Let not the uninitiated in Medical Mysteries imagine for a moment, that the Editor desires to depreciate their Importance--but observe once for all--that he has only one reason for writing this Book--which is, to warn you against the ordinary causes of Disorder--and to teach you the easiest and most salutary method of preventing or subduing it, and of recovering and preserving Health and Strength, when, in spite of all your prudence, you are overtaken by sickness, and have no Medical Friend ready to defend you.
Experience has so long proved the actual importance of TRAINING--that Pugilists will not willingly engage without such preparation.
The principal rules for which are,--to go to Bed early--to Rise early--to take as much _Exercise_ as you can in the open air, without fatigue--to _Eat and Drink_ moderately of plain nourishing Food--and especially,--to keep _the Mind_ diverted[3], and in as easy and cheerful a state as possible.
Somewhat such a system is followed at the fashionable watering places--and great would be the improvement of Health that would result from it,--if it was not continually counteracted, by visits to the Ball Room[4] and the Card Table.
A residence in the Country will avail little, if you carry with you there, the irregular habits, and late hours of fashionable Life.
Do not expect much benefit from mere change of _Air_--the purest breezes of the country will produce very little effect, unless accompanied by plenty of regular _Exercise_[5]--_Temperance_--and, above all, _Tranquillity of Mind_.--See _Obs. on_ "AIR" and "EXERCISE."
The following is a brief sketch of the usual METHOD OF TRAINING PERSONS FOR ATHLETIC EXERCISES.
The Alimentary Canal[6] is cleansed by an Emetic, and then two or three Purgatives.--See _Index_.
They are directed to eat Beef and Mutton[7]--rather _under_, than _over_-done, and without either Seasoning or Sauce--_Broils_, (No. 94), are preferred to either _Roasts_ (No. 19), or _Boils_--and stale Bread or Biscuit.
Neither Veal--Lamb--Pork--Fish--Milk--Butter--Cheese--Puddings--Pastry--or Vegetables, are allowed.
Beef and Mutton only (fresh, not salted) are ordered;--but we believe this restriction is seldom entirely submitted to.