first duty of the day, and which will so materially promote health and comfort. Habits of the strictest personal cleanliness, will be now of the very greatest importance, and should be superinduced and fostered by every practicable means, and every eligible encouragement.

The exercise should be proportioned to the strength, but should be carried only so far as it can be borne with impunity; and should be such as may be best calculated to produce robustness and vigour of constitution; to occasion an equable distribution of blood over the whole body; to give rise to a great degree of indifference for the vicissitudes of climate; to obviate the disposition