REDUCED TO A SCIENCE. >4/ 
CUMULATIVE EXERCISE. 
A THOROUGH 
IN TEN MINUTES ONCE A DAY. 
Health Restored and Muscular Strength Developed by Equalizing and Invigorating 
the (in ulatiyi- The Result of Twenty Yeats' Practical and Theoretical 
Study and Experiment. The Only Scientific System of Physical 
Training. Minimum Time for Maximum Results. 
'-T-ltj; 
THE BEST IN THE WORLD. 
Ntto-£|orfe: 
THE HEALTH-LIFT COMPANY, No. 28 EAST 14th STREET, UNION SQUARE, 
1877. CONTENTS. 
PAGE. 
Physical Culture, 4 
Cumulative Exercise, 5 
Physical Perfection, 5 
The Rationale of Lifting 6 
The Health-Lift, 6 
The Health-Lift as a Remedial Agent, 7 
The Health-Lift for Ladies ... 8 
Price List—Reductions—Changes, 9 
The Reactionary Lifter, 10 
Notes on Lifting, 11 
The Health-Lift as a Prophylactic, 12 
Health, . . . 13 
Results following a Good Lift, . 14 
A Plea for the Liver, 15 
Questions and Answers, 16-20 
Testimonials, 21-36 
Physicians, 21; Clergymen, 25; Lawyers, 29; Prominent Individuals, 30; 
Musicians and Vocalists, 32 ; Athletes, 34; Editors and Publishers, 
35; Typical Cures, 36. * 
Illustrative Cases, 37-42 
The Health-Lift as a Business, ....... 42 
Laconics, 42-45 
Exercise, 42; Cumulative Exercise, 43; Health, 43; The Health-Lift, 44; 
General Remarks, 45. 
To the Medical Profession, 46 
Phyjiologtcal Effects of Cumulative Exercise, .... 47 
Cheap Lifting Machines, 48 
Copyright, 1875, by IleaUh-Lift Co. CUMULATIVE EXERCISE, 
POPULAJILY KNOWN A8 
“THE HEALTH-LIFT,” OR “LIFTING CURE.” 
/|F EMULATIVE EXERCISE, while improving the health, will Double the Ac- 
IL tual Strength in three months ;—occupies only Ten Minutes once a day ; 
y —furnishes a safer and more valuable mode of Physical Training than 
the gymnasium ;—is adapted to both Ladies and Gentlemen, requiring no 
change of dress ; does not fatigue nor exhaust, but, by equalizing and im- 
proving the Circulation of the Blood, refreshes and invigorates ;—and, finally, 
is daily recommended by leading physicians to those suffering from want of 
tone and vigor, or from Dyspepsia and other forms of Indigestion, or from 
various diseases of the Nervous System, or from the class of ailments caused by 
torpor or congestion of the Liver—in short, it is warmly approved by the 
Medical Profession as the most Efficient, Safe, and Simple Means of Pre- 
venting Diseases arising from Sedentary Habits. 
THE REACTIONARY LIFTER is the response which science and in 
ventive talent have made to the demand for an instrument which would mako 
this Exercise popular and convenient. It is a portable, compact, and graceful 
uppuratus for taking Exercise in the safest and best possible manner. It lias 
a combination of levers and a movable fulcrum, adjusted instantly, by which 
Exercise varied in amount from fifteen to twelve hundred pounds may be taken, 
being thereby suited to the weakest woman or the strongest man ; and yet the 
instrument weighs only a little more than one hundred pounds. Nearly three 
thousand are now in use. 4 
THE 1IEALT1I-LIFT. 
The neglect of physical exercise is held, 
by leading medical authorities, to be pro- 
ducing the gravest results in this country, 
more especially among the well-to-do and 
intellectual classes of the community. 
To this neglect is ascribed much of the 
general ill-health, and especially the increasing 
amount of nervous disease. 
It is claimed that a system of Physical 
Culture has been developed and perfected, 
in which thousands of the most intelligent 
members of the community, from Maine 
to California, find— 
“That fullness of life, that vigorous 
tone, and that elastic cheerfulness which 
make the mere fact of existence a luxury 
“A regular system of exercise” which 
“has brought to many a jaded, weary, 
worn-down human being the elastic spirit, 
the simple, eager appetite, the sound sleep 
of a little child:” 
“A hygienic force” which makes “per- 
fect spiritual religion” possible, by making 
“perfect physical religion” practicable : 
An exercise “ so very simple in its ma- 
chinery as to be capable of introduction 
wherever there is standing room 
An exercise, finally, that is “adrpttd to 
our civilization,” in that it is scientifically 
accurate, occupies the minimum of time 
and produces the maximum of results. 
It is the system known as Cumulative 
Exercise or The Health-Lift. 
Physical exercise, as a means of restoring 
and preserving health, has been, for nearly 
three thousand years, justly considered one 
of the most important elements of hygiene. 
Indeed, Hippocrates, “ the father of medi- 
cine,” epitomizing the wisdom of the ages, 
makes the essence of to consist in 
temperance and exercise. 
Galen summed up a long life of obser- 
vation in this sentence: I know not which 
is the more indispensable for the support 
of the frame—food or exercise. Plato, placing 
gymnastics and medicine at the head of all 
the arts that minister to our bodily welfare, 
assigns to gymnastics the pre-eminence 
over medicine, since the former renders the 
latter needless. I 
PHYSICAL CULTURE. 
Exercise is as essential as breathing it- 
self. Without it, there can be no healthy 
J and beautiful growth. It prolongs life, and 
greatly improves living; it better lits us fo- 
our duties; without it, wg do not more than 
half live, lie only who exercises suiliciently 
can know the joy of living well, of good 
health, good appetite, good digestion, re- 
freshing sleep. It increases respiration, thus 
bringing a larger quantity of that “elixir of 
life,” oxygen, to pur'fry and vitalize the 
blood. It rounds and hardens the muscles, 
and educates them into ever-ready, faith- 
ful, and efficient servants of the will. It 
strengthens every part of the system. It 
invigorates the mind, and renders it moro 
active and efficient in all its operations; 
in short, it is one of the great natural 
agents which will enable man to reach that 
state of physical, mental, and moral per- 
fection for which he was designed. by his 
Creator. 
The activity of the muscles is also highly 
conducive to the well-being of many other 
important functions. The blood is assisted 
in its course; accumulation in the internal 
organs is prevented ; the important pro- 
cesses of digestion, respiration, accretion, 
absorption and nutrition are promoted, and 
the health of the whole body immediately 
influenced. The mind is greatly exhila- 
rated. 
Proper and systematic physical culture 
refines, elevates, and ennobles, adds to our 
courage, zeal, and health, and thereby to 
our happiness. 
Sooner or later, we must think about this 
subject. Is not the body worth all the care 
and labor we can bestow upon it ? Is it not 
the temple of the soul ? The intellect is 
naught without it. Other things being 
equal, the greater the capacity, the strength, 
the power, the endurance of the body, the 
greater will be the mind in these respects. 
Is it not a duty devolving upon the old and 
young of both sexes, to take every possiblo 
means to preserve and improve these bodies 
of infinite perfection, of such varieties of 
power, of such capacities of enjoyment! THE HE A L Til L TFT. 
5 
Tun essential principle of Cumulative 
Exercise is the gradual arousing of the 
latent muscular strength of the individual. 
It is a system of voluntary effort in which 
the person, in each day’s exercise, begins 
with a light weight, suilicient only to exert 
a few muscles, and gradually increases his 
efforts as lie arouses the neighboring and 
deep-seated muscles to activity. By this 
course, effects are produced which differ 
materially from those caused by ordinary 
exercise or by gymnastic feats. Instead of 
exciting a tumultuous throbbing of the 
heart, and a hurried, panting respiration, 
such as follow unusual exertion In the or- 
dimuy methods, the heart’s action is ren 
dered more efficient, and consequently, 
slower and steadier, while the breathing is 
deeper, fuller, and more regular. The ex- 
ertion is made with the body erect, but the 
knees bent at beginning, so that, in effect, 
the straightening of the knees produces a 
gradual tension of the muscles, as the weight 
Is raised, which is essentially ditterent from 
ordinary lifting, and free from its dangers. 
" •This tension or contraction of the muscles is 
one of the tnost efficient agencies in promoting 
the circulation qf the blood in the minute blood- 
vessels (the capillaries) and in the veins ; and, 
through this improved circulation, disease, 
arising from congestion or inaction of the 
various vital organs, is relieved, and often 
permanently cured. 
Willie ordinary exercise generally causes 
fatigue and exhaustion, a judiciously con- 
ducted Cumulative Exercise is always fol- 
lowed by a sense of buoyancy, freshness, ' 
and lnvigoration. This arises from two 
causes: lirst, not merely a few superficial 
muscles have been used over and over again, 
as in ordinary exercise, but the great bulk 
of the muscles in the entire body lias been 
safely and systematically caused to con- 
tract in a slow, gradual, natural manner, by 
the successively increased efforts and alter- 
nations of rest. This gradual, natural con- 
traction, with the proper intervals of re- 
laxation, never causes fatigue uor exhaus- 
tion. 
CUMULATIVE EXERCISE 
The second cause of this positive buoyancy 
and freshness is the INCKEASBD ABSOHFTION 
or oxygen by the contracting muscles. While 
muscles are acting, they absorb from the blood 
flowing through than oicr six times as much 
oxygen as they do when at rest. This fact ex- 
plains not only the temporary effect under 
consideration, but the permanent valuable rc 
suits which follow the regular persistent use of 
this system of exercise. 
Oxygen we all know to be tlic great sus- 
tainer of animal life. Its proper supply 
to, and absorption by the various tissues of 
the body are absolutely essential to their 
healthy condition and action. And, in thus 
securing its sixfold increased absorption, 
not by a few, blit by the majority of the 
muscles, an increased demand is made on 
the respiratory capacity, which results in a 
more thorough elimination of poisonous 
gases and waste matter, a more perfect 
aeration of the blood, and a more vigorous, 
healthy tone of all the vital processes. 
PHYSICAL PERFECTION. 
The injunction, “Be ye perfect,” was 
not pronounced in mockery ; and, if moral 
perfection is within the range of hum in 
capability, physical perfection surely must 
ulso be attainable. 
Physical perfection and beauty is tlic 
grand external sign of goodness, of organi- 
zation and integrity of function. The 
learned I)r. Pritchard truly says, “ The 
idea of beauty and physical perfection is 
synonymous with health and perfect or- 
ganization.” 
The ancient Greeks placed perfection of 
form next to virtue. We think they showed 
more wisdom than those who now preach 
the worthlessness of the body, or are in- 
different to its eulture and necessities 
Moral purity and perfection is us incom- 
patible with physical impurity as intellect- 
ual power with physical weakness. 
There are possibilities in the human form 
and physical perfection which we have not 
yet reached. THE IIEALTII-LIFT. 
6 
THE RATIONALE OF LIFTING. 
Lifting is a system of harmonious and 
simultaneous exercise of the whole body. 
Every muscle is brought into use at once, 
and each in proportion to its relative 
strength. And so connected are the vital 
organs with the muscular tissue of the 
body, that when all the muscles simultane- 
ously and harmoniously act, the organs 
themselves receive their appropriate amount 
of exercise. So distributed is this effort 
that there is no danger of injurious strains 
or rupture. It strengthens the weak or- 
gans, and expels disease by a gradual, co- 
operative exercise of the whole body. The 
strength of the whole body is augmented 
and equalized, the weak parts are built up, 
disease is expelled, and the individual be- 
comes uniformly strong, and consequently 
healthy. It develops power chiefly at the 
vital centres. All the voluntary and respir- 
atory muscles are brought into harmonious 
play, expanding the chest, augmenting the 
breathing capacity, aerating the blood, 
equalizing the circulation, warming the ex- 
tremities, and thus vitalizing every part; 
and by determining action and circulation 
to the whole surface, increases the relative 
amount of blood in the extreme capillary 
vessels, thereby removing internal conges- 
tions wherever located, and accelerating 
the nutrition of every organ. 
It is a true exercise, a correct develop- 
ing agency, a safe*mcthod of cure. It is 
an equalizer and invigorator—a reconstruct- 
or of the tissues of the body and brain. 
It invokes all hygienic agencies, especially 
pure air, pure water, healthful food, sun, 
air, and water baths, abundant sleep, rest, 
and recreation. It increaso* the healthy 
action of the brain correspondingly with 
that of the body. All the elements of a 
nerfect manhood are increased, including 
not only intellectual vigor, but moral power 
and social purity. For as certainly as disease 
favors an abnormal condition of the mind 
as well as the body, so surely does an in- 
crease of health and strength become a 
promoter of virtue. In a word, it is put 
ting a man in possession of himself. 
THE HEALTH-LIFT. 
The Health-Lift is one of the greatest 
inventions of the age, and is second to none 
in importance, as it is a direct appliance 
for the culture and improvement of the 
human race. It is good for everybody, and 
should he used by all. It will accomplish 
the following results: 
1. It causes an equal circulation of the 
blood to all parts of the system. 2. It ex- 
pands the lungs and increases the volume 
of respiration. 3. It infuses more oxygen 
into the muscles, and thus purities the 
tissues of the body. 4. It tones and builds 
up the whole system when purified. 5. 
It will double the strength in a few 
months. 6. It steadies ana regulates the 
heart’s action. 7. It does all these by a 
practice of only ten minutes once a day. 
8. It will, bv the above principles, cure 
most of the ills to which flesh is heir, espe- 
cially when chronic, and resulting from 
derangement of the circulation. 
The Health-Lift competes, and most 
successfully, with every proposed method 
for purifying the blood and giving vitality 
to the system, both general and local. It 
will in many cases do all that is claimed 
for medicine, electricity, movement cure, 
baths, and other forms of treatment. It 
produces power, energy, and vitality; it 
promotes physiological action, and thereby 
raises the standard of health; it impels the 
blood in its course, changes interstitial 
fluids, produces chemical action, and per- 
forms other duties serviceable to vitality; 
it is the greatest aid to the circulation, re- 
moving all local impediments. 
It removes local congestion and chronic 
inflammation. It increases the oxidizing 
function. It causes the absorption and dis- 
appearance of solid and fluid accumula- 
tions. It diminishes chronic nervous irrita- 
bility. It supplies a most efficacious remedy 
for paralysis, if taken in time. It cures 
deformities, liberates adhering and con- 
tracted fibres, renders mechanical and in- 
strumental supports unnecessary. 
It increases muscle, hardens the flesh, 
perfects digestion and nutrition. In short, 
it promotes the healthy action of every 
function of the body. THE HEALTH-LIFT. 
7 
“TnE first result of exercise is to equal- 
ize, the second to invigorate, the third to 
reconstruct and build up the tissues of the 
body. In the process of constant training 
these results are inevitable, and they neces- 
sarily involve the expulsion of whatever 
disease is present in the system. 
“ The skin, which had been clogged with 
decaying matter, yellow with bile, or white 
for lack of capillary circulation, acquires 
the natural glow and color of health. The 
face becomes fuller and rounder in its out- 
lines (the uniform and natural indications 
of vigorous vital organs), and ncquircs that 
beauty of form, and lively, animated ex- 
pression, which can only result from 
healthy physical, moral, and mental condi- 
tions. 
“ Nor is the effect, tone, and character of 
the mind and will less apparent. The va- 
cillation and weakness peculiar to an un- 
balanced condition come to an end. The 
step is firm and the will determined. Con- 
sciousnesfl of power underlies and promotes 
all the elements of a perfect manhood and 
womanhood. Persons who vainly grapple 
with health-destroyin . habits, or who, in 
consequence of the weak and abnormal 
condition of their mental faculties, have 
had no desire to resist them, may uow op- 
pose them successfully. 
“ The system is purified from disease; the 
morbid matters—sure contagion, fever, aud 
premature death—are expelled from the 
system; the patient, instead of being 
weaker, is made stronger by the process, 
and is protected against relapse and subse- 
quent assaults of disease by his greater de- 
gree of organic power. His vigor of mind 
and body is greatly increased, and he enters 
upon his daily duties anew, with prospects 
of longer life, business success, and great- 
er usefulness in whatever avenue he may 
enter. 
“ The curative power is inherent in the 
human organism It is by developing and 
increasing this power by a correct system 
of physical culture that a cure is effected. 
THE HEALTH-LIFT AS A REMEDIAL AGENT. 
In spite of our constant transgressions of 
nature’s laws, she is ever striving to neu- 
tralize the effect* of our errors, and to 
make us wiser and more healthy. We have 
only to meet nature half way to become 
constant in progress toward physical, men- 
tal and moral perfection. 
“ He who desires the best results will be 
constant in his obedience. In the attain- 
ment and preservation of health we reap as 
we sow. 
“Nature cures disease through an inherent 
recuperative potoer in the human system. 
“ By furnishing the conditions for the ac- 
tum of this recH/jcrative power alone can na- 
ture be aided. 
‘ The conditions are essentially: Pure 
Air, Proper Food, Cleanliness, and Judi- 
cious Exercise.'' 
Cumulative Exercise can hardly be call- 
ed a system of medical treatment, nor does 
it interfere in any way with the various 
schools of medicine extant nor with other 
treatment. While it is used in specific 
cases, and without doubt is more applic- 
able to some than to others, yet it does not 
make a specialty of any form of disease. 
Too much stress can hardly be laid upon 
these axioms: 
The Blood is the Life : 
Its perfect Circulation is perfect Health. 
They are the basis of the system of 
Cumulative Exercise;‘they explain all its 
results ; they satisfactorily account for its 
wide applicability; they are an epitome of 
Medical Science. 
Perseverance in the use of The Reac- 
tionauy Liftek is necessary in order to 
derive the benefit that should be obtained 
from it. Its cures are effected by the 
orderly action of the vital forces, and not 
by any sufl den and miraculous influences. 
The action of these forces, like all other 
operations of nature, is steady, sure and 
permanent. And those who persevere in 
its use, and exercise upon it in accordance 
with proper instructions, will reap the 
greatest amount of benefit. 8 
THE HEALTH LIFT. 
TnE class who most need exercise, espe- 
cially this form, and who would be most 
benefited by it, are the least liable to seek 
it. We speak of ladies. 
We are sure that this arises from a want 
of knowledge of what it is, and what are 
its effects. They imagine “ ungraceful po- 
sitions,” “handling of heavy weights,” 
“ soiled hands” and “ change of costume.” 
Let all such fancies be dispelled by ex- 
amining the accompanying “illustration.” 
THE HEALTH-LIFT FOR LADIES. 
one of our publications, sent free on appli- 
cation, will be found to contain full par- 
ticulars pertaining to its great advantage to 
women. 
When it is understood that a very large 
share of the suffering endured by women in 
this country, both single and married, arises 
from inertia, from muscular weakness, 
from a want of tone and health in the 
muscles themselves, both local and general, 
and that the remedy lies in improving the 
muscular system by judicious systematic 
exercise, is it not a sad reflection upon the 
general good sense of women that there is 
such universal apathy on this whole sub- 
ject? 
The need of intelligence on a subject of 
such vast importance is our only excuse for 
here pressing its claims for women. They 
will welcome a mode of treatment at once 
so easy and efficient. If there is any class 
of ailments for which this acts as a specific, 
it is that of the pelvic viscera, beginning 
with inflammation and ulceration and all the 
versions and flexions. It is especially desir- 
able in Prolapsus and Retroversion. There 
is not one in the whole category that has 
not beeu treated with 'ntire success. Many 
cases of habitual miscarriage lmve been 
cured. That peculiar but very common 
feeling of bearing down, causing pain, 
weight and backache, is always permanent- 
ly cured. The patient who before could 
walk only a short distance and with great 
pain, can, after a few months’ lifting, walk 
several miles without discomfort. Its 
crowning glory is in its preparation for the 
most trying of all ordeals—child-labor. 
This is because it is perfectly safe ; it devel- 
ops the muscles of the trunk and abdomen, 
it strengthens the ligaments which support 
the uterus ; it gives tone, strength, and 
health to all the surrounding parts! The 
effort is harmoniously distributed ; all the 
muscles in the body act at the same instant, 
and each in proportion to its relative 
strength. The position is erect, and every 
organ is in its proper place at the moment 
of exercise. This is no mere theory; many 
This lady is seen to have on her outside 
garment, hat, and even gloves. She has 
gone through no transition. »She steps 
upon the platform, grasps the handles, and 
lifts in the simplest possible manner. 
There is no undue effort, no strain, no pos- 
sible chance of any injurious effect. One 
of the great advantages of this apparatus 
is its adaptation to ladies’ use. 
But there is another consideration far 
more important than any of the above. 
This is its marked effect upon the diseases 
peculiar to women. This exercise has had 
a more specific effect than anything yet 
known. “ Backaelfc, its Cause and Cure,” THE IIEALTIILIFT. 
9 
women today cherish grateful remem- 
brances of the help derived from this prac 
ticc. We can cite many cases where pre- 
vious labors have been severe and lasted 
over forty hours, In which, after lifting, 
they have been easy, lasting only from one 
to four hours. It is safe to begin at any 
time of pregnancy, and lift up to the day 
of confinement. There is scarcely any 
form of female weakness or disease that 
lias not been successfully treated at our 
rooms, by the simple process of lifting. 
Over one hundred ladies lift daily at our 
office, anil thousands who lift at our 
agencies anil on machines at home will 
attest the facts herein specified. 
PRICE LIST—REDUCTIONS—CHANGES 
Reduced Price List. 
No. 1. Standard Machine $75 00 
No. 2. The New Reactionary 50 00 
No. 3. Pearled Machine 100 00 
No. 4 Nickel-Plated Machine 125 00 
Terms : Net Cash 
Up to January 1, 1877, the Health-Lift Co 
have offered but one machine, the price 
being $100, but wishing to popularize an 
exercise which has met with universal favor, 
and shown wonderful results, they ha\o 
dec.ded to reduce the price of the Standard 
Machiuc to $75 
They have also succeeded, after much 
study an l experiment, in developing a new 
machine, which, though giving the same 
results, will be sold at the low price of $50. 
The Pearled and Nickel Plated Machines 
are very elegant, suitable for any drawing- 
room. and satisfactory to all. 
DESCRIPTION. 
No 1 The Standard Machine, price 
$75, is beautifully finished in black and 
gold It has lately lieen greatly improved 
in several important features, and. as now 
manufactured, is a perfect machine. 
No 2 The New Reactionary, price $50. 
Though a new invention, the same princi- 
ples are made use of in a modified form so 
as to give the SAME RESILTS. The ma- 
chinery of this is neatly inclosed in a black 
walnut c\so, 20x30 inches, and is 10 inches 
high It weighs about one hundred pounds 
The handles can he detached and inclosed 
within the case, making the whole very 
compact Like the other machines, it is on 
castors and is easily moved, and, with a 
cover or cushion, may lie utilized as an 
ottoman when not in use for lifting. 
No. 3. The Pearled Machine, price $100. 
This is very elegant, being extensively 
inlaid with pearl and finished in the most 
durable and artistic manner It is sure to 
please the tastes of all. 
No 4 The Nickel-Plated Machine, price 
$125. Every part of this machine has re- 
ceived this attractive finish, resembling 
silver. It will not rust nor tarnish, and 
requires but little care (the use of the 
chamois skin once a week, and occasional 
use of a little cleaning powder) to keep it 
bright and beautiful 
Nos. 1, d and 4 are the same in shape 
and appearance, all except the finish. All 
give the same results. They are very or- 
namental and graceful, and may be placed, 
without inconvenience, in a hall, study, 
office, bedroom or parlor. The handles lot 
down and the machines are on castors, sc 
they may be rolled under a tab'.e or bed if 
desirable. They arc all made of the best 
material, and, as now constructed, will not 
bieak, wear out, nor get out of order. 
The Koact.ionery is the only machine sold 
giving definite resistance, thereby entitling 
it to the full claim of the only Healtli-Lift. 
Investigate fully before purchasing, ami 
you will buy this, the only good machine 
now on the market. Nearly 3,000 in use 
giving entire and universal satisfaction, and 
sales now averaging 100 a month 
The cheap and rude contrivances now 
flooding the market, offered as Health-Lifts 
dependent for their resistance upon springs, 
rubber, or scale beam, are useless toys and 
humbugs.- Such resistance can give no ben- 
eficial results, and their use in practice is 
often injurious. See article on Cheap Lift- 
ing Machines, p. 48. 10 
THE TIE A L TIT- LIFT 
The Reactionary Lifter is a portable, 
compact, and graceful apparatus for taking 
all needed exercise in the safest and best 
possible manner. 
It is made of iron and steel, and is so 
compactly and firmly put together that it 
will not break, get out of order, nor wear 
out. It is available for all time and for all 
the members of a family. It is especially 
desirable and convenient for ladies, requir- 
ing no change of dress. 
Its weight is but little over one hundred 
pounds, and, when packed, is about the 
6ize of an ordinary trunk. Its exact dimen- 
sions are thirty-six inches long, eighteen 
inches wide, and fourteen inches high. Its 
handles let down, so that it may be easily 
rolled under a table or bed if desirable. It 
can be readily transported from place to 
place, or trundled about the house on its 
castors. It is japanned to save it from 
rusting, and is beautifully finished in black 
and gold. It is highly ornamental and 
graceful in appearance, and may be placed 
without inconvenience in a hall, study, 
office, orbed-room. The “cuts” in various 
parts of this book illustrate its appearance | 
and mode of use. 
Its adjustment for lifting is so simple 
that a child can readily understand and 
manage it, and so easy as to require neither 
time nor effort. It possesses the elasticity 
of rubber without its objections. Its range 
of weight is from ff teen to twelve hundred 
pounds. 
There are now nearly three thousand 
Reactionary Lifters in constant #nd perma- 
nent use, giving entire satisfaction. Their 
sale has now reached about one hundred 
per month, and is constantly increasing. I 
We have lately made important changes 
and improvements in this machine, lessen- 
ing its weight, greatly improving its finish 
and appearance, introducing a new self- 
locking fulcrum or slide, so that it can not 
get out of order. 
Its adjustment is much more easy and 
perfect, and the handles have been very 
materially improved, and are now durable 
THE REACTIONARY LIFTER. 
: and unobjectionable. It is now pronounced 
a perfect machine. 
It lias side-handles, therefore enabling all 
to use it with the body in the only natural 
and proper position for lifting, avoiding the 
unnatural and painful twist of the spine. 
It is the cheapest good machine now in use. 
Only ten minutes once a day is required 
for all needed exercise on this apparatus. 
It affords to all who use it the best means 
of physical development and healthful ex- 
ercise. In the household, it is better than 
a whole gymnasium. 
In the study or office it would prove a 
source of relief to overtaxed brains, and 
would double the capacity for the day’s 
work, enabling the man to go to his home 
rested and happy, with a keen relish for 
the evening meal, and with the power to 
spend the evening in a cheerful mood. 
Every school, college, and institution of 
every kind should have one, and make its 
use as much a necessity as any other duty 
of life. Every public or private institu- 
tion employing clerks, would find the 
Health-Lift most valuable in keeping the 
clerks in good health ; they would do more 
work much more efficiently. The Health- 
Lift should be a public institution of itself. 
It is the most remarkable apparatus for 
exercise or health ever invented, and is ra- 
pidly taking the place of many other modes 
of treatment. 
Accompanying each machine is an illus- 
trated ‘ Manual,” giving plain and full di- 
rections for its use. The “Manual” will 
be sent free to anyone wishing to investi- 
gate further before purchasing. 
The Reactionary Lifter was patented by 
the inventor, Rev. C. H. Mann. The sole 
right to manufacture and sell these ma- 
chines has been purchased by the Health- 
Lift Co., of New-York, a joint stock cor- 
poration, having a capital of ¥200,000, and 
possessing every facility for introducing this 
valuable invention to the w'orld at large. 
It has already organized nearly one hun- 
dred agencies in as many of the principal 
cities of the United States, aud is constaut- TTTE HEALTH LIFT. 
11 
ly adding to their number. Nearly SUOO of 
these machines have been sold by the Com- 
pany and its agents, and in the face of the 
dull times there is a steady increase in the 
sales. The demand for an article of this 
kind is unprecedented. The many thou- 1 
sands who have and are using this machine, 
with marvelous results, will bear witness 
to ull that is claimed for it. 
Puk'es, |50, 175, 3100. $125. 
We cordially invite all who arc in any 
way interested in exercise and physical 
culture to call at any of our agencies or 
exo’xlse rooms (a partial list of which is 
given on third page of cover), where they 
will always be welcome audtind attendants 
to explain the exercise, and apparatus for ; 
its use. A trial and full explanation re- 
quire but a very few minutes. Our excr-1 
rise rooms arc open for subscribers who 
may not care to purchase or wish more ful- 
ly to test its merits by trial before purchas- 
ing. 
If, in addition to its merits as a system 
of exercise, means so simple ns those of the 
Health-Lift shall be found to produce tan- 
gible and uniform results, to check and 
even eradicate the most formidable disease, 
to secure immunity *rom sickness, and, 
finally, to bestow a freshness, vigor and en- 
durance which make physical labor light 
and mental exertion pleasant, it must, In 
the language of a recent editorial in one of 
our lending dailies, he “conceded that such 
a system Is not alone an individual blessing, 
but a wide-spread benefit to the commu- 
nity. Its claims demand ngorcus scrutiny 
from press and public, li baseless, tneir 
existence can but bo ephemeral ; ti we’I- 
founded, no reward is too great for him 
who shall have nrged them, and so fulfilled 
Hie demand fora practical form of physical 
exercise, which is every day emphasized by 
some new esse of a merchant breaking 
down at his desk, lawyer in his office, or 
minister in his pulpit, under the pressure, 
nowhere higher, nowhere more dangerous, 
than in our own city.” 
It 1ms stood the test and experience of 
twenty years with constantly increasing fa- 
vor. It was never so popular and universal 
as now. 
NOTES ON LIFTING, 
This perfect system of condensed exer- 
cise, now so popular among professional 
and business men, offers tlie following 
practical advantages to every active, as 
well as every sedentary worker of either 
brain or body : 
Economy of time—requiring but ten 
minutes daily. 
Convenience—requiring no change of 
dress for either men or women. 
Safety in all, cases—being capable of 
perfect graduation to all degrees of 
strength. 
It is atonic to brain, nerve, and muscle. 
It prevents disease, and relieves chronic 
ailments. 
The lift-effort has a marked effect upon 
the breathing, making the inspiration much 
deeper and larger in volume. This is a 
most important feature of the exercise, for 
with every breath a load of the wasted ma- 
terial of the body is given up by the blood, 
in the form of carbonic acid, etc., and its 
place supplied by life-giving oxygen from 
the surrounding atmosphere. 
It is, besides, apparent to all that the ef- 
fect of this often deep inspiration must 
I "'oen more air-cells, give the blood a better 
' cnancc for aeration, enlarge the breathing 
capacity and the breadth of the chest, and 
thus make us capable of living more and 
better in every respect. We firmly believe 
that a man’s physical and mental health, 
and physical enjoyment of living, depend 
more upon the capacity of the chest and 
soundness of his lungs, than any other one 
thing. 
Many a man has, in six months or a year, 
by the simple process of lifting, gained 
live inches in actual girth of ids chest. 
Now, who shall tell the value of these 
live inches of chest, five inches of additional 
space for the heart and lungs to woek in? 
There is no computing its value—no power 
of computing it at all; and before such an 
addition as this could be made to this part 12 
TIIE HE A L TII-LlFT. 
of the body the whole frame must have 
received a proportionate gain. For the 
exercise of this system is addressed to the 
whole body, and to the whole body equally, 
and before this addition could be made to 
the chest, every spot and point of the 
frame must have been improved also— 
every organ within the body must have 
been proportionately strengthened. 
Ten minutes Health-Lift Exercise, once 
a day, is found, after years of experience, 
to be amply sufficient to keep the body in 
good physical condition. 
For Cumulative Exercise, one is no 
stronger than his weakest part, whether 
that be his biceps or his liver ; he can lift, 
in a natural position., calling uniformly on 
the whole system, only the measure of the 
weakest part. 
Cumulative Exercise can be graded to 
the capacity of the most delicate person. 
It is the most economical of brain and 
nerve power. Following the exercise most 
commonly is a tingling sensation over the 
whole surface of the body, with a sense of 
buoyancy and vigor which prompts one to 
want to do something. Take this in- 
creased vitality away with you ; put it into 
your daily life and work. The pulse has 
fallen from live to eight beats per minute ; 
you breathe more freely; the headache is 
gone. If the feet were cold before, they 
are now warm. Fresher, clearer, more 
alert and cheerful, you walk away from the 
Health-Lift, with a sense of manhood, a 
possibility of doing and being that is won- 
derful even to yourself. 
More than 2300 years ago, in the little 
island of Cos, the “Father of Medicine” 
(Hippocrates) laid down the theory on 
which the Health-Lift of the nineteenth 
century is based. Galen, surnamed “ The 
Physician,” following in his footsteps, 
wrote, “If disease takes hold of the body, 
there is nothing so certain to drive it out 
as diligent exercise and sincS their time 
no enduring success has been won' in the 
healing art but through a strict observance 
of these principles. 
It is an equalizer. 
It is an invigorator. 
It is a rcconstructor of the tissues of the 
body and of the brain. 
Perfect lifting is perfect exercise. 
One of the commonest results is for per- 
sons who come to the Lift rooms tired, 
depressed and languid, to retire after ten 
minutes’ exercise, refreshed, buoyant and 
invigorated. 
Cumulative Exekcise invigorates, 
MAKES BREATHING DEEPER AND FULLER, 
MAKES THE HEART WORK REGULARLY AND 
EFFICIENTLY—TONES MUSCLE AND NERVE— 
IS NEVER UNSAFE NOR INJURIOUS—IS ECO- 
NOMICAL OF BRAIN AND NERVE POWER— 
MAY BE GRADED TO THE MOST DELICATE 
PERSON. 
The Health-Zi/Y is to some an unfortu- 
nate name. Ordinary lifting, in a faulty po- 
sition, such as stooping over, thereby using 
the weakest portions of the body—the 
small of the back and the chest—is as ut- 
crly different as it can well be both in kind 
and results to the progressive, graduated, 
upright and systematic manner of the 
IlealthLift, which has none of the terrors 
of ordinary lifting. It is popularly known 
under the title of Healtii-Lift, and there- 
fore we are obliged to retain it, but Cu- 
mulative Exercise is less objectionable, 
and more correct and scientific. 
THE HEALTH-LIFT AS A PROPHYLACTIC 
“ An ounce of prevention is worth a 
pound of cure.” The value of this saying is 
never fullyappreeiated. What is the value of 
health ? Is it not equal to a man’s income 
—and more ? and yet who is willing to give 
a tithe of his income to keep well ? Ninety- 
nine out of every hundred will prefer to 
wait till they get sick. What have they 
to do with Prevention? The folly of such 
a course is too apparent to need com- 
ment. THE HEALTH LIFT. 
13 
No one pretends to deny that health is 
the greatest of all earthly blessings. How 
few of us arc w illing to allow it except in 
theory. We go through life with a very 
meagre enjoyment of its rich blessings, 
willing thus to be deprived of the greatest 
and best wealth. We labor with brain and 
muscle for that which is infinitely less in 
value, scarcely bestowing a thought upon 
that which would give us more real Joy, 
more power to be and 10 do than all other 
things combined. 
Be entreated to consider the in Unite val- 
ue of health, and the proportionate impor- 
tance of its preservation and augmentation. 
Gain whatever you may by impairlnghealth, 
you become an infinite loser; but lose what 
you may in its preservation and restoration, 
you gain everything. Whatever vour aims, 
your hopes, your wishes, if you would sue- | 
cecd, preserve your health. To do good, to 
get rich, to enjoy life, to attain eminence 
or greatness, to secure any or all the legiti- 
mate ends of life, physical, intellectual, or 
moral, preserve your health. 
No one tiling will so greatly conduce to 
the regaining, preservation, and enjoyment 
of jK'rfect health as well regulated and sys- 
tematic physical culture. It is now readily 
acknowledged by all conversant with the 
subject, that Cumulative Exercise or the 
Health Lift, is the safest, simplest, best and 
most perfect system yet devised. 
How many men, earnest, eager, uncom- 
plaining and cureless, nre pursuing their 
vocations with the immineucy of a certain 
break down ever before them, or with pain, 
weariness, languor and depression, when 
fair, even good health, full power, and a po 
sitive joy in living and doing might be sc. 
cured, and the labor Jliut is of love, now 
performed incompletely and in pain, might 
be performed with completeness and in 
comfort! That condition of body and 
amount of vital capacity, which shall en- 
able each man in his place to pursue his 
calling with the greatest amount of comfort 
to himself and usefulness to his fellow-men 
is simple and easily attainable. 
HEALTH 
Our material frame is composed of innu- 
merable atoms, and each separate aud indi- 
vidual atom lues its birth, life, aud death, 
and then its removal from the place of the 
living. Thus there is going on a continual 
process of decay and death among the indi- 
vidual atoms which make up each tissue. 
Each atom preserve* its vitality for a 
limited space only, is then separated from 
the tissue of which it forms a part, and is 
resolved into its inorganic elements, to be 
in due course eliminated from the body by 
the organs of excretion. 
These processes arc greatly influenced 
by the activity of the bodily functions. 
Every operation of the muscles or nerves 
involves the disintegration or deatli of a cer- 
tain part of their sub.-tancc. We can not 
lift a finger, we can not perform the slight- 
est movement without causing a change in 
certain of the atoms which compose the 
muscles executing the movement, in those 
nerves conveying the stimulus which di- 
rected them to contract and in those com- 
posing the nerve-centres in which the sti- 
mulus originates; and this change involves 
their decay and death. The renovation of 
the tissue* of the body in therefore the object of 
this erercinc. 
Ererci.sc, then, as we have seen, is the 
chief agent in the destruction of the tissues, 
but it is also the chief agent in their reno- 
vation, inasmuch as it quickens the circu- 
lation of the blood, from which the whole 
body derives its nourishment, the tide, on 
which is brought up all fresli material, and 
on which is borne away all that is effete 
and useless—brought up and borne away 
most rapidly in those parts which are be- 
ing most rapidly employed, where disin- 
tegration is most rapidly taking place. 
Therefore, the strength of the body as a 
whole, and of each part of the body indi- 
vidually, is thus ever in relation to its new- 
71CXX. 
The skin is a covering of marvelously 
woven network, presenting millions of in- 
terstices and apertures, and each aperture 
is the open outlet of a duct or tube, which. 14 
THE HEALTH-LIFT. 
striking deep its convoluted roots among 
t.ie underlying strata of blood-vessels, sepa- 
rating from the accelerated currents what 
•might prove injurious to the health of the 
body, pours it forth from the myriad 
mouths. These skin exudations prove a 
most powerful aid to the acquisition of 
permanent health and strength, and nota- 
bly so to the health, elasticity, purity and 
beauty of the skin itself. 
It is apparent to all that this exercise 
contributes in a powerful measure to this 
very desirable result. It greatly increases 
the activity of the skin, causing it to be 
suffused with moisture, thus giving almost 
instant relief from a discomforting sense 
of heat. This makes it highly valuable in 
summer, and it is about the only exercise 
that can be taken with comfort in warm 
weather 
Keep your circulation vigorous and ac- 
tive. Otherwise, the system will retain the 
poisonous refuse to the destruction of the 
tissues, and all the processes of life will be 
dulled, building up imperfectly the various 
organs, so that, ultimately, the stomach 
fails to digest, the liver to make bile, the 
kidneys to excrete urea, the brain to think 
clearly, the nerves to excite normally, the 
heart to beat regularly. Thus the weakest 
spot soon gives way, and recognized disease 
sets in, and very general and severe it must 
be. All this, the result of impaired circu- 
lation, Cumulative Exercise would have 
prevented. Cumulative Exercise will cure. 
How often do we meet with those who, 
without organic disease, or functional dis- 
order, still complain of being far from well! 
There is physical, mental and nervous 
prostration—-a weakness or giving out of 
the powers, a disinclination or incapacity 
to perform physical labor, and inability to 
apply themselves mentally to anything 
difficult for any length of time. “ I feel so 
tired all the time—knees week—stomach 
giving out a>.d failing to act; food don’t 
seem to do me any good ; my hands and feet 
always cold ; in fact, I seem to have very 
little blood, and what there is of it is poor 
and thin. I have tried almost every known 
remedy and means of cure without avail.” 
Many will realize in this picture a similarity 
to their own ease. Without taking space 
to fathom the causes, we would state briefly 
that the blood is poor, weak and thin, 
owing to a want of proper assimilation, the 
circulation unequal and imperfect, the 
muscles and nerve-centres lacking in tone 
and strength, in consequence, the brain 
partaking of this general weakness. 
In the Health-Lift we have a safe, sure 
and permanent remedy. Thousands have 
testified to this fact. It lias brought 
health, strength and healing to every part. 
The brain lias acquired new vigor, the 
blood new life, and the individual finds a 
pleasure in living to which, before, he had 
been an entire stranger. If your condition 
is in any respect similar, try the Health- 
Lift from three to six months, and you 
will verify all We have said. 
RESULTS FOLLOWING A GOOD LIFT. 
Y ou are breathing at least two buttons 
deeper, but not so fast. There is a gentle 
glow over the whole surface. As you put 
on your coat you rather wish Sampson were 
around, that you might show him a trick 
worth two of the gates of Gaza business. 
Out on the street you regard street-ears 
contemptuously, and the occupants of 
coupds with compassion. But you’re fear- 
fully hungry, and dinner hasn’t beer so 
welcome since you came back from the 
mountains. Your evening is the most en- 
joyable you’ve known for a long time, 
and contrary to your wont, you’re asleep as 
soon as your head touches the pillow. 
Dr. J. P. Gulliver says: “If any com- 
mendations of Cumulative Exercise seem 
moderate and cold, it must be understood 
that they were probably written before lift- 
ing, when the system, was sluggish and 
languid. If any of,them seem too enthu- 
siastic and extravagant, it can safely be 
taken for granted that they were written 
after lifting, when the blood was coursing 
freely, the lungs expanding, the stomach 
digesting, and especially the torpid liver, 
whose laziness is the cause of so much 
mortal woe, doing its work in the share of 
life.” THE HEALTH LIFT. 
15 
A PLEA FOR THE LIVER. 
Tmf. best-abused organ in the human 
body is, undoubtedly, the Liver. 
Does your mouth taste bad in the morn- 
ing ? Is your stomach “sour?” “Oh! 
you’re bilious—too much bile in the sys- 
tem, you know. Take a blue pill and 
you’ll soon be ull right!” 
Does your head feel dull, and ache “ over 
the eyes ?” Are you “ blue” und grumpy 
—or dyspeptic or neuralgic—or troubled 
with dizziness, or “ see specks,” or “don’t 
feel very well yourself?” “Your liver is 
torpid—that’s what’s the matter with you. 
A blue pill will straighten you out in no 
time !” 
And so this great, big, overworked 
gland, with a double duty to perform, Is 
blamed for what it does do, and for what 
it doesn't do ; for doing too much and for 
doing too little, and is punched and spur- 
red, accused and abused in a manner that 
none but a poor spiritless drudge would 
submit to. 
The fact is we set it a harder tusk than 
making bricks without straw. We ask it 
to make bile without blood, and punish it 
with poisons when it fails to do so. 
The younger Flint has laid the Liver 
and its owners under obligation to him for 
all time, by teaching us what is the true 
function and office of this, the largest 
gland in the body, and the one most uni- 
versally found in all animals. It was 
through his studies and experiments that 
it was first clearly shown what the bile is, 
und what its uses are. 
Briefly, the waste matter of the brain 
and nerves is one of the essential materials 
out of which bile, to the extent in health 
of two anil a half pounds a day, is manu- 
factured. This waste nerve-matter, with 
other refuse, is ercrcted from (taken out 
of) the blood by the liver, transformed 
into bile, and poured into the intestines 
to assist in digestion and to prevent con- 
stipation and flatulence. 
Hut the production of this waste goes 
on in the brain, two or three feet from the 
liver, und iu every other part of the body 
wherever u nerve-filament reaches, and the 
only way the liver can use this waste is by 
having it brought by the blood to its work- 
shop. Manifestly, if the circulation of the 
blood is imperfect, the manufacture of 
bile will be limited, and then, usually, we 
pitch into the liver—a blue pill or a dose 
of calomel or of podophyllin. 
Nor is the insufficient production of bile, 
and the consequent imperfect digestion, 
constipation and flatulence all the evil. 
This waste matter of the nerves and brain, 
if not thoroughly and promptly carried off 
in the circulation, acts as an irritant and 
poison to the tissues in it remains, 
and hence headaches and neuralgia, or ach- 
imj of the nerves. 
Now, if there is any one fact more clear- 
ly understood and admitted than another 
in the wonderful and complex operations 
of the living bod}', it is that there can be 
no vigorous, or even negatively healthy 
circulation of the blood without a vigor- 
ous, tonic condition of the muscles. And 
this vigorous, healthy, tonic condition of 
the muscles can only be attained by their 
exercise or use. And so it is (dear why se- 
dentary persons suffer more from their 
livers than persons of active babits. It is 
also clear that so long as sonic persons 
must lead sedentary lives, and be debarred 
from active and diffused exercise, such 
persons must suffer, unless some substi- 
tute for diffused exercise be attainable. 
Ten minutes Cumulative Exercise, 
once a day, is not only a substitute for, but 
is better than any form of diffused ex- 
ercise whatsoever—from free gymnastics 
up or down, through all the range of In- 
dian clubs, dumb-bells, trapeze, bars, etc. 
And it will do more to secure an open 
hepatic duct, a vigorous circulation in the 
portal system, and a healthy Liver, than 
all the antibilious pills ever peddled. 
Moral : If yon would avoid Bil'ousness 
and its attendant imps, let your Liver alone 
and attend to your Muscle. 16 
THE HE A L Til- L TFT. 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 
The Health-Lift—What is it ? 
The Health Lift is an expression of the most 
advanced scientific experience in physical culture 
or development 
It is a thorough system of exercise for the 
attainment and preservation of health. 
It is the simplest, safest, most efficient and most 
expeditious mode of taking till needed exercise. 
In the brief space of ten minutes all the mus- 
cles are gradually, thoroughly and symmetrically 
brought into action. 
No other system pretends to do this ; nor 
does any other system produce any such results. 
The Health-Lift, in its brief, carefully graduated 
and accurately weighed exercise, produces in 
the shortest time asymmetrical, harmonious de- 
velopment, in which the muscles of the loins 
and back are as strong as those of the arms and 
shoulders ; the heart’s action is strengthened 
and regulated, the lung capacity is doubled, and 
all the vital processes are harmonized and invi- 
gorated. 
The Health-Lift produces a sense of buoyancy 
and exhilaration, allays nervous excitement, re- 
duces the pulse and renders the respiration 
deeper, fuller and slower. 
What is Cumulative Exercise. 
As the term implies, a system in which the 
muscular effort gradually increases or cumu- 
lates. An exercise in which the muscles are 
gradually aroused and strengthened. An exer- 
cise which may be taken with the body in a 
natural position, with perfect safety and with- 
out strain or wasteful nervous expenditure. 
What does Cumulative Exercise do. 
The effects produced by Cumulative Exercise 
are, first, general; second, special. The general 
effects are noticeable in a feeling of buoyancy, 
freshness and invigoration, immediately fol- 
lowing the exercise. Cold extremities arc 
warmed ; headache, or sense of fullness in the 
brain is relieved; the surface of the body 
tingles ; tired muscles feel rested ; and a sense 
of renewed life and vigor follows the improve- 
ment of the circulation. This impiovement of 
) the circulation is notan acceleration or quicken- 
ing of it in the usual way, by making the heart 
beat and throb hurriedly and tumultuously ; 
but the circulation is equalized—that is, lhe 
blood is drawn from parts or organs which 
have too much, and is distributed to those which 
are suffering for want of it. And this blood, 
“ which is the life,” carries in its current the 
great inciter of vital changes, “ oxygen, whose 
presence is the indispensable condition of lire.” 
The contracting muscles absorb this oxygen in a 
sixfold greater proportion than when at rest. 
And this gives a stimulus and height totheanimal 
life, similar to that caused by the inhalation of 
oxygenated air. By it the vital processes are 
quickened, buoyancy takes the place of depres- 
sion, the lungs play more freely, and the breath- 
ing is deeper and fuller ; the muscles are made 
tense and elastic ; the eye is brighter, the brain 
is clearer, the whole system tingles and vibrates 
with a keener, sharper play of the life forces. 
The special effects are noticed in tho action ex- 
cited in parts or organs of the body which are 
unhealthy or diseased. The more thoroughly 
circulated blood, and the increased amount of 
oxygen absorbed by the muscular tissue, arouse 
and stimulate the vital changes by which the 
atoms composing the body are removed and 
replaced. 
And as the body is thus rebuilt, under 
healthier conditions, unhealthy and diseased 
structures are the seat of unusual activity, until 
they regain a healthy normal standard—until, 
in short, Disease and Weakness are supplanted 
by Health and Strength. 
Who need it. 
Brain-Workers, Professional Mbit and all 
j persons of sedentary habit, those who are sick, 
and able to take it, and those who are well and 
wish to keep so. By it they may relieve the 
head, rest and refresh the jaded nervous sys- 
tem, and furnish the digestive apparatus with 
the necessary blood wherefrom to draw the 
juices and forces necessary for digestion. By 
it they may prevent dyspepsia, or cure it if al- 
ready its victims. By it they may prevent para- 
lysis and many other diseases of the nervous 
system, and frequently, if not too aggravated, 
cure them. By it they may secure a sense of 
freshness and buoyancy, and a capacity for the 
evening's enjoyment unattainable in any other 
way. By it they may insure a sound, refreshing 
night’s sleep. And by it they may do more 
work, mental and physical, with less friction, 
less “wear and tear,” than they could possibly 
I do without it. THE HEALTH LIFT. 
17 
Is the Health-Lift Suitable for Women. 
Cumulative Exercise is especially beneficial 
for women, as it has n marked and specific 
effect on the pci vie viscera. It strengthens the 
buck and pelvic region. It gives tone to the 
whole nervous system ; it restores displaced or- 
gans to their nutural position. It relieves all 
their weaknesses, und prepares them for the or- 
dcul of childbirth in the most natural and effect- 
ive manner. 
There is scarcely an ailment to which women 
are subject in which this does not act as a spe- 
cific, for the reason that many, Hunt most of the 
nils of women arc the con-equencc of inertia 
und muscular weakness. 
See article elsewhere, “ Cumulative Exercise 
for Ladles.” 
Has the Health-Lift a favorable effect 
upon the Condition of Pregnancy. 
Very marked results have shown in every 
known cape, where the exercise has been tried 
for a sufficient length of time to produce nn 
effect u|M>n the ubdominal muscles und pelvic 
viscera. 
Several cases are on record showing the fol- 
lowing results : The disagreeable morning sick- 
ness during pregnancy, and other symptoms 
consequent upon the sympathetic relations of 
the uterus with surrounding organs, especially 
the stomach, have been almost, if not entirely 
removed The sense of weight, pressure, neu- 
ralgic and sciatic pains, were greatly relieved 
and lessened, and the ability to walk much in- 
creased. The time of labor greatly lessened, 
previous labors being between thirty and forty- 
four hours, subsequently reduced to from three 
to four hours. The pains less frequent, and the 
patient much better able to bear them. Com- 
plication* attending and following labor are 
much less likely to occur. Tae mother is able 
to transmit some of her improved health and 
vigor to the child, so that the results to the 
child ure uniformly favorable. For this one 
thing alone, it is impossible to place a money- 
value on the Health-Lift. See cases. 
8hould a Woman who has frequently 
Miscarried Lift. 
By all means. It is not only perfectly safe, 
but in most instances a sure preventive of a re- 
currence. See cases. 
Is it Safe to use the Health-Lift at the 
Climacteric Period. 
It has been found desirable and efficient in 
all cases that have come under our notice. 
Is the Health-Lift Suitable for Children. 
Not till after they have attained their tenth 
year. It is especially good for growing girls at 
the time of change. 
Will it Cure Dyspepsia. 
Much that is written in this book tends to 
prove that dyspepsia in all its hydra-headed 
forms, with all its attendant evils, in fact, for 
almost all troubles that affect any part of the 
alimentary canal, the Health-Lift is a specific—» 
a safe, sure and permanent cure to this dreaded 
American scourge and all its relations. 
Will it Prevent the Tendency to Colds. 
Taking cold is the most prolific source of 
disease. Keep your blood pure, your skin act- 
ive, your functions in good working order by 
good food, cleanliness, and regular exercise, and 
you may thereby render your system impsr- 
vious to colds and other forms of sickness. 
Will this Exercise Reduce Flesh. 
It will not make a large man small, but it will 
certainly remove ttuperjluow adipose and reduce 
and restore to natural proportions, by creating 
more activity in the absorbents, und promoting 
healthy action of the eliminating functions. 
From three to six months of faithful lifting 
ought to remove from five to twenty pouuds of 
excessive adipose. 
Will it Mako a Thin Man Stout. 
Its tendency is certainly in that direction, 
when it is natural that a man should be stout, 
and when dyspepsia and other diseases which 
depend upon a want of action in the assimila- 
tive properties of the body have reduced his 
llesh. A man nliuost always gains by lifting, be- 
cause his health improves. The writer gained 
over fifty pounds in one year. Many others 
have made considerable progress in this direc- 
tion. 18 
THE HEALTH-LIFT. 
Has Lifting a Pernicious or Dangerous 
Effect ou the Brain, or Brain Diseases. 
Not at all. Ordinary difficulties of the head 
and brain have been treated in a most satisfac- 
tory manner, when nothing else would afford 
relief. The machines are now being tried in 
one of the largest insane asylums in the country, 
the physician experimenting daily with thirty 
cases of every grade. The effects thus fur have 
been highly satisfactory. 
Does the Health Lift Produce Sleep. 
It invites and restore.! balmy sleep. Ten 
minutes’ exercise on the Health-Lift, just before 
retiring, is worth more than all the narcotics in 
the world. It effectually and permanently 
breaks lip this bad habit of sleeplessness ; and 
all who have been thus afflicted recognize in it a 
jnuch-vulued discovery. For this one difficulty we 
have sold nearly two hundred machines. Tired 
nature’s sweet restorer—heavy weights. 
Does the Health-Lift Expand the Chest, and 
Increase tho Capacity of the Lungs. 
Ilow can it bi otherwise? Just before the 
lift effort is made, it is natural and necessary to 
inflate tho lungs fully, and to hold the breath 
during the whole effort, which is quite long. As 
sooa as the lift act is completed there is a na- 
tural effort to take several long breaths, which 
we always encourage an l advise. This extra- 
ordinary uso of Mio lungs will enlurgo them, 
make them stronger and more healt by, and more 
capable of properly aerat ing the blood. By re- 
ference to cases and testimonials in this work, 
it will bo seen that in several cases, well attest- 
ed, the chest measurement has been increased 
from two to five inches. If the lungs arc large, 
strong, and healthy, it is almost impossible for 
ill health to attack such an one. At least, more 
depends upon this than almost every thing else. 
Narrow chests and absence of deep breathing, 
are pretty sure to be accompaniments of ill 
health. 
What Effect has this mode of Exercise 
on Diseases of the Lungs. 
In most cases salutary. It is so gentle that it 
will not do harm even where there exists hemorr- 
hagic diathesis. Consumption in its early 
stages has no greater friend or more potent rem- 
edy than exercise. As a preventive of lung 
diseases, it has no equal. 
What is the Effect of Lifting on Persons 
Subject to Heart Disease. 
It should first be stated that not one in ten 
who thinks lie lias heart disease has organic 
disease of the heart. It is apt to be functional, 
or some trouble of the stomach affecting the 
heart, owing to nearness and sympathetic rela- 
tion. For every case of heart disease belonging 
to this class, the Lift is very good. 
Will the Health-Lift Cure Rheumatism 
and Neuralgia. 
Though remote and obstinate by any mode 
of treatment, they are certainly amenable to 
this form. Rheumatism, though generally 
affecting the muscles, is a disease of Ihe blood. 
Neuralgia affects the nerves. Both are affected 
by the improper performance of the functions, 
especially the liver and kidneys. The Health- 
Lift, by its marked effect on the blood and func- 
tions, will relieve especially, sciatica, and mus- 
cular and inllammatory rheumatism. 
Even chronic articular rheumatism will be 
greatly benefited if the patient will have 
patience. A number of cases of stiff knees 
and joints, and fingers twisted out of shape, 
have, in six months, shown a remarkable change 
for the better. One case of chronic articular 
rheumatism was entirely cured. 
Neuralgia, when not too remote, should yield, 
as, in many cases, the Lift will remove the 
cause. It has been tried in many cases of 
sciatica, some chronic and very severe, and I 
have never known it to fail in a single case. 
Heavy weights are here necessary. 
- What Effect on the Bowels. 
Constipatiox is relieved in seven or eight 
cases out of ten, and even the doubtful two 
or three, if persisted in. This most pernicious 
difficulty is affected in several ways. First, 
by the pressure on the abdominal walls ; by 
the new tone and vigor given to the intestines 
and surrounding parts ; by the increas d ilow 
of bile, and by the marked effect on the smaller 
capillaries, completely emptying them, both of 
which last are always followed by increased 
I peristaltic action. 
Diarrhoea is as effectually removed, the lift 
relieving the internal coating of the congestion 
and inflammation which causes it. 
The sagging, hearing down, sense of weight 
and pressure, so common to the abdomen and 
bowels, arc all permanently removed. THE HE A L Til LI FT 
19 
Is tho Lift a Remedy for Cold Extremities. 
Tub best and nlinost the only effectual one. 
Tho first effect noticed from the lift is the warm- 
ing, tingling, pleasant sensation produced by 
the blood being sent to every part of the system, 
especially the lower extremities. It never fails 
in this, and one can but notice it from the first 
lift. 
What Change does this Exercise Produce 
in the Blood. 
It quickens and increases the oxygenation of 
the blood; and through this increased oxy- 
genation, and a more thorough and vigorous 
circulation of this fluid, are wrought the benefi- 
cial effects which have made this system a rec- 
ognized branch of medical treatment. 
Does it Expand the Chest. 
Tub Health-Lift gives special expansion to 
the chest, to the extent of increasing its girth 
from one and a half to four inches, and of 
doubling its mobility, with a consequent in- 
crease iu respiratory volume, during the first 
three months. It often will make a correspond- 
ing increase in the visceral cavity, especially 
in the region of the heart, stomach and liver. 
Ia it Possible that Ten Minutes Daily 
Exercise on the Health-Lift i3 Sufficient. 
It is. We contend that ten minutes on the 
Health-Lift is far better than a walk of several 
miles, or an hour or more iu the gymnasium. 
A little exp ‘Hence will convince any one. 
The economy of time in this exercise U no 
more to be marveled at than the application of 
the speed and capacity of mechanical nction to 
the use of cominesco, agriculture and manufac- 
tures, the improvement of the modes of travel- 
ing and the means of transmitting messages. 
“ You emphasize once a day as being sufficient. 
I often feel like taking it two or three times 
daily. Is there any harm No. If you feel like 
lifting often, do so ; and in many cases this is 
more desirable. It will hasten recovery. 
Does it not Exhaust. 
It is one of tho commonest occurrences for a 
person to enter the Lift room, tired, depressed 
and languid, and to go away after ten minutes' 
exercise, rested, refreshed, buoyant and invigo- 
rated. 
Is there not Danger that the Lifting Ex- 
ercise will Enlarge or Stiffen the 
Hands and Destroy the Mobility 
and Flexibility of the Wrists 
and Fingers. 
Thore is not the least danger of any such re- 
sult. On the contrary, violinists, pianists, 
artists, engravers and penmen testify that the 
exercise gives increased delicacy, accuracy and 
firmness to the fingers, hands and wrists. It 
will cure ptn palmy. Ladies never complain of 
its spreading the hand. By a late change and 
improvement in the handle, it will not even 
harden nor produce callosities, especially where 
gloves arc used. 
Is there not Danger of Strain cr Injury. 
This is a very common and natural question, 
and we arc glad to be able to affirm, in the most 
positive manner, that out of nearly two thou- 
sand machines sold, and tens of thousands of 
persons who have lifted, we have yet to hear 
of any ca*e Of injury, beyond a temporary sore- 
ness of muscles, natural to any exercise, r d 
which would pass away in a few days. 
The reason is obvious. First, the position 
assumed is a perfectly natural one, favoring a 
natural condition of every organ and muscle. 
The weight is equally distributed ; no organ or 
set of muscles is required to do more than its 
appropriate share of work, and ns the chain is 
no stronger than its weakest lffik, the amount to 
be lifted must be governed by one’s weakest 
orgun or muscle. Therefore, lifting on u lift- 
ing machine, in the proper position, is perfectly 
safe. 
I have tried almost every thing in 
Vain. 
Cumulative Exercise furnishes the most hope- 
ful prospect of entire relief from many chronic 
ailments that other methods of treatment do 
not reach. A large number of the patients treat- 
ed nt our rooms belong to that class that have 
trie ! almost, every thing in vain. Their troubles 
arc decidedly chronic, and made worse by pre- 
vious ineffectual treatment. 
' Is it Complete in its Effects. 
Tins system of exercise, in its practical ap- 
plication is complete, reaching every organ and 
fibre from head to foot ;#nrousing nil those parts 20 
THE HEALTH-LIFT. 
which are weak or diseased ; strengthening, 
and preventing disease in the former, and ex- 
pelling it from the latter; thus securing strength, 
health and symmetry by the same process. 
Will not Lifting have a Tendency to 
produce Round Shoulders. 
One who lifts can not possibly get round- 
shouldered, nor allow his shoulders to droop, as 
it strengthens the muscles which hold the 
shoulders and trunk in the proper position. It 
is especially valuable in preventing this tenden- 
cy in growing girls and boys. Lifters are 
generally proud of their erect carriage and fine- 
ly developed shoulder muscles. 
Do the Medical Profession Approve. 
Decidedly. They recognize in it the most 
valuable aid to medical treatment, and give it 
hearty support and encouragement. Ask your 
family physician if these things are not so. See 
art icle elsewhere in this book “ To the medical 
profession.” They send to us and to our agents 
most of our patients and patrons. To the med- 
ical profession alone, we have sold a large 
number of machines for office and private use. 
See numerous testimonials from prominent phy- 
sicians in another place. 
What is Health. 
Health is the uniform and regular perform 
ance of all the functions of the body, arising 
from the harmonious action of all its parts, a 
physical condition implying that all are sound, 
well-fitting and well-matched, nealth is the 
power to work long, to work well, to work suc- 
cessfully. 
What i3 Temperance. 
Temperance is corporeal piety. It is the 
preservation of divine order in tho body. A 
vigorous circulation demands temperance in all 
things, and will not tolerate excesses of any 
kind. 
I3 not thi3 Machine Complicated, 
and Liable to Get Out of 
Order, 
Elsewhere this question is answered thus : 
“ It is so simple of construction that a child can 
adjust it and almost understand its mechanism. 
It does not break, wear out nor get out of order.” 
This is almost It will even bear 
unreasonable abuse, but may eusily last a life- 
time without requiring repairs or alteration. 
We were never so fully prepared to affirm the 
above statements as now, as the machine has 
lately undergone important alterations, which 
have made it as near perfect as it is possible to 
construct machinery. The improvements lately 
made are of great importance in other respects 
as well, especially the handles. 
Does one Actually Lift the Weight Indicat- 
ed on the Reactionary. 
All machines arc accurately and carefully 
tested before accepted, and none sent out ex- 
cept absolutely perfect in this ns well ns in all 
other respects. The accuracy of weight is 
proved in several ways, and is exactly the same 
as so much deadweight of iron. 
How Long io it Necessary to Lift in order 
to Feel the full Benefits. 
This is a difficult question to answer definitely, 
as one may feel great benefit from the very first 
lift, another in a week, another in a month. 
We always advise three months as a fair trial, 
just to the patient and the treatment, but even 
six months or a year should not be considered 
too long if you can secure the results claimed. 
The Lift works slowly, ns all real beneficences 
do, and its demand of all is patient perseverance. 
Its object is to begin nt the foundation, and 
work out every atom of poison in the system— 
to build up and reconstruct generally. Certain- 
ly this is worth labor, patience and perseverance. 
Do not its Effects Wear off. 
The beneficial effects of training by the pro- 
cess of cumulative exercise, are always the 
more evident the second year than the first; and 
so on, the longer we practice it. Its effects do 
not wear off, nor become less by constant prac- 
tice, but are enhanced and become permanent. 
For this reason The Health-Lift is destined to 
become the universal system of physical educa- 
tion. 
Is it Necessary to Lift Every Day. 
DEcmEm.Y preferable, and in some cases 
twice, but a lift every other day, or even once or 
twice a week, is not without its advantages, 
and better than none. 
Are Life and Health worth Saving. 
“All that a man hath will he give for his 
life ” and health, except, ten minutes once a day, 
to exercise on The Health-Lift. ILn HEALTH-LIFT. 
21 
TESTIMONIALS. 
FROM PHYSICIANS. 
Mora than 100 Reactionary Lifters have been purchased by Physicians. 
From Oliver Wendell Holmes, M.D., 
Professor of Anatomy, Harvard University. 
M v three months’ experience of the Health. 
Lift lias been entirely satisfactory. It furnishes 
a concentrated form of exercise which I have 
found salutary, agreeable and exhilarating. It 
calls the blood into the muscles and leave* 
them ready for further action, so that I have 
found myself more disposed to take a long 
walk after four or live lifts than before, I may 
add that the particular apparatus used at your 
rooms. “ The Reactionary Lifter,” is a most 
ingenious, convenient, compact and serviceable 
arrangement, by which the lifter’s own weight 
is made to do service, and by an easy and sim- 
ple adjustment of leverage, to furnish a resist- 
ance to be overcome, all the way from 20 to 
1000 pounds and more. 
From Wm. W. norland, M.D., 
Fellow of the Mass. State Medical Society. 
After a daily trial, under your directions, of 
the Health-Lift, during two months, it gives me 
g cat pleasure to express to you the very favor- 
able impression it lias made upon me. Liftyig, 
as I now do, five hundred pounds, I have never 
felt the least strain, nor any other injurious 
effect. On the contrary, the sensations, after 
lifting, are only those of exhilaration, lightness, 
increase of muscular force, and a pleasant accel- 
eration of the circulation. Those whom I have 
sent to you hear the same testimony In fact, 
every one who gives the Reactionary Lifter a 
fair trial becomes fascinated with it. 
From It. C. Moffat, M.D., Brooklyn. 
It gives me plonsnre to present my testimony 
in behalf of Mann's Health-Lift. It is the most 
perfect compendium of exercise imaginable ; 
particularly udapto I to those of studious or sed- 
entary habits, and to persons suffering from 
uterine and kindred weaknesses. 
From Lester Keep, M.D., Brooklyn. 
From much experience, I have formed the 
opinion that the Health-Lift Exercise is one 
of the quickest, cheapest and most thorough 
known. By the lift-act you accomplish many 
things. You control the arteries and veins 
effectually. You equalize the circulation in 
all the blood-vessels, and thus relieve con- 
gestions, the great source of debility and 
trouble with most invalids. But much more 
than this ; it controls eminently the vital forces, 
and equalizes their distribution. Parts having 
an excess of vital action are relieved, and those 
deficient are most happily supplied 
From lloratio (lomez, M.D., 
Physician to the N. Y. Dispensary. 
From my experience of the benefits to be 
derived from a systematic and intelligent use 
of the “ Lifting Cure” in general, I would par- 
ticularly state in reference to your special ma- 
chine, that after liuving used ft for some four 
months myself, I atn fully satisfied that in its 
effects it is equal, if not superior, to any other 
with which I am acquainted, while for cheap- 
ness and portability it is equaled by none. 
From Caroline If. Winslow, M.D., 
Washington, D. C. 
IIkauino of the Health-Lift, without any 
faith and with very little interest, I began to 
exercise on the Reactionary Lifter. It* effect 
leas magical. It aroused every dormant organ 
and muscle in my body, quickened my circula- 
tion. increased my appetite, and improved my 
whole condition of mind as well ns body. I 
improved rapidly in strength, and, no longer in 
a chronic state of weakness, can walk better, 
further. and faster than for years. I now do 
my former amount of business. Can and do 
walk from twenty-live to thirty squares a day 
with more case than I could have walked two 
, squares three months ago. Altogether I am a 22 
THE HEALTH-LIFT. 
physically regenerated woman. I find the 
Health-Lift exercise equally useful with my 
patients suffering from chronic diseases of liver 
and stomach, in spinal weakness and irrita- 
tion, in spinal curvatures and muscular and 
nervous debility, and esteem it a blessing that 
can not be overestimated in its usefulness—a 
healer of the sick and a useful exerciser and 
developer of the well—very superior to any 
known system of gymnastics or calisthenics, 
where carefully and judiciously used. 
From Frank IV. Reilly, 31.D., 
Inventor and Patentee of the original Health- 
Lift. 
The improved Reactionary Lifters, received 
from you, have been subjected to a variety of 
tests, the most important of which is their con- 
tinued use for the past three months by a num- 
ber of persons, with the most satisfactory re- 
sults. 
Formyself, the inventor and patentee of the 
original Health-Lift—as distinguished from 
Windship's Shoulder Lifter, and the Boston 
modification of the old cross-bar lifting machine 
of the gymnasium—I found some difficulty in 
admitting that the Reactionary could be quite 
so good as my own bantling. But there is an 
old adage about “the proof of the pudding,” 
etc.; and after watching the effects both in my 
own case, and in the number of others who 
have used the Reactionary under my charge, I 
have no hesitation in saying that the results 
produced are. quite as beneficial and satisfactory 
as thosethat I know follow the Health Lift. For 
convenience, ease of adjustment, range of 
weight and avoidance of the corkscrew effect on 
the spine (produced by the use of the cross-bar 
apparatus for centre-lifting), the Reactionary is 
fuily equal to the side-lifting Health-Lift: 
while in portability and cheapness it is i's 
superior. 
The “moral effect” of lifting visible masses 
of iron, that at one time I attached some import- 
ance to, has been shown by these tests to be a 
mere bugbear, and entirely unworthy of con- 
sideration. 
Of course, there can be no comparison be- 
tween the Reactionary and any form of spring 
apparatus—multitudes of which have been in 
use from the very earliest days of the lifting 
exercise up to a recently patented device now 
on sale, I understand, in your city. But these 
have all been found wanting and condemned. 
Prom Lawson A. Long, 31.D., Buffalo, N. Y. 
It is now flve months since I purchased a Re- 
actionary Lifter. 1 was desirous of trying its 
effect upon my own case as well as some others 
that had baffled the skill of the best medical 
men My own case was one that I considered 
hopeless, and I could get no encouragement 
from the best medical authorities. For eighteen 
years chronic cystitis, attended by inflammation 
of the prostate and urethra, 1ms rendered my 
life at times an intolerable burden. I have 
often recalled Professor Gross’ words, when 
speaking of this condition of things, “ The poor 
suffeer lingers out a miserable existence until 
death comes to his relief.” After exercising 
three months I found myself in an improved 
condition, and since that time I have been more 
comfortable than nt any time since I broke 
down, am quite free from suffering, general 
health good, and am lifting 550 lbs. at present. 
I expect now, by perseverance, to rid myself of 
all my physical infirmities. If I atn enthusias- 
tic m my praises of the Health-Lift it is no more 
than gratitude demands. During the above- 
mentioned time I have watched with great in- 
terest the effect of cumulative exercise upon 
seventy different cases. In every cajo the exer- 
cise proved agreeable as well as beneficial. This 
I of course expected ; but I must confess that I 
was astonished at the wonderful potency of 
cumulative exercise in reaching and relieving 
chronic infirmities of long standing. Whatever 
lias been said or written before concerning the 
Health-Lift as an adjunct in the treatment of 
disease, or of its unaided power to arouse the 
vital energies of the human system, in my opi- 
nion the half has not been told. In some of the 
worst cases the result of a few weeks’ exercise 
was unexpectedly successful. In fact, it seemed 
almost incredible to me. The sufferers them- 
selves look upon their restoration to health 
as borderingon the miraculous. All physicians 
admit the value of exercise, but few realize the 
benefit to be derived from scientific or cumula- 
tive exercise, systematically taken through the 
medium of the Health-Lift. It has been a new 
revelation to me, as well as to other medical 
friends, who have with me been looking into 
this subject. We find that the happy results 
obtained are not miraculous. The benefit re- 
ceived is the reward of obedience to physical 
law. Action encourages vitality'. I firmly be- 
lieve that the time is not far distant when the 
Health-Lift will receive the attention due to its 
merits. It will soon be found in the office of 
every intelligent physician, and in families 
whose means allow the luxury of a piano. THE HEALTH-LIFT. 
23 
From David Wooster, Jl.D., San Frnncisco. 
The bencflcTal effect of the Health-Lift is 
appreciated when it is understood that it is only 
by muscular tliut arterial capillaries 
•re emptied, and that immediately after such 
contraction these same capillaries must be re- 
filled wilii arterial blood fresh from the lungs, 
through the left side of the heart—that is, new- 
ly oxygenated blood. Constipation is cured by 
this process; tliut is, by completely emptying 
the small arteries of the alimentary canal during 
muscular contraction, which, by a well-known 
physiological law, is followed by increased 
petistalic action. (See Iladctiffe on Pain, p. 
147.) This explains how the ‘’Lift" cures 
functional diseases of the liver, spleen, pancreas, 
stomach, etc. It cures by causing a more com- 
plete renewal of arterial blood in the finest 
capillaries than can be secured by any other 
known means. 
[The method of Cumulative Exercise, as 
practiced on the Reactionary Lifter, is most 
thorough in uniform, simultaneous tautening 
aijd development of all the muscles of the body. 
I do not hesitate to unqualifiedly commend 
the exerciso and the apparatus to all persons 
suffering from dyspeptic or rheumatic affec- 
tions, and to every person of sedentary em- 
ployment, who—now possessing average or 
“ passable ” health—desires to obtain and en- 
joy the fullest vigor and efficiency of which | 
his (or her) constitution is capable. Using 
the Reactionary Lifter, there is no risk of 
spinal curvaturo or other distorting of the hu- 
man frame—a danger appertaining to the exer- 
cise when taken on the machines which ante- 
date I)r. Reilly’s and Rev. Mr. Mann’s inven- 
tions. If the clergymen, lawyers and clerks of | 
San Francisco generally, knew of the virtues 
of the physical training you offer, your rooms 
would be constantly thronged wit-h patrons. ( 
From C. Pcrkham Fitch, Jl.D., New-York. 
Conscious of the great good derived from Cu- 
mulative Exercise, and having used the lteac- ! 
tionary Lifter for more than two years, it gives 
me great pleasure to state that I regard it. when 
properly and continuously used, as fraught with 
immediate and lnsting benefit. For dyspepsia, 
torpid liver, kidney diseases and rheumatism, it 
is a very important agent as a means of cure ; 
while to those of sedentary habits, it is almost 
indispensable for the maintenance of health. It 
develops by gradually increased physical effort 
the entire muscular structure, and imparts tone 
and vitality to the entire organism. To the 
feeble it is a sine qua non, to tlm strong it is at 
once recreation and protection. 
From S. S. and S. K. Strong, Jl.D., 
Remedial Institute, Saratoga Springs. 
It gives ns pleasure to commend Mann's Re- 
actionary Lifter as an elegunt and satisfactory 
appliance for a very valuable form of exercise. 
Wo have used this machine in connection 
with our other remedial appliances in our Insti- 
tution. and have found it of benefit to persons 
of weakened muscular structure and of seden- 
tary habits. 
From liohcrt. Hamilton, Jl.D., 
Medical Institute, Saratoga Springs. 
My experience of the Health-Lift. (Mann'a Re- 
actionary Lifter), has been entirely satisfactory. 
It is one of the best forms of exercise I have 
1 overseen, and it possesses all the merits that 
arc claimed for it. It quickens the circulation, 
increases the muscular force and produces a 
sense of buoyancy and invigoration. I have 
one in my Institute, und recommend its use 
among my patient*. 
From Clayton Keith, Jl.D., St. Louis. 
I do not hesitate to commend it to persons 
suffering from diseases incident to a want of 
exercise, and to all persons engaged in sedent- 
ary employments. It develops and hardens the 
muscles, strengthens and steadies the nerves, 
and tones up the whole physical system, thus 
enabling it to resist disease. I speak from cx- 
perience. 
From Pusejr and Mary If. Hcald, M.D., 
Ilygeian Home, Wilmington, Del. 
We have, had one of Mann's Reactionary 
Health-Lifts in use in our institution for two 
years, and are more than willing to add our 
testimony in its favor, as a most important ad 
junct in the hygienic treatment of many forms 
of chronic diseases—if judiciously used. As a 
means of exercise for persons leading lives of a 
more or less sedentary character, we believe it 
to be very beneficial. 
From Adrian J. F.bell, Jl.D., 
Prof. Physiology, Horn. Med. Coll., New-York. 
Tt is tlie best means of concentrated and phy- 
siological exercise of the entire system I have 
ever met with in this country or in Europe. It 
merits success. 24 
THE HE A L TII-LTFT. 
From Wm. I.. Barrett, M.D., St. Louis. 
It. supplies, with wonderful perfection, a ne- 
cessity that has 1 mg been felt by physicians, and 
will, I am sure, prove to be an invaluable adjunct 
in the treatment of chronic diseases, especially 
those engendered and promoted by sedentary 
habits of life, and by luxury and indolence— 
causes to which perhaps one-half of all chronic 
ailments arc due. 
My practical experience warrants the conviction 
that nothing I can say in praise of it as a safe, 
efficient and health-promoting exercise is beyond 
the measure of its great deserving. 
From Austin Flint, M.D. 
I have derived, personally, advantage from the 
use of the Health-Lift, and I have known of its 
having proved beneficial in several instances. 
Judiciously used it secures the benefits of physical 
exercise to both body and mind. 
From .lames HI. Minor, 31.D. 
An experience of about five months of daily use 
of the Reactionary Lifter convinces me of its 
great utility. I have been a sufferer from dys- 
pepsia from early life, and have tried almost cv< ry 
known form of exercise, and not without benefit, 
but have found none which at all compares with 
the Health Lift. It has greatly improved my 
health and increased the strength and activity of 
both mind and body. 
That an exercise of such short duration, occu- 
pying, including rests, not more than twenty 
minutes, should produce such remarkable results 
seems to be in violation of a hitherto well-recog- 
nized principle, that exercise to bo beneficial must 
bo moderate in degree and long continued. The 
explanation may be found in the fact that, owing 
to the position assumed, almost every nnii-cle of 
the body is brougnt into strong and simultaneous 
action (a result not produced by any other form of 
exercise), causing a more perfect diffusion of blood 
and nerve force, not only to the muscles them- 
selves, but to all the other structures of the body. 
In short, the Health-Lift accelerates to a high 
degree and exalts to great perfection all the ordi- 
nary processes of nutrition, forming new material 
in larger quantities and of better quality, remov- 
ing at the same time, and with like rapidity, the 
effete material by oxidation (a true combustion as 
well as purification), by which both warmth and 
power are simultaneously furnished in increased 
quantities to the constantly renewed fabric. 
It seems to be especially ndapted to the peculiar 
exigencies of American life, in which a hot and 
impetuous haste imperiously demands every time- 
saving expedient, a necessity the fltealth-Lift ful- 
fills to a remarkable degree and most efficiently. 
In conclusion, I may add that the mechanical 
ingenuity and compactness of the “ Lifter." with 
its combination of levers, arc very remarkable and 
do great credit to the inventor. 
I'rbm T. M. B. Cross, M.D., New York. 
I have used the Reactionary Lifter regularly for 
about a year and a half, and have carefully studied 
its physiological effects, and as a result of my own 
experience I believe it to be a form of exercise 
which is not only safe, but highly beneficial. Its 
action upon the muscles of the bark and loins 
particularly commend it to the attention of tho 
public. It is, in my opinion, especially adapted to 
that large class of persons, who, though naturally 
strong and healthy, have from a sedentary course 
of life impaired their normal physical condition, 
and to all such it will be found to impart increased 
bodily and mental vigor if systematically and 
judiciously employed. 
From Dr. DougHerty, Newark, N. .1. 
I am satisfied that for indigestion and nervous 
disorders there is nothing better. 'Jibe principle 
involved is that of putting all the muscles equally 
on tho stretch and thus toning them up. Having 
tried it myself for some time, I can speak from 
experience of tho bracing effects which follow tho 
daily practice of the Health-Lift. I am confident 
that the whole army of bank clerks, book-keepers, 
and business and professional men, ns well as 
women, would be greatly benefited by a persistent 
course of exercise. 
From A. Scliroeder, M.D., Highland Falls. 
« 
Before commencing the use of your Reactionary 
Lifter I had ordered a coat of my tailor, but 
did not go for it untif I had had two months' ex- 
perience in cumulative exercise, when, to the 
tailor's astonishment and my own, the coat was 
altogether too small, I having increased four 
inches in the girth of my chest, by nctual meas- 
urement, in that short time. 
From H. O. (iatciiell, M.D., Kenosha, Win. 
I consider the Reactionary Lifter one of the 
most valuable inventions of the time. I will 
make every possible effort to recommend its use 
and promote its sale. 77/A’ HEALTH-LIFT. 
25 
Nearly One Hundred Reactionary Lifters have been sold to f lerzymon. 
FROM CLERGYMEN 
From Rev. 4. F. IV. Ware, D.O., 
Pastor Arlington Street Church, Boston. 
Dr. Ware has been a regular, paying subscriber 
at the Boston Agency of the lieulth-Lift Co. for 
three years, and is, therefore, qualified to speak, 
und has done so solelv with the view of interest- 
ing others in what iio found of great benefit, 
lie was under no obligation to write, and did so 
unsolicited. His article appeared without the 
knowledge of nny one interested. These signifi- 
cant f lets should give great weight to every 
word it contaius. 
In common with many others, I had heard 
vaguely of this thing, with the same sort of 
vague indifference or skepticism with which one 
almost always hears of new things. The chance 
word of a friend At the right moment—the word 
In season followed by the prompt “ come rviUi 
me now,” led to the mysteries and the blessings 
of the Lift. 
Never shall I forget the sensations of my first 
lift and my introduction to parts of myself un- 
known or forgotten. 
It sent a glow all over the body that was ns 
luscious and cheery as any that liavo been told 
of by the Turkish bath enthusiasts, and then—I 
am afraid it may be;ray mo—an exhilaration 
purer and more subtlo nnd enduring than that 
of best champagne. My experience has been a 
record of many joys, joys that conic of soothing 
and strengthening to a fagged brain, and a weary 
body, and a postered soul. I take my lift be- 
fore my late dinner, when the day's work is done. 
I carry to It whatever weariness the day has 
made—of body, of brain, of heart—and I go 
away anothei than the man I came. Headache, ; 
limhache, heartache are gone, or toned down to 
easy bearing, and a new connteractant vigor sot 1 
at work in all the pulses. It seems to got he- j 
hind the heart, and holster that first scat of 
power und action. It is tile best op rest. 
The Health-Lift is the gradual, easy, complete I 
waking up of every torpid molecule in brain, I 
liver, nnd blood, the sending through and pos- j 
scssing the entire man with a new sense, a re- | 
creating him then and there, so t'hat ho turns | 
from his few minutes at his Lift a new creation, i 
It rouses the universal lethargy of the body ; j 
It sends the stagnant blood to the places nature 
intended it for; routs it from its hiding, its 
loafing places, and sends it to its duties ; it re- j 
moves surplus fat or distributes it; it decreases 
the girth of men growing portly and increases 
the girth of the lungs of men growing hollow ; : 
| it helps digestion, increases the power and en 
durance of the voice, und sets one up generally. 
Thuse are things whereunto I individually bear 
witness. Others have their other say. As I walk 
from iny lift into the air I feel us if 1 could carry 
Atlas—his load—without stooping ; I feel life 
down to the uttermost filament of my lungs, ti e 
glory and the joy of mere being. I feel so per- 
pendicular as if I must bo nadir and zenith ti 
the universe. Amid ull summer luxury and en- 
joyment I have felt the need of and have missed 
my daily lift. 
If wo were only doing about these bodies 
somewhat near what we ought to do, every com- 
munity would have a lift-club and careful attend- 
ant. It should be a public institution at much as 
a school is. It would be to many a man an ad- 
dition, if not to the length of his days, to the 
valuoof his life; would furnish him with sensa- 
tions, the like of which he has not had since ho 
parted with the suppleness and the enterprise of 
boyhood. It will renew lost vigor better than 
voyage or nostrum ; but the better work of it 
may be in keeping one from losing the vigor 
which at best is slowly regained, in pursuit of 
which so many lose the patience, preseverance, 
and faith which are vital to recovery. The Lift 
works slowly, as all real beneficences do, and its 
demand of you is patient perseverance. 
It would be a great thing to have these Lifts 
attached to banks and buildings where many 
men arc employed, who are burning life out at 
both ends ; it would be a great step in political 
shrewdness to plant them n xt door to where 
young men do congregate, rather than the too 
eager and tempting saloons. Fathers would do 
well to send their growing boys and girls. Par- 
ishes would be wise if they made it a part of 
t'.ieir duty to see that their minister took his 
Lift, and paid his bill for it to boot, if lie be not 
able fairly to do it himself. And ns things go, 
it would not be a bad idea to attach a llealth- 
Lift to the church appointments, kitchens and 
parlors to sot up the social tiling that a man is 
even in his religion ; why not set the man up in 
the physical things that he is, and that his relig- 
ion needs him to lie ? A good lift of a Sunday 
morning before going to church would have u 
wonderfully clearing influence. There would be 
less sleeping, less indifference, less fault-finding, 
better chance for real good all arouud. We 
should have men, women, ministers roused, 
wide awake, alert, good-humored anil making 26 
THE 1IEALT1ILIFT. 
;hcbest of memselves and of everybody else. 
There isn’t a great deal of use in talking about 
worshiping in spirit, when the body is torment- 
ing you with its apathy, and the only real in- 
cense you lay upon the altar is an indigestion. 
I believe in worship and all that, but my creed 
Is not complete until I have written it—I believe 
in the Health-Lift.—Allantic Monthly, Feb.,1875. 
From ltev. Howard Crosby, D.I)., LL.D., 
Chancellor of the University, New-York. 
1 like very much the Mann Health-Lift. We 
have used it for two years in our family, with 
clear advantage to our physical well-being. 
From Ilev. ltobert Collyer, D.D., Chicago. 
I went to the Health-Lift because, notwith- 
standing in otherwise robust health, the exertion 
necessary to reach with my voice every part of 
our large church began to fatigue and distress 
my lungs and chest. I found the lifting of great 
use, and was soon able to do, easily, what be- 
fore cost much effort. 
From Rev. J. A. M. Chapman, D.D., N. Y. 
Having tested the virtues of the Reactionary 
Lifter, I take great pleasure in stating that it 
has been of the greatest service to me. I know 
of nothing so well calculated to recover and 
maintain the vigor and health of the system. I 
most heartily recommend it to all whose occu- 
pation does not sufficiently afford physical exer- 
cise. 
From Rev. .To II. Rylance, D.I)., New-York. 
The Health-Lift exercise proved of immense 
benefit in my case, in the way of mental and 
bodily invigoration. I have never failed to com- 
mend it, when occasion has cnlled, especially to 
those whose habits are of a sedentary character. 
From Rev. Slarr II. Nichols, D.I)., Phila. 
For five years I drew my weary breath, writing 
less, reading less, and enjoying less from year 
to year, till at last the physicians absolutely 
forbade my continuance in professional labor. 
During these years I had tried nearly every 
method of cure. Allopathy, Homeopathy, Hy- 
dropathy, were applied to in vain. Horseback- 
riding, light and heavy gymnastics, were faith- 
fully used, to no purpose. Long hours of sleep, 
with perfect rest and «asy recreation, profited me 
as little. Travel, under favorable circumstances, 
was my last resource, and from a protracted 
tour, I returned home worse than ever. I began 
to feel that there was no hope of recovery, but 
having business in Chicago, my atfc'iition while 
there was called to The Healtii-Lift, to which 
I had immediate recourse, with almost imme- 
diate relief. In three weeks I was better, in 
three months I was happy. My appreciation of 
the Lift can not be too confidently stated. It 
teems to me there is nothing better under the 
sun for all the ills that flesh is heir to. Being a 
constitutional remedy, it seems to be good for 
everybody who can stand, and lift—whatever 
their particular complaint. I should prefer a 
He actionary Lift in my study to a horse in 
my stable, or a piano in my parlor. 1 would 
even sell half my books rather than not use one. 
From Iter. J. P. Gulliver, D.D., 
President Knox College. 
I believe I have never attached my name to 
any recommendation of a medicine, or of any 
curative process of any kind. It has always 
seemed to me that such recommendations, even 
when honestly and intelligently given, are usual- 
ly very improperly used, by inducing unreflect- 
ing persons to believe that what seemed to be 
successful in a single case, and under peculiar 
circumstances, is applicable in all cases, and 
under all circumstances. 
I have no hesitation, however, in breaking 
over my rule ill commending the Health-Lift. 
No claim is set up for it which is unscientific or 
impracticable. As I understand the matter, its 
aim is simply to arouse to the highest possible 
effort, once a day, and for a few seconds at a 
time, all the functions of the muscular and vital 
system. This is done in such a manner as pre- 
cludes the possibility of a local strain, except in 
cases of special disease or injury. The effect of 
this unusual summons upon the physical sys- 
I tern is really w'onderful, though after its reality 
j has been established by experiment it is easily 
| accounted for. The stimulus it gives to the 
circulation, to the lungs, the stomach, the liver, 
* and the other vital organs, is such us to develop 
| with great rapidity, the power of the physical 
system. Many who have commenced this prac- 
tice by lifting three hundred pounds, with the 
utmost exertion of which they were capable, 
have increased their lift, gradually, until they 
have been able to raise eight hundred, and even 
one thousand pounds, with less effort than 
they required for their first lift. So it constantly 
happen0 that, in a succession of four lifts, taken 
at one time, the last will be made with much 
less exertion than the first, though perhaps 
twice as heavy. This development of vital, as 7777? HEALTH-LIFT. 
27 
distinct from mere mnsrular force, I consider 
the great mcri»of the Health-Lift. 
It Is easy to understand, with this explanation, 
how this system acts in the cure of disease. 
Every intelligent person understands that medi- 
cine does not cure disease, except indirectly, by 
urousing the curative power of nuture. If tho 
Health-Lift develops this vital force—this vis 
medicatrix natures, as the doctors call it—then It 
must cure disease, und the cure will not be mere 
relief, but it will be a constitutional cure, thor- 
ough and permanent. 
All the facts which have come to my knowl- 
edge correspond with this theory. I am pre- 
pared to believe the statements of the most en- 
thusiastic and grateful of your patients. The 
effects which I myself have experienced, and 
which I have witnessed in my family and among 
my friends, fully corroborate the favorable 
estimate of others. If any of these commenda- 
tions seem moderate and cold, it must be under- 
stood that they were probably written before 
lifting, when the system was sluggish and lan- 
guid. If any of them seem too enthusiastic and 
extravagant, it can safely be taken for granted 
that they were written after lifting, when the 
blood was coursing freely, the lungu* expanding, 
the stomach digesting, und especially the torpid 
liver, whose laziness is the cause of so much 
mortal woe, doing its shure in the work of life. 
In other words, the strong testimonials are the 
healthy, sound, judicious and veracious opin- 
ions ; and tho feeble ones are the morbid, 
bilious, melancholic and altogether untrust- 
worthy ideas of people who need the Health- 
Lift to make them wholly sane and sensible. 
From Rev. J. N. Backus, I).I)., Brooklyn. 
Mann's Health-Lift furnishes the most per- 
fect exercise for persons of studious or seden- 
tary habits, because the most thorough and yet 
the most economical of time. It so commands 
and equalizes the vital forces, as to give strength 
to the weaker purts, and to the weary rest. Its 
healthful influences, although not always com- 
prehended, are always felt by those who use it. 
We commend it with pleasure because of con 
fldence. 
From Rev. Chaancey Riles, New-York. 
I have used Mann's Reactionary Lifter for 
several yenrs, and continue to use it In my fam- 
ily. I have, also, personal knowledge of many 
ladies and gentlemen who have used the Lift 
Cure with great advantage. I have no doubt 
that it has added to the leugth of my life, and 
largely Increased iny capacity for work. It pos- 
sesses the most important requisites for women 
and all persons of sedentary hubite. It equal- 
izes and strengthens the circulation, gives tone 
and vigor to the nervous system, und tends to 
keep all the organs in vigorous and orderly ac- 
tion. From personal experience and knowledge 
I am confident that a judicious and faithful 
use of the Lift will result in the preservation of 
health, and in a largo and permanent increase in 
vital force. There can be no doubt us to the 
valuo of this system. The convenience of hav- 
ing It in the house is very great to me. 
From Rev. A. J. Frost., D.D., Fastor Univer- 
sity Place Baptist Church, Chicago. 
I know of nothing so perfect for determining 
blood from the head after protracted brain-work 
i as Mann’s Health-Lift. 
The blood that goes surging into the brain 
during the hours of mental application, is made 
to send its current downward to the mnscles at 
I once, and give immediate relief to the tired 
and aching head. In fact, It seems as if the 
weariness had been wiped out of the head, so 
immediate and refreshing is the effect. 
From Iter. S. II. Howe, Georgetown, D. C. 
I find in the Reactionary Lifter all I could wish. 
ITuvc experienced a very wonderful toning up 
of the muscular system. It takes the place of 
the former necessity for long walks, and has 
proved a wonderful economy of time. It has, 
in positive benefit, exceeded all my expecta- 
tions. 
From Her. E. N. Sawtelle, I).D., Brooklyn. 
More than two years ago I purchased one of 
i your Reactionary Lifters for our youngest 
daughter, who had been in feeble health for 
i years. That daughter is restored to health, and 
wherever she goes the Lift Machine is her com 
panion. My family as well as myself have strong 
faith in it as a restorative power. 
From Rev. Robert Holden, 
Rector of Trinity School, Nexv-York. 
Tho benefits I have derived from the Ilealth- 
Lift are immense. Amid severe labors, whicl 
would otherwise have completely prostrated me, 
this er-'cise has not me strength ta 
go through with them, but has, at the same 
time, caused me to enjoy a degree of physical 
health unusual to me for years. 28 
THE HEALTH-LIFT. 
From Elder Miles Grant. 
It is admirably adopted for the object design- 
ed. It is cheaper, smaller, more easily adjust- 
ed, and more effective for good, than any thing 
of the kind we have ever seen. It is a well- 
settled fact that the “Lifting-Cure ” is one of the 
best means of restoring and preserving health. 
We would recommend all to try it who can have 
the opportunity. Every family should huve one 
of these lifts. If their value was only known, 
many families would be willing to lay aside 
their cosily furniture, or apparel, for the sakeof 
getting the “ Reactionary Lifter.” 
From Rev. A. P. Foreman, D.D., St. Louis. 
T have been using your Reactionary Liftej. 
now, for about six weeks, and like it very much. 
I believe its use would be a great blessing to 
our ministers. I have been the victim of ner- 
vous prostration, dyspepsia, and dumb chills, 
and was laid aside, for twelve months, from the 
work of preaching. My health is gradually im- 
proving, and I now have charge of a church. I 
keep my Lifter in my study, and exercise on it 
quite regularly. 
From Rev. Geo. TV. Bicknell, Portland, Me. 
For me the Ilealth-Lift has done wonders. 
During the war I was wounded in the head. 
For about ten years I suffered much from a 
pressure resulting therefrom. There was no 
exercise which I could take which would quick- 
en the circulation of the blood in the part in- 
jured. Very often the pressure became so great 
that I was unable to perforin my duties. There 
was no time that I was free from suffering. A 
year ago, I commenced ihe use of the Reaction- 
ary Lifter. I soon found that I was receiving 
great benefits from the exercise, and that it was 
just what I required. One of its marked fea- 
tures is, that at its close, instead of feeling 
weary, one is invigorated and refreshed. Exer- 
cising regularly the pressure in my head 
grew less, until, in a few weeks it was almost 
removed, and I felt like a new man. My 
strength has been more than doubled, enabling 
me to raise (joO pounds as easy as I could lift 
300 in the beginning. I can not speak in terms 
of too high praise for what it lias done for me, 1 
while its beneficial effects upon others, whom I 
have seen improving by its exercise, have been 
almost wonderful. To people of sedentary 
habits, even in health, its exercise must be in 
the highest degree beneficial. 
From Rev. Jonathan Bastow, Port Chester. 
So sensitive has been iny nervous system, that 
to guard that lias been one of my chief concerns 
for years. I have tried all forms of exercise, and 
yet before they had reached a point vigorous 
enough to be of any prolit, my nerves have been 
prostrated. 1 have used the “ Cumulative Exer- 
cise” now for six months, and yet have never 
had my nerves unpleasantly excited; but, on 
the contrary, I have obtained through it quiet 
and sleep when I have been perturbed arid 
nervous, which nothing else I know of could 
have given. 
From Itev. TV. F. I!. Jackson, 
Itector Church of Our Saviour, Chicago. 
It has restored my voice and vastly increased 
my lung capacity, in less than three months. 
c From Itev. TV. II. Ryder, 
Pastor, St. Paul’s Church, Chicago. 
So far as three years’ personal experience and 
observation of the Ilealth-Lift enable me to de- 
cide, I believe that this system is perfectly safe 
and efficient, in making the entire organism 
healthy and strong. 
From Rev. Lyman C. Howe, Troy, N. Y. 
The llealtli-Lift is decidedly the safest and 
cheapest medicine yet discovered. From a short 
experience of six weeks, I have derived much 
benefit. My strength has increased fifty per 
cent, and a general physical improvement in 
proportion. 
From Rev. E. J. Goodspeed, 
Pastor Second Baptist Church, Chicago. 
I have been using the Health-Lift for some 
time, and find it so agreeable and useful that I 
take considerable trouble to come from my 
house to enjoy its exhilarating effects. I believe 
I owe much to its use. 
From Rev. C. D. Helmer, 
Pastor Union Park Church, Chicago. 
Beginning the exercise of the Health-Lift ns 
a sensible and convenient mode of exercise, 
rather than as a means to remove positive di- 
sease, I have come, after more than a year of 
persistent use, to esteem it highly on both ac- 
counts. The effect of this scientific mode of 
lifting upon the nervous system has been very 
striking and very beneficial in my case. The THE TIE A L Til- L TFT. 
29 
nervous prostration on Tuesday, consequent 
upon the severe labors of Sunday, has been 
greatly relieved. Tho Health-Lift has become 
indispensable to me. I look to see it adopted 
very generally in stores, offices and hanks, 
and even private houses, as commonly as 
pianos now are. 
From Rev. IVm. IV. rage, Troy, N. Y. 
My experience with the Lifter has been that 
of an invalid confined mostly to tho house, and, 
therefore, of necessity, using it too irregularly 
to develop its full capacities. But it has been 
to ine a source of great temporary comfort, and 
a conservator of failiug vitality. I indorse it 
heartily. 
From Rev. J. C. Ager, Brooklyn, N. Y. 
I have used one of your Reactionary Lifters 
about six months, and still continue its use. 
I find its effects to be in every way most ex- 
cellent. No man qf sedentary habits can afford 
to do without one. 
FROM EMINENT LAWYERS. 
From George Tleltnor Curtis, Ksq., N. Y. 
I have used the Reactionary Health-Lift Ma- 
chine tor nearly a year, and consider it the best 
mode of taking special exercise that I have ever 
known. Its effect in improving appetite, diges- 
tion and sleep, is wonderful. It is particularly 
valuable for the refreshment it uffords to all 
who work with their brains, in whatever form 
of occupation; restoring at once the nervous 
energy when exhausted by labor or any other 
excitement. He who can lie down to sound 
sleep after an exhausting day of toil, and can 
rise to another day of work, morally certain that 
he has the means of securing another night of 
repoae, has made an important acquisition, 
which I am persuaded is within the reach of 
any one who will uvail himself of the benefits 
of this machine. 
From Hon. (leo. S. Hillard, Boston. 
I have nsed the lifting cure under tho direc- 
tion of Dr. Paul, Boston agent for tho Ilealth- 
I.ift Co., for about six months, and can recom- 
mend it as a good nnd healthy form of exercise. 
It quickens the circulation, increases the mus- 
cular force, and gives to the whole system a 
sense of renewed vigor. It Is particularly to be 
commended to those whoso habits arc sedentary. 
But in order to secure its good results it must 
be pursued regularly and as a matter of duty, 
and not Occasionally and as a matter of Impulse. 
In general a man needs such exercise most when 
he feels the least inclined to it. Such disin- 
clination is the result of a low tone of tho sys- 
tem, which a good lift will help to improve. 
From Hon. IV. F. Allen. 
Judge Court of Appeals, Albany, N. Y. 
I havo for many months usihI the Reaction- 
ary Lifter, nnd havo found in it all for which it 
was recommended. It has accomplished for 
me all llmt was promised. It has given me 
exercise without exhaustion, and tone to my 
circulation. When fatigued, a resort to the Lift 
always refreshes and invigorates my whole 
body. I consider it invaluable. 
From ,Iudve Henry Hilton, New-York. 
I use the Reactionary very irregularly; but 
often enough to lik<5 it, and think it beneficial 
in its effects. 
From Judge Henry Hootli, 
Circuit Court, Chicago. 
I havo been troubled for many years with 
neuralgia in my head, which, at times, laid me 
up for days. In uddition to this, I have been 
troubled with numbness in my arms and hands, 
which had become serious. I commenced the 
Health-Lift exercise July 2d, I860, and liave fol- 
lowed it faithfully ever since, with very few in- 
terruptions. I uin entirely cured of numbness 
of my urms and hands. I am very much better 
of neuralgia; attacks are less frequent and less 
severe. My digestion has been greatly im- 
proved, and I am better and stronger than I 
have been for many years. I have great faith 
in this exercise, and cordially and earnestly nd- 
vise all men and women.to give it a fair trial. 
I consider it an invaluable blessing. 
From Hon. John H. Francis, 
Formerly Minister to Greece. 
The Ilealth-I.ift has afforded me the benefits 
of a healthy exercise. A three months' trial has 
convinced me that it Is a good thing. 
From Judge Jared Patchln, Detroit. 
I have used your Lift for over one year, and 
could not be induced to part with it. It is ail 
that is claimed for it. 30 
THE HE A L TII-LIFT. 
From Hon. M. F. Tulcy, 
Corporation Counsel, Chicago. 
Having been, for many years, engaged in the 
practice of law, I found myself, in the spring of 
1869, suffering from continuous and violent 
headaches, caused by too excessive application 
to my profession. I was induced to try the Lift. 
Found great relief from my brain troubles in the 
course of two months, and have steadily im- 
proved since. I regard it as an absolute neces- 
sity for all brain-workers who wish to continue 
their occupation for any number of years. 
From Judge S. B. (Jookins, Chicago. 
Some years before beginning the Hf.alth- 
Lift exercise, an attack of pleuro-pneumonia 
had resulted in the formation of adhesions, by 
which, as physicians explain it to me, a portion 
of the lungs had become attached to the walls of 
the chest and rendered useless. The Healtii- 
Lift restored these affected organs to their 
normal state, and did me good generally. It 
completely arrested a tendency to dyspepsia, 
whicli had been growing uppn me for some time. 
From IV. J. A. Fuller, Esq., New-York. 
I am fifty-three years old, and Inherited a 
vigorous constitution ; but, for over twenty 
years have had a repugnance for exercise. Two 
years ago tiiis want of exercise told on me. I felt 
jaded and had a fullness of blood in the head, 
and was also troubled with hemorrhoids. I be- 
gan lifting at 500 lbs., and in less than two 
months I had lifted 1150 lbs., the hemorrhoids 
were cured and my capacity for work very great- 
ly increased. After lifting I had an exhilaration 
of animal spirits that made me feel like taking 
every man I met and throwing him across 
Broadway. I look upon lilting as the best pos- 
sible and most convenient form of exercise for 
a physically lazy man. He can in ten minutes 
take all the exercise necessary for twenty-four 
hours. For two years I have never had a head- 
ache which I could not lift away in ten minutes. 
My wife and children have also used the lift 
with the best effect. No man can say too 
much in favor of lifting. 
lion. L. Q,. C. Lnmnr, Washington, D. C. 
| Suffering from nervous debility, I resorted to 
■ the Health-Lift, and in a short time I felt the 
j work of revolution and reform in rny entire system. 
My voice, which had been worn and weakened by 
over exertion, was restored to its former tone and 
strength. 
.Ti;-lge Tlios. Allen Clarke, New Orleans. 
I have used for two yenrs your Reactionary 
Lifter, and it has proved to bo all that was 
promised. In a warm climate like this, where 
out door exercise can only be taken with difficulty, 
it is peculiarly valuable—giving exercise without 
fatigue or exhaustion. 
Jinlge W. S. Sliurt l( ff, Springfield Mass. 
Dyspepsia, neuralgin, nervous headache were 
banished: buoyancy of spirits, physical power, 
energy and mental vigor were laigely increased. 
All the good results attained have remained per- 
manently, and I now do some hours more work a 
day than formerly. 
From Edward Hopper, Esq., Philadelphia. 
When 1 first went to your rooms the simplicity 
of your method made me distrust its merits; but 
my experience with it convinces me tnnt it is an 
ingenious and excellent mode of exercise. It pro 
motes sleep and refreshes the whole system. 
From P. T. Barnaul, Esq., Bridgeport, Ct. 
I do not know what I could have done for the 
restoration and preservation of my health, had 
it not been for your Reactionary Lifter. An ac- 
cumulation of business three years ago, set my 
brain a-whirling. I had frequent dizzy turns, 
numbness in wrist and spine, headache, etc. 
Medical treatment proved ineffectual. A month’s 
laily trial of the Health-Lift at your rooms af- 
forded great relief. I bought a machine and use 
it regularly every day. It keeps my brain cool, 
gives me new life and vigor, adds vastly to my 
•omfort, and I doubt not it will materially pro- 
long my days. 
FROM PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 
From Henry B. Hyde, Etq., 
President, Equitable Life. 
I take pleasure in testifying to the good quali- 
ties and- effects of the Reactionary Lifter. I 
believe my health has been much benefited by 
its use. 
From R. H. Lowry, Esq., 
President Bank of the Republic. 
I have used the Reactionary Lifter over fifteen 
months. The result is that my health and 
strength are greatly renovated. I cheerfully 
recommend the instrument to all who, like my- 
self, lead a sedentary life. TIIE IIEA L TIL TAFT. 
31 
From Samuel C. Kennedy, Esq., 
Widows’ and Orphans’ Benefit Life Ins. Co. 
1 ain pleased with tho Reactionary. Tlioro is 
a sense of satisfaction in taking a solid lift. I 
return from it with a clear head, cool eye. 
awakened and tranquil nerve ; feeling as benev- 
olently to all mankind as a child refreshed by 
sleep ; feeling also as if I had been rebuilt of 
oak and iron, strong and impervious. The ma- 
chine it, by all <yld*, the lead expensive, most 
convenient and sensible apparatus of the kind l 
hare ever seen. 
From Col. (Jeorge Souls, New-Orleans. 
Your Health-Lift is truly a great blessing to 
mankind. I derive great benefit from its use, 
and would not be deprived of it for many 
times the cost of the machine. As an aid to 
physical training nnd development it has no 
equal, and in behalf of the rising generation, T 
sincerely hope it may soon be introduced and 
used in every school nnd college throughout the 
land. 
From John >V. Itrutnnc, Esq., New-York. 
1 had been suffering for a number of years 
with vertigo of a very severe description, nnd 
was at last recommended by my physician to 
try yonr Health-Lift. Its effects have l>ecn 
instantaneous, and I might say, almost magical. 
I have had but one slight attack during the ten | 
weeks I have lifted, when formerly I had three 
during the day. , 
From C. B. Nelson, Esq., Chicago. 
A few weeks’ practice entirely relieved me of 
dyspepsia and general nervous debility. I regard 
tills exercise as invaluable. 
From H-snrjr Waller, Esq., Chicago 
I cheerfully give my testimony in favor 
of the valno of The Ilealth-Lift. I feel well 
assured it Is Wised on sound principles, 
nnd the effects I have witnessed, as well a* 
experienced, during the last two years, assure 
me of its suecoss in practico. My physical sys- 
tem had been ” running down” for several 
years. My brain had been overworked, and my 
nerves were much enfeebled. I was dyspeptic, 
my liver torpid, and my digestion feeble. I 
suffered from headaches, numbne-s of limbs, 
coldness of the extremities, and general languor. 
I commenced by lifting 2.'10 pounds. I now 
li t 700. My appetite is natnrul, my sleep sound, 
my digestion good, and I am free from all ner- 
vous distress. I have increased sn fie‘h ; my 
endurance of fatigue Is altogether superior to 
what it was. There is an elasticity of move- 
ment and vigor which I had not. ami my spirits 
nee buoyant. 
From tien. It. A. Alger, Detroit. 
I have used your Health-Lift considerably, 
and am a thorough believer in it. 
From Mtmleeal It. Frans, Esq., Philadelphia. 
I cheerfully bear testimony to the advantages 
resulting from a systematic use of the Ilealth- 
Lift, exemplilled by personal experience of 
nearly a year at your rooms. It is a valuable 
substitute for tho ordinary exercise of the gym- 
nasium, requiring hut little time in its opera- 
tion, and producing salutary effects when used 
with regularity and judgment. 
From Major E. W. Matthews, 
Board of Brokers, Philadelphia. 
After about a year’s experience of the Health- 
Lift, I can recommend it ns being a very com- 
plete form of exercise, and especially adapted 
to the needs of business men, because requir- 
ing so littlo time. I would add that I have 
c-peeially noticed its effects on the voice, 
strengthening it and bringing it moro fully 
! under control. 
From Adam Stelninetz, Esq., Philadelphia. 
For many years I have been tin tble to sleep 
with any thing like soundness. Hearing that 
your Health-Lift had worked well in sneh eases, 
I tried it, and after two months' practice under 
your direction I now enjoy what is to mo the 
1 -xury of long and refreshing sleep, which I 
owe entirely to your system of exercise. 
1!. M. Bishop and fifty other well-known citi- 
zens of Cincinnati are “ thoroughly impressed 
with its merits as a health promoter and restorer 
and cordially commend it to the public. One 
trial alone will satisfy any one of its efficiency.” 
HenJ. Homer, Esq., and many other influen- 
tial gentlemen in Philadelphia, “ cordially in- 
dorse cumulative exercise as practiced on the 
Reactionary Lifter.” 
John V. Parnell, with over one hundred 
other prominent citizens of Chicago, ‘‘indorse 
the Health-Lift as a safe, simple, and efficient 
mode of exercise,” whicli produces “ when judi- 
ciously pursued, a marked increase of vigor, im- 
provement of general health and consequent 
yielding and disappearance of disease." 32 
THE HEAL TH-LIFT. 
FROM MUSICIANS AND VOCALISTS. 
From Goo. F. Root, 
Author and Composer, Chicago. 
I have thought that the simplest possible 
statement that could be made of my case would 
be sufficiently wonderful to cause incredulity 
in the minds of many, and so confine myself to 
tho mere facts. For several years my health 
had been going down. I had a complication 
of difficulties, and began to act and look like 
a feeble, old man ; and, being only in middle 
life, as to years, tried faithfully all the means 
within my reach to change the current and 
regain my lost health—medicine, traveling by 
sea and land, gymnasiums, out-door exercise 
and excursions, but with no permanent bene- 
fit. I was advised to try lifting, and did so; 
and almost immediately changed my mind in 
regard to being an invalid. I can not hope to 
say any thing emphatic enough to convey 
the strength of my belief that to this exercise 
I owo not only my present health, but my 
life. It is nine years ago to-day since I com- 
menced lifting. It took about a year to get to 
the weight I ought to lift, but from that time to 
this—eight years—I have not known a moment’s 
illness sufficient to keep me from my business. 
I began lifting before the Reactionary Lifter 
was invented, but for four years I have used 
that alone, and find its effects the same as those 
produced by Dr. Reilly’s Weight-Lifting Ma- 
chine. I would no more dispense with it than 
I would with my breakfast. 
From Eben Tourjco, Mus. Doc., 
N. E. Conservatory of Music. 
I have for three years daily used tho nealth- 
Lift which I purchased of you. I consider it a 
valuable means for maintaining health. I find 
that after intense application to business its use 
at night so affects the circulation of the blood 
as to enable me to rest without difficulty. Last 
summer several of my teachers and pupils took 
occasion to test it. They were all delighted 
with the results. 
From Miss Ida F. Sweetser, 
In tho Brooklyn Argus; for several years leading 
soprano singer in Dr. Storr's Church, Brooklyn, 
and now discharging the same duty in Dr. 
Cuyler’s. 
I went to the Health-Lift with great distrust 
of any beneficial results, having for many 
months suffered from a dreadful nervous prostra- 
tion, being the effect of several ailments unnee- 
cssary to specify. Words can not convey an 
adequate idea of my sufferings, which at times 
were almost too much for human endurance. 
But happily for me, relief was not far off. After 
taking tnis exercise a short time, I began to feel 
better ; in three moiftlis I had forgotten that I 
ever had any nerves ; in four months iny chest 
had very perceptibly expanded, my lung capa- 
city had greatly increased, my breathing was 
consciously deeper, my voice was stronger, and 
its quality for singing much improved. When 
I meet friends now, they remark with surprise : 
“IIow well you are looking—what have you 
been doing ? ” My uniform reply is—the Health- 
Lift has done it all. 
Whatever treatment of chronic disease and 
weakness may be good for others, of this one 
thing I feel sure, that nothing ever beforo de- 
vised can, for one moment, compare with the 
Health-Lift for woman. 
From Tiieo. F. Seward, 
Ed. Musical Gazette, New-York. 
I should be entirely unwijling to dispense 
with my Reactionary Lifter. Its advantages 
over Weight-Lifting Machines in economy, port- 
ability and elegance, are too patent to need 
comment. 
From Prof. Chester (1. Allen, New-York. 
I have practiced upon the Weight-Lifting Ap- 
paratus of Dr. Reilly, during the past year, 
with very great benefit to iny health. De- 
pressed and worn out witli work, I found that 
the exhilarating exercise filled me with new life, 
strength and spirits. It made a new man of me. 
I take pleasure in adding, that in your machine 
I find a substitute equally satisfactory in its 
effects, and vastly superior in economy, con- 
venience and elegance. 
From ff. S. It. Matthews, 
Editor Musical Independent, Chicago. 
Having exercised with the Health-Lift for 
nearly a year, I am happy to add my testimony 
to those already recorded. When I began to 
.lift, my muscular tissue was entirely deficient 
in firmness, my head out of order, and the sys- 
tem generally in the unpleasant state attend- 
ant upon Dyspepsia. I have now a good appe- 
tite, good digestion, a clear head, firmer muscle 
than ever before, and can lift seven hundred 
and fifty pounds with greater case than I could THE HE A L Til LI FT. 
33 
three hundred at first. The first three weeks 
entirely cured me of piles. To me this exorcise 
is indispensable. 
From (’. M. Cady, Ncw-York. 
From more than eight years' experience in 
lifting I can speak in strong terms, not only of 
Its beneficial effects general health, 
but especially in strengthening my voice, and 
enabling me to sing a long time without fatigue. 
Everyone accustomed to it knows how trying 
upon the voice it is to lead a large congrega- 
tion in singing. I have not only done this in 
two public services of the' Episcopal Church 
and a Sunday-school service all in one day, but 
have in addition, as lay reader, read the entire 
service without feeling special fatigue at its 
close. 
SPECIAL MERITS OF THE REACTIONARY LIFTER. 
From Gen. A. II. Scttleton, Philadelphia. 
lluving used the Reactionary Health-Lift 
scverul years, I would not dispense with it 
for any consideration, it is the "condensed 
milk" of physical exercise. 
From John D. Rockefeller, Esq.,Cleveland, O. 
I have used the Health-Lift you represent 
for ubout tlircc years at my home, and it has 
been a great benefit to my health. I cheerfully 
recommend it, and could not bo induced to dis- 
continue its daily use. 
From 11. A. Underwood, and ITm. T. Nast, 
18 Exchange Place ; Albert (’lark and 
A. It. Hurling, Fifth A venue Hotel. 
Wo have used your Reactionary Lifter for 
about one year, nnd we find its effects quite 
equal to the Butler Machine, whicli we practiced 
upon for eighteen months previous. Wo pre- 
fer your machine to any other. We feel more 
comfortable while lifting on it. 
From Edward G. Newell, Chicago. 
“ I consider the Health-I.ift one of the world’s 
greatest blessings.” Commencing its use in 
January, ’71, for dyspepsia nnd severe hendnchc, 
nnd weighing 115 pounds, I found myself, in 
less than a year, entirely free from disease and 
my weight increased to 150 pounds. I continue 
its use daily. 
From Georurc It. Chittenden. Esq., Chicago. 
Three months of the Health-Lift more than 
doubled the mobility of mv chest, by actual 
measurement, and increased its girth nearly 
four inches. 
i Mr. Chittenden has lifted for several years, 
and now lifts 1300 lbs.) 
From C. II. Smith, Esq., Ncw-York. 
After a thorough trial of your Lifting Ma- 
chine. I take ,'leasure in recommending it to the 
attention of lifters. I used the Butler Lifting 
Machine for upwards of a year, and I think your 
apparatus is far superior to it in every respect. 
From T. P. Tallman, Esq., 
Cashier Traders’ Nat. Bank, Chicago. 
The Health-Lift overcame nil adhesion of the 
liver, and I And, by ils daily use, that I can keep 
myself in the best physical condition. 
From F. C. Salter, Brooklyn. 
Previous to lifting, I was troubled with dys- 
pepsia and extreme nervousness, induced by 
severe mental labor. I began with 150 lbs. ; in 
a month I was better. Now, I lift 500 lbs., and 
feel us if I could lift twice as much, so strength- 
ened have I been. I am entirely cured. The 
Health-Lift is of incalculable benefit to whom- 
soever will try it. 
From Henry Graves, Esq., Ncw-York. 
The Lifter possesses a wonderful capacity to 
call forth all the muscles of the system, without 
the cumbersome accumulation of weights, or a 
complicated arrangement of pulleys or dumb- 
bells. It is a family gymnasium. 
From J. M. Comstock, Esq., Custom House, 
Ncw-York. 
I have given your machine a thorough trial 
personally, and have witnessed its effect upon 
members of my family. A year's experience 
with Butler’s machine enables us to judge in- 
telligently in regard to the merits of the “Lift 
Exercise.” I have no hesitation in recommend- 
ing your “ Lifter” ns combining all the virtues 
of otlrcr patents, and as possessing in addition 
superiority of convenience and compactness, ns 
well as of economy. I believe every family 
would be healthier for a regular daily “ Lift 
Exercise,” while its specific effects ujKm many 
diseases are, ulthough mysterious, decidedly 
curative. THE HEALTH-LIFT. 
34 
From Dr. Geo. B. Wlndship, Boston. 
I am more and more convinced that your 
apparatus for lifting (the Reactionary Lifter) | 
is the best yet put into the market. I should 
consider my gymnasium quite incomplete with- 
out it. 
Prof. F. G. Welch, M.D. 
For seven years in charge Dept. Physical Cul- 1 
ture, Yale College, wrote in 1872. 
The Reactionary Lifter, purchased from you 
some time since, gives excellent satisfaction. I 
find that in one or two series of lifts daily, occu- 
pying only a few minutes, I get better results 
than from one or two hours in the gymnasium. 
The lift effort gives a uniform and simultaneous 
exercise to the whole muscular system, and as 
the weakest muscles must govern the amount to j 
be lifted, there can be no possible danger. As 
an exercise, it is a decided advantage over any 
or all ether forms. Besides this, its marked 
effect on the circulation of the blood, even to j 
the capillaries and most remote parts of the sys- 
tem, will render it a valuable remedial agent. 
The admirable apparatus by which such results 
are secured must commend itself for its dura- 
bility, cheapness and elegance, as well as its 
ease and accuracy of adjustment. Its adaptation 
and convenience for ladies and family use, 
should make it a necessity in every household. 
I heartily commend it to public favor as a safe, 
thorough and efficient mode of exercise, and, in 
many instances, a safe method of cure. 
From W. B. Curtis, Esq., 
President Chicago Athletic Club. Lifter of the 
heaviest weight on record (3503 lbs.) 
It is my opinion, after several years thorough 
trial, that one can keep in better condition by 
ten or fifteen minutes’ exercise (according to 
this system) every other day, than by the usual 
hour' and a half spent in the gymnasium. 
From Col. Wm. E. Van Wyck, 
President Athletic Club, New-York. 
After many years’ practice in gymnastics, and 
having latterly thoroughly tested the Health- 
Lift, I am free to say, that, without condemning 
other systems, this, for busy men, is superior to 
all. Its advantages over the old schools are 
very apparent. Only ten minutes daily are 
required. It refreshes, invigorates, and is a 
wonderful tonic to the whole nervous and mus- 
cular systems. It is safe and agreeable, and 
FROM ATHLETES 
gives a thorough and harmonious exercise to 
the whole body. It has a marked influence 
upon the circulation, and assists the proper 
performance of all the functions. The lieac- 
tionary Lifter is pre-eminently the machine on 
which to take this exercise. 
From Prof. Abner S. Brally, New-York. 
I have personally tested the llealth-Lift. As 
a “professional,” I have no hesitation in say- 
ing that, it is more thorough and efficient, 
calls more muscles into action, and will keep 
a man in “ better condition ” by its ten minutes 
once a day, or every other day, than the usual 
hour or two in the gymnasium. The Reac- 
tionary Lifter is the apparatus I use. 
From Prof. E. Hitchcock, Amherst College. 
Your Lifting Apparatus has been in use in our 
[ Gymnasium for about two years. I began to 
allow our students to use it, with some fear, 
thinking they would overlift and strain them- 
j selves. But now the apparatus remains, like ull 
I our other appliances, in the gymnasium, free to 
all our students to use whenever they please, and 
it is used constantly ; I have never heard of 
a student who has received any harm from it; 
on the other hand, only good results have 
j been obtained. It seems a most admirable way 
! of using the whole strength of the body at once, 
and with excellent results. 
A PLEA FOR PHYSICAL CULTURE, issued 
by the Young Men's Gymnastic Association of 
Cincinnati, gives the following valuable testi- 
mony to the merits of Cumulative Exercise—val- 
uable as being the voluntary expression of 
1 opinion, after three years’ experience, of the 
best appointed and most intelligently conducted 
j gymnasium in this country : 
“ The Health-Lift, as a part of the gymnastic 
system, possesses the merits of safety as a 
Lifting Machine, as well as of economy of both 
brain-power and time, and is of the widest 
adaptability. In its brief, carefully graduated, 
and accurately weighed exercise, it produces, in 
the shortest time, a symmetrical and harmo- 
nious development, in which the muscles of the 
loins and back are as strong as those of the arms 
and shoulders ; the heart’s action is strength- 
ened and regulated, the lung capacity is not 
unfrequently doubled, and all the vital processes 
are harmonized and invigorated ; it also pro- 
duces a sense of buoyancy in those who 
systematically use it.” THE IIEA L TIL LI FT. 
35 
From Mr*. Mary Mupes Dodge, 
Editor •St. Nicholas Magazine. 
When I Invested one hundred dollars in the 
Reactionary Lifter, it seemed to me rather an 
expensive experiment ; but that duy is past. I 
am satisfied now that its purchase was shrewd 
economy. Not being an M.D., I shall not at- 
tempt to give reasons for the faith that is in me. 
It is enough to be able to thunk it for new 
health and strength, and the blessings in their 
train. R takes ten minutes a day, and gives in 
return, I verily believe, added years of life and 
happiness. 
Henry C. Ilowen, Editor of the Independent, 
in an editorial notice of The Reactionary Lifter : 
It Is so constructed that the most feeble persons 
can use it with entire safety, and it can be used 
by ladies in company with gentlemen without 
any change of dress. 
From Hr. J. (1. Holland, 
Editor Scribner's Monthly. 
The grent danger of sedentary men is from 
pnralysis in its various forms, resulting from a 
want of muscular activity. Any thing which 
will bring entirely into play daily all the mus- 
cles of the human body, ami do this in the 
swiftest possible space of time, must be a great 
boon to the human race. Such an invention is 
Mann's Reactionary Lifter. 
From (1. IV. Carleton, Esq., 
Publisher, New-York. 
I have used your Self-Lifter about three 
months, very regularly—about seven times per 
week ; still use it regularly uud find ;ts effects 
very satisfactory. 
From II. M. Smith, 
Editor Republican, Chicago. 
From my own personal experience, and the 
close observation of a number of intimate 
friends who have been under your charge, I 
have no hesitation in according to the Health- 
Lift even more than you claim for it. 
From ('has. II. How, Esq. 
Assistant Editor RepuUican, Springfield, Mass. 
My six months trial of the Health-Lift has re- 
sulted in a marked improvement of my general 
health. My lifting capacity has increased in that 
time from 800 to 700 pounds, and my chest 
mobility from 2"4 iu. to iu. 
FROM EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS 
From Andrew Shaman, 
Editor Evening Journal, Chicago. 
I was greatly troubled with dyspepsia and 
dull pain* in the heud. Since using the Health- 
Lift, I have had no return of either. I consider 
this exercise worth more than all other methods 
ever devised for bodily improvement. 
From Geo. Frank Coaly, Esq., 
Editor of The Freemason, St. Louis. 
I would not take $5000 for my Reactionary 
Lifter if I could not replace it, so beneficial 
have I found its use. Without it I should have 
been compelled to abandon all active mental 
work. 
From John F. Trow, Esq., 
Publisher, New-York. 
I am happy to bear testimony to the decidedly 
good results to my health, arising from the use 
of the Reactionary Lifter. I have used it for a 
year, and should not be willing to do without it, 
so well am I convinced of its invigorating and 
strengthening effects upon the system. 
New-York Chnstian Age (Rev. Dr. Deems). 
We write this paragraph to say to our friends 
\ isiting the city, that we really think we do them 
a service in asking them to call at 4ti East 14th 
Street, near Broadway, and sec for themselves 
what can not well be described -how much ex- 
ercise can be had in how little tine. Wc have 
one of the Lifts in our own house, and find it iu 
every way a good thing. 
New-York Evening Mai!. 
The time is fast approaching when the Re- 
actionary Litter will be as much a part of every 
household as the piano or sewing muehine. 
New-York Evening Post.. 
The system of cumulative exercise resulting 
from the wise and orderly use of the Reaction- 
ary Lifter, while improving the circulation, at 
the same time arouses the latent muscular sys- 
tem, and produces a definite and sensible in- 
crease of steadiness of the nerves, and estab- 
lishes a slower but fuller and more equable 
pulse. From our own experience, wc consider 
it a most valuable means of preserving the pro- 
per balance between the body and the mind, 
and thus benefltting the condition of both. In 
the case of persons whoso vocations so tax the 
brain as to impair the action of the vital organs, 
1 it seems to us an indispensable hygienic agency. 36 
THE HEALTH-LIFT. 
St. Louis Republican. 
It offers great advantages to professional and 
business men, as well as to the invalid, in being 
practical, efficient, and giving the muscles the 
necessary food to sustain a well-balanced mental 
organization for its daily work. Hundreds of 
prominent citizens are learning its value, and 
speak well of their short experience. 
From the Dubuque (Iowa) Commercial. 
The only practical and effectual method of 
exercise yet devised for students or men and 
women of sedentary habits, or for those having 
exhaustive labor on any special stt of muscles, 
is the Health-Lift, whi*h is free from all the ob- 
jections to other methods, is equal and bcncll- 
cial to botli brain and muscle, and is not expen- 
sive nor wasteful of time. 
From the Rockland Gazette. 
It is a noteworthy fact that in the use of the 
Reactionary Lifter no unequal or injurious 
strain is felt, and, so far from being tired after 
the exercise, its effect is to make one feel 
refreshed. We have had one of the machines in 
use for the past six months, and recommend it 
to all whose occupation tends to deprive them of 
the amount of physical exercise requisite to pre- 
serve health. 
TYPICAL CURES. 
From Mrs. Mary B. Colburn, Boston. 
I attended the Mann Lift first about a j'ear 
ago, and began immediately to feel the good 
effects of it. Belonging to a family every 
member of which, for two generations, has 
passed away with consumption, it became a set- 
tled thing that I, too, must succumb to the same 
dread disease ; I had many premonitory symp- 
toms, such as violent hemorrhages, loss of voice, 
pains in the lungs, etc. A little investigation 
into the principles of your most ingenious ma- 
chine, so showed me how sensible it was, that 
I let the idea of consumption pass away from 
my mind; and a glad release it was, I can assure 
you. The change in me is very remarkable, as 
all my friends testify, and I really think it 
would be wrong for me not to spread the glad 
tidings far and wide. I do wish everybody 
knew of the Health-Lift. 
(Testimony of a Woman.) 
The first time I tried the Health-Lift I ex- 
claimed, “ I’m a second Harvey, and have dis- 
covered the circulation of the blood !” I sup- 
posed I had blood circulating in my veins, but 
never felt it before. After that, the lifter was 
my “cure-ail.” Distressing sick or nervous 
headaches yielded in a few moments. Chronic 
difficulties soon disappeared. My advice to all 
women is to try the effects of lifting, 
From G. Edward Bishop, Hartford, Ct. 
Entirely cured me of kidney disease of thir- 
teen years duration. There can not be too much 
said in favor of the Health-Lift. 
From C. A. Day, Esq., Chicago. 
Two weeks trial convinced me practically 
that it was just what I needed, and before the 
expiration of the fourth month I was born again 
into a new and better existence. Strength, 
lightness, sound sleep, good appetite and splen- 
did flow of animal spirits were the characteris- 
tics. I have given attention to physical cul- 
ture for over ten years, and The Health-Lift is 
the best system of exercise I have found. I 
wholly and heartily indorse it. 
From Henian ltnldwin, Esq., Chicago. 
The Health-Lift cured me of severe neuralgia 
in my head, and of numbness in my hands and 
arms. 
From H. C. Pulling, 
Proprietor of Commercial Hotel, Chicago. 
The Health-Lift has done more for me than 
all the medical attendance I have ever had for 
my general health, and muscular rheumatism 
particularly, and I unhesitatingly recommend 
it. It has been equally beneficial to my wife 
and several of our friends. 
From Geo. W. Felton, Esq., 
Western Union Telegraph Co, Chicago. 
Relieved me of vertigo and dizziness, and is 
now indispensable. TTTE TIE A L Til- LIFT. 
37 
Tiie following cases arc a few among many, 
intended to be typical. 
All are bona fide, and are understated rather 
than overdrawn. We have been brief, to avoid 
personality, which to some is objectionable. 
Case 6 : Obesity and Asthmatic Breath* 
ino.—This patient was “a man of unbounded 
Stomach”—i.e., it took 45)4 Inches to bound it. 
His weight was Ufci lbs. ; his abdomen protube- 
rant and pendulous, with muscles so relaxed 
and infiltrated witli fat that they afforded no 
supi>ort, but required a Russian belt to sustain 
the weight. Muscular exertion of any kind dif- 
ficult, breathing wheezy and asthmatic. 
Beginning the system of Cumulative Kxercise 
witli a maximum weight of 2U0 lbs., in th*ec 
months the waist bail beam reduced to41 inches, 
the chest increased in nearly tho same propor- 
tion, the breathing was full, deep, and natural, 
walking had become enjoyable, and lie lifted 700 
lbs. with more case than the original900. 
During his third year, lie lifted the extraor- 
dinary amount of thirteen hundred pounds, a 
feat performed by only one or two others in this 
country. 
Case 23; Paralysis.—Generally, paralytics 
wait till they are psist tho power of aid from 
the Health-Lift or any other treatment. In 
many instances this dread malady might be 
avoided if taken in time. A gentleman, ago 
83—almost complete lo*s of upper part of the 
body. The early 1 fits, 30 lbs., required an at- 
tendant. at each side to assist him. and sustain 
him In position. In two months, lie reached 
ISO lbs , with the ability to dress and undress, 
cat, and similar offices, alone, which lieforc re- 
quired assistance Another case, a young man 
who had lost hope of ever becoming better, 
or being fit to resume business. At first, ho 
had to be lifted upon the machine and held 
in position. He lifted 4) pounds with assist- 
ance. He now lifts 000 lbs., and is about his 
business as well as any one. 
Cask 30: Paralysis.—Dear Sir: I am greatly 
Indebted to the llealth-Lift for a complete cure 
of paralysis, affecting my left side, threatening 
serious difficulty. A year spent in a German 
Hydropathic establishment brought partial re- 
lief. Returning to this country, I applied my- 
self again to business, and after six months was 
again obliged to give it up, on account of a re- 
newal of r’v old difficulty. My physician, after 
ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. 
resorting to elo< tricity and tho usual remedies, 
sent me to you, with the above result after a 
three months' trial. I commenced with 80 
pounds, lifting -ISO at the end of that time. I 
use my Lifter daily, and never intend to give it 
up. Sincerely yours, A. R. 
Hemorrhage.—Accidents, such as fracture 
dislocation, sprain, etc , are simply impossible 
in the Health-Lift exercise; whiloso far from 
causing hemorrhage, or rupture of a blood- 
vessel, there can be no possible danger. 
Hernia or Rupture.—Hernia or rupture is 
not only not caused by tho Health-Lift, but 
where it exists, if not radically cured by it, is 
always markedly benefited. Tills is reasonable; 
the position of the body being perfectly natural 
and erect, there is no pressure on the great 
blood-vessels, hence no obstruction to the free 
circulation of the blood. The contraction of 
the muscles draws tho blood vigorously and 
thoroughly to the surface. In the case of 
Hernia, the improvement in the tone and elasti- 
city of the muscles of the abdomen, and their 
rigid condition during lifting, by which the 
walls press firmly against the “ring,” or open- 
ing through which the intestine protrudes, in 
the relaxed condition, effectually prevent any 
tendency to hernia, and often cure it where it 
previously existed. Wo have had many cases 
of hernia to treat, and always with good results. 
They are generally able to lay aside tlie truss in 
a few months. 
Let it lie distinctly and emphatically under- 
stood that there never has been, and it is impos- 
sible that there should be a case of rupture pro- 
duced or aggravated by lifting properly on a 
lifting machine. 
Case 0: Spinai, Curvature.—Miss , 
aged 18 years, was brought to the Health-Lift by 
her father, a prominent government official. 
The young lady was suffering from lateral curva- 
ture of the spine, the right shoulder being per- 
ceptibly higher titan the other. She had dis- 
tressing palpitation of the heart after slight ex- 
ertion, was easily fatigued, and soon got out of 
breath in walking. Appetite poor, capricious; 
habit constipated ; irregular as to other func- 
tions. , 
Regan by lifting 80 lbs. In two months site 
lifted 240 lbs. with ease. In ten months after 
beginning, the now rosy, blooming, healthy- 38 
TIIE 1IEA L TU- L TFT. 
looking young lady lifted 500 lbs., and every 
symptom of curvature had disappeared. She 
married in the following June, and her father 
made a Lifting Machine one of her wedding 
presents. 
Case 42: Nervous and Sick Headache.— 
This patient, age 27, from childhood suffered 
from nervous and sick headaches. Though six 
months produced an effectual cure of both, she 
continued her exercise until three days before 
her confinement. Labor was comparatively so 
brief and painless, that the physician did not ar- 
rive in season. Three previous labors had lasted 
twelve, nine, and eleven hours respectively ; one 
was accompanied with profuse flooding, and the 
recoveries from all were slow. She was able to 
renew her lifting in two weeks. 
Case 17 : Sick Headache.—This patient in- 
herited this difficulty, together with a very slug- 
gish liver. He stated that he was miserable 
about half the time, and had a bilious siege 
about once a month. Lifted regularly two 
years, reaching !)00 lbs. Then purchased ma- 
chine, and lifts regularly. From the time he 
commenced he has had headache but once and 
liver trouble twice, both of short duration. He 
now considers himself perfectly well. 
Case 32: Softening of the Brain and 
Incipient Insanity'.—Overstndy and neglect of 
exercise had made this professor, in intellect, 
a giant, in physical power, a pigmy. Both phy- 
sical and mental powers gave out at once and he 
Yvas obliged to abandon everything in the shape 
of mental labor. He was forbidden even five 
minutes use of the newspaper. His friends be- 
came much alarmed, and not without cause. 
His physician came with him to the Health- 
Lift and was very solicitous lest the treatment 
should be too heroic ; even 40 lbs. the first day 
proved too much. He reached only 200 lbs. in 3 
months, but with a change that was marvelous. 
He was enabled to resume his professional and 
literary duties, though they had been abandoned 
for life. 
Case 123 : Sciatica—Had become so bad as 
to make the patient almost a maniac from pain 
and loss of sleep. In six months he reached 700 
lbs., but said he was cured after the first month. 
Two years later he reported that be was perfect- 
ly well, and had not known a twinge of his old 
enemy since lifting. 
Case 40 : Sciatica.—A lady, age 40, sent to our 
rooms by her physician for sciatica. Was very 
lame and in much pain. Began lifting 40 lbs. 
At the end of one month she was lifting 205 lbs. 
and was perfectly well. 
Case 90 : Insomnia from Old Age.—This pa- 
tient, nearly 80 years old, suffered from loss of 
sleep, which greatly affected hishealth, especial- 
ly his stomach, producing dyspepsia. A trial 
lift at our rooms, 80 lbs., gave him three nights 
of sound sleep, which led him to purchase. 
Case 50: Hemorrhages and Dyspepsia.— 
Inheriting a weak stomach and weak vital or- 
gans generally, I found myself at man’s estate 
no man at all, but physically a wreck, and 
doomed by many eminent physicians to a few 
years of miserable existence at best, after trying 
almost every known remedy and mode of treat- 
ment in vain. 
Thirty years of dyspepsia in its worst forms 
told its sad and terrible story in every part of my 
system. The lungs, upon the healthy action of 
which good digestion is more dependent than all 
things else, finally gave out, bleeding profusely 
and almost constantly for years. The thought 
that this must put an end to a miserable exist- 
ence was not an unhappy one. 
Among, and in connection with other things, 
I had often tried the Health-Lift, and theo- 
retical and practical investigation convinced 
me that it was the most reasonable mode ci* 
treatment I could adopt, and I resolved to give 
it a faithful and thorough test. I have done so. 
with results which seem to me and to all my 
friends miraculous. 
An understatement of the facts will seem 
incredible. My weight at beginning was about 
120 pounds. It is now 182 ; 60 pounds gain 
in 15 months—not adipose, but solid muscle ; 
good healthy tissue. When I began, 180 pounds 
was a tax. I now lift 1000 pounds. My gain 
in every way is proportionate. My stomach 
and lungs have improved immensely—5 inches 
or more increase in measurement about the 
vital parts. No more hemorrhages ; dyspep- 
sia a thing of the past; all its train of attend- 
ant evils vanished. I am equal to any physical 
effort. There has been an entire reconstruc- 
tion. The change has been most thorough and 
complete. I now enjoy perfect health. I may 
say I never before knew the joy of living, of 
sound health. 
To the Ilealth-Lift I attribute all, even my 
life, which before was a burden, which now is a TITE HE A L TIL L TFT. 
39 
constant joy. If yon are similarly afflicted, and 
desire a complete and permanent cure, do as I 
have done, and if you arc faithful and persever 
ing, you will surely have like results. This 
mode of treatment is not one man’s food, 
another'* poison, but good f* r each and every 
one. Its rationale is simple, and will commend 
itself to every reasonable mind. 
Five years since I gave birth to a daughter, 
weighing six itoiiuds. In my case the sympathetic 
relation between ttic uterus and atomnch was such 
that I was unable to retain anything in my 
stomach. In consequence, I hud nine months of 
weary suffering which nothing would relieve. 
When tho full term arrived I was in no con- 
dition for it. Instrumental delivery liecamo ne- 
cessary after thirty-om hours of dreadful suffering. 
A few months since I gave birth to a fine boy. 
weighing nine pounds, being in labor but one hour. 
During the first few months of pregnancy the last 
time I hail the same disagreeable nauseating 
symptoms as before, I icing confined to my lied most 
of the time. My hu«band finally induced me to try 
the Healih-Lift, and 1 am happy to state with the 
most marvelous results. All nnusea and bail symp 
toms disappeared as if by magic. My condition 
changed greatly and improved steadily till the full 
period, finding me quite willing to meet the ordeal, 
no longer terrible. It was passed as above stated. 
I should add that my recovery has been in accord 
ance with the improvements in other respects, and 
that my little one has seemed to partake of my re 
newed vitality, enjoying jierfeet health. I lifted 
to within four hours of delivery, and resumed 
lifting one month afterward. Here are results 
wonderful indeed, and worthy to be communicated 
to all women likely to suffer as I have. No words 
of mine are sufficient to convey my deep sense of 
gratitude for a means so simple, so pleasant, and 
within the reach of all. I cannot too strongly 
commend the Health-Lift. Mas. K. G. W. 
Mrs. G.. of remarkably vigorous health, was 
confined Pecemla-r, lh74. L*bor lasted twelve 
hours, when the uterus became exhausted and 
refused to act, necessitating instrumental delivery. 
Began lifting in September. 1875. and lifted regu- 
larly until confined in January. lKTfi, increasing 
graduilly, until the night before confinement 
she lifted 330 I'ouuds. Labor, which was very 
easy, lasted less than an hour, and was followed 
by an unusually rapid recovery. 
Ca«k fi: Trf. Worst Form or Dyspepsia, 
Wkaknksm, Irritability, Nervousness, 
Headache, Loss or Appetite, etc.—This 
patient, agod 42. writes: For over setenietn 
years I was distressed with the worst forms of 
dyspepsia, weakness, irritability, nervousness, 
headache, loss of appetite, aqd at times com- 
plete prostration, requiring tny abandonment 
of business entirely. I commenced by lifting 
173 pounds, and in one year reached 700 pounds. 
My appetite is good. I nin stronger than ever 
before; good digestion, more cheerful, a 
healthier and happier man than I ever expected 
to be. I wish I could find words in which to ex- 
press my complete admiration, gratitude and 
confidence in your institution. But I will only 
say let those who have any symptoms of dys- 
pepsia, or its attendant evils, give the system of 
Cumulative Exercise a fair trial, und they need 
have no fear of its results. 
Cask 07 : Old Acje and Dyspepsia.—When 
I began your system of exercise, 80 lbs. cost mu 
a severe effort. I now, two years after, lift 700. 
In those figures is told the whole story. My 
appetite is natural, my sleep sound, my diges- 
tion good, and I am free from all nervous dis- 
tress. I have increased in llesh ; my endurance 
of fatigue, both mental and physical, is su|>erior 
to what it has been any time for a dozen years ; 
there is an elasticity of movement and a vigor 
which I hatTnot, and my spirits, if not positive- 
ly' buoyant, are equable. 
In short, if curing the symptoms is curing 
the disease, I may say Cumulative Exercise has 
cured both my old aJe and my dyspepsia. 
J. T. C -, book-keeper, aged 35, writes : 
“As much better every way as 740 was more 
than 180”—these being the number of pounds 
lifted at the beginning and end of the year. 
Cask .71 : Distressing Flatitlenck, coming 
on usually about an hour after eating, increased 
after retiring. At the end of three months, at 
which time the patient, a lady, lifted 3X)!bs., 
the difficulty had entirely disap)>eared. 
Cask 11 : Hemorrhoids or Piles.—A gentle- 
man a-ked this evening if lifting did not pro- 
duce piles. Ordinary lifting may, the llealth- 
Lift never ; it cures. The case in point is not 
a fair criterion, as the cure was so sudden and 
marked as to lie almost incredible. We have 
treated many eases hv this means successfully, 
but it takes time, and generally' the progress 
is slow, if one looks for complete and penna- 
nent cure. 
A frightful shadow of a man, over six feet in 
height—a living skeleton—cadaverous, sickly. 40 
TIIE HE A L TH-L1FT. 
death-like, one day visited the rooms to investi- 
gate, and took a very light lift. After several days, 
the same gentleman called and told his history. 
He called his case consumption of the blood, 
produced by piles and hemorrhage from the 
bowels. He stated that at every passage of the 
bowels he lost a pint of blood, which had so 
reduced him that he had abandoned his business 
to die. He had lost all hope, he was in the last 
stages of misery, he had lost over sixty pounds 
in weight. From the first lift, several days 
previous, he had lost no blood, and seeking ad- 
vice from his physician, was told to try Cumu- 
lative Exercise, as a last hope. He committed 
himself for six months, though he said he did 
not expect to live six weeks. The result was 
entire restoration to health, and the change in 
this man was most marvelous. He resumed his 
old position—editor of one of our city papers 
—and published his own experience voluntarily, 
and often published notices favorablo to the 
Health-Lift. 
Case 22 : Constipation.—It is unfair to se- 
lect the most marked cases of cure as typical 
of all. We do not desire to be so understood. 
We do not recall a single case of the above 
difficulty where there was not a marlced change 
for the better, and in nearly all a cure. The 
case in point is incredible. The gentleman 
promised to write out his case over his own 
signature, and gave the writer permission, in 
case he did not report in time. 
Patient, 71 years of age, sent by his ph3rsician. 
Constipation had existed 51 years. It had be- 
come second nature. He did not remember the 
time when he had had a natural passage. From 
his very first lift, the habit became natural, 
daily and regular, and so continues till tikis 
day. He lifted four months, then went to his 
country-seat three months ; returning, he re- 
sumed his lifting, though he said it was not ne- 
cessary, and soon gave it up, calling himself 
completely cured of this terrible condition. The 
new state of things produced a great change in 
his health in every respect, and he expects to 
become a centenarian without failing powers. 
Case 48 —There are a few who reach to man's 
and woman’s estate, without much apparent 
physical development. They seem to exist, yet 
not to live. They can not enjoy life, as they 
are necessarily deprived of most of its bless- 
ings. The least effort overcomes, and a little 
pull-back throws them upon the sick-bed for 
several days. Such weakness saps the life from 
all the organs and functions. There is no ail- 
ment which is more efficiently treated by Cu- 
mulative Exercise than this. We have had 
many who approached this ; but two cases, 
presenting themselves about the same time, 
and lifting together for two years, were 
extreme types. Their progress and improve- 
ment were very similar. Both commenced lift- 
ing 20 lbs., which seemed to them immense. 
They lifted the same weight for u month ; the 
progress after that was exceedingly slow ; in a 
year both reached 180 lbs. as the maximum. 
They finally settled on 120 as being the weight 
which did them the most good ; this amount, 
or near it, they lifted daily during the second 
year. Whereas, before, they had no joy in liv- 
ing, no appetite, no particle of strength, no 
ability to perform any of the duties of life, ot- 
to enjoy its pleasures. All these t.fings were 
added unto them. No one can realize their 
change, their joy in restoration. It was noticed 
and remarked by all their friends, scores of 
whom they have sent to our rooms, who became 
patrons. They both continue to make daily 
and regular use of the lift at their homes. They 
have become missionaries in this cause. 
Case 89.—The forewoman in one of New- 
York's largest establishments presented herself 
for treatment, in a condition of complete pros- 
tration and giving out of nearly all the powers 
of life. She gave up to die. The maximum 
lift the first day was 30 lbs. She lifted daily at 
our rooms for six months, reaching 400 lbs., 
and was completely restored to health. Wish- 
ing to retain what she had gained, she pur- 
chased a machine, and at last accounts had 
reached 540 lbs. and was perfectly well. She 
showed true gratitude, by sending many pa- 
trons to our rooms, who have been similarly 
benefited. 
Case 7 : Insomnia.—This patient would lie 
awake till 2 a.m. regularly, and then sleep till 
5 only. From the first time she lifted she got 
to sleep at 11, sleeping soundly till 7. She 
called over two years after she purchased the 
Lift, saying she continued to use it regularly, 
and was seldom troubled with sleeplessness. 
Case 4: Habitual Miscarriaoe Averted. 
—This lady was a patient of Dr. Wm. II. By- 
ford, the eminent obstetrician, and who pre- 
scribed a course of Cumulative Exercise for her 
for the improvement of her general health, 
which was much enfeebled by four snccessive 
miscarriages, between the fourth and fifth THE TIE A L TIT- L TFT. 
41 
months. Soon after beginning the exercise she 
became again pregnant, and, in alarm, con- 
sulted I)r. By ford as to the safety of continuing 
the exercise. He referred her to the writer, 
tinder whose charge she was pursuing her exer- 
cise, and who determined, after due considera- 
tion, to have her continue. She visited the 
rooms almost daily until after the critical 
period ; when, at the expiration of her second 
quarter's subscription, and in the sixth month 
of her gestation, her husband purchased an ap- 
paratus for use at home, on which she con- 
tinued to exercise until one week before her 
confinement, which was unusually easy and 
rapid, and the recovery prompt and uncompli- 
cated. She has passed through another preg- 
nancy bince, with the same happy results. 
Casi: 119.—Married lady, age 30, severe case of 
disease of the ovaries, much emaciated. Sent 
to our rooms by her physician. After lifting 
one month, began to improve slightly and at the 
end of a year said, “ I am perfectly well. I 
have made thirty calls this afternoon, and feel 
none of my old weakness.” 
Case 30 : Prolapsus Uteri.—Lady, aged 21, 
unmarried. Prolapsus, many years standing. 
Had been treated in the usual way. A year ago 
her physician sent her to the Health-Lift. Fif-. 
teen pounds was the most she could raise. In 
four months she lifted 100 lbs. with compara- 
tive ease and was greatly improved in-all re- 
spects. She says : “ The Lift is doing wonders 
for me. I feel like a different person. I thank 
God I was driven to the Lift rooms, and made 
to use the Lifter.” 
Case 43: Prolapsus or Twelve Years Du- 
ration.—Mrs. was sent to the Health-Lift 
by her physician, for exercise under the Cumula- 
tive system, with the view of relieving dyspepsia 
simply. In the fourth month of the exercise, she 
laid aside a uterine supporter, which she had 
been obliged to wear as constantly as any part of 
her clothing for over twelve years. The degree of 
prolapsus was so extreme that, even two weeks 
before beginning Cumulative Exercise, an at- 
tempt, by the advice of her physician, to walk 
across the room without the supporter, was fol- 
lowed by a three duys’ confinement to her bed. 
At the date this Is written, three years after 
laying aside the instrument, she is and has been 
daring the entire time, in the enjoyment of ex- 
ceptionally good heulth, and without the use of 
any other treatment, except the ldp-bath and 
Cumulative Exercise. 
Case 20: I'rolapsus Utefu —The case here 
presented was typical of many which have 
l>cen successfully treated by the Health-Lift. 
It was procidentia, or the third stage, the os 
and neck falling outside. There was almost 
complete inability to walk, muscular walls 
greatly relaxed, ligaments which support the 
uterus weak and lifeless; loss of tone and 
power to th > parts; pain, sense of weight 
and dragging sensation in the viscera. It is 
natural and reasonable that Cumulative Exer- 
cise would remove effectually these symptoms, 
change the condition of the parts and thus 
restore the normal condition. In this ease com- 
plete restoration required a year, but the treat- 
ment was easy and satisfactory, especially as 
everything else had been tried from pessaries 
down, and seemed only to aggravate. The pa- 
tient was very tired and sick of local treatment, 
and relieved to avoid its necessity. 
Case 77 : Labor Made Easy.—A gentfemen 
«writcs, “ My wife uses the Reactionary Lifter 
us a preparation for childbirth, with most happy 
results. She lifted to within two days of her last 
confinement, and passed through the same w ith 
one fourth the labor she had previously expe- 
rienced. Her recovery was equally accelerated.” 
Case 12: Obesity, Rackaciie and Asthma ; 
the Results of Constipation.—A wealthy 
widow lady, with decided tendency to embon- 
point,, luxurious in her habits and mode of life, 
was recommended by her physician to try the 
system of Cumulative Exercise, with a view of 
reducing her growing obesity. For some years 
she had been compelled to reply upon cathartics, 
enemas, etc., to relieve constipation and flatu- 
lence ; und previous to such relief almost invari- 
ably sutTe red from distressing attacks of asth- 
ma. Within two months she was enabled to 
dispense with these agents, the muscular coats 
of the intestines and the abdominal walls having 
regained such a degree of tone that the func- 
tions became normal and regular ; the asthma, 
previously caused entirely by insufficient respir- 
atory motion, no longer annoyed her ; she was 
able to walk and ascend stairs without panting 
for breath ; and the severe pain in the lower 
portion of the back had entirely disappeared. 
She still follows tills system of exercise, with 
religious punctuality, an 1 is sanguine of yet 
wearing the bodice of twenty years ago. 42 
THE HEALTH-LIFT. 
THE HEALTH-LIFT AS A BUSINESS. 
SOME OF THE ELEMENTS OF ITS SUCCESS. 
Cumulative Exercise, as a business, has been 
introduced into the larger cities and towns. 
There is yet room, and we want thousands of 
energetic, educated, and cultured men and women 
to introduce it everywhere. There is no com- 
munity large enough to support a physician which 
may not also be made to support an Agency of the 
Health-Lift. It is already thoroughly established, 
and a decided and permanent success. Our 
agents are successful everywhere, some of them 
highly so. It is a business of the most profitable, 
satisfactory and dignified character. Throughout 
the land there is healthful excitement, enthusiasm 
and inquiry as to “ what it is,” “ what it has 
done” and “what it will do.” The public mind 
is ready to accept this as the best form of physical 
culture, and heartily welcome it as such. It has 
intrinsic merit. It will accomplish all that is 
claimed for it, and that is much. Its reputation 
is popular, permanent, solid and respectable. It 
is just what is needed by every man and woman in 
the land ; making strong appeals to the common 
sense of every one. Its cost is $50, $75, $100, 
$125. There is a liberal discount made to agents 
purchasing several machines. If you desire to 
interest yourself in a highly satisfactory and suc- 
cessful business, it will pay you to investigate fur- 
ther. Send for agents’ circular. 
The late changes, improvements, reductions, 
introduction of several styles, and esjwiciaMy the 
“ New Cheap Reactionary,” makes the business 
much more desirable for agents. 
LACON ICS. 
EXERCISE. 
Physical Culture is fast becoming a science. 
Who will doubt the need of intelligence on a 
subject which will so materially affect the weal 
or woe of our race, individually and collective- 
ly ? It is the bounden duty of every one to take 
care of the body and to develop it, as well as the 
mind. 
All literature, both medical and general, 
abounds in commendations of exercise as the 
indispensable condition of health. All intelli- 
gent physicians agree in this, that exercise is the 
best defense against disease, and the most valu- 
able adjunct in the cure of disease. 
Physic is a veiy poor substitute for exercise. 
He who does not take exercise knows not the 
pleasure of health, of good appetite, good diges- 
tion, free and full respiration, refreshing sleep. 
Weak bodies, brains and nerves, narrow 
chests, sallow faces, dyspepsia with all its evils, 
and broken-down constitutions result from neg- 
lect of exercise. 
Most of the exercise taken by men of seden- 
tary pursuits is in the form of walking. We be- 
lieve its merits to be greatly overrated. Walking 
is to real exercise what vegetable food is to 
animal: it satisfies the appetite, but the nour- 
ishment is not sufficiently concentrated to be 
invigorating. 
Dr. Parkes says: A perfect state of health 
implies that every organ has its due share of ex- 
ercise. 
Exercise is simply indispensable to the health 
and happiness of all, old and young, the invalid 
or strong. It is promotive of virtue and purity, 
of high mental and moral tone, of true man- 
hood. The Health-Lift furnishes this indis- 
pensable exercise, that is attainable in no other 
way. 
If physical exercise means any thing, that is, 
any thingworth serious thought, it means a gra- 
dual progressive system, so arranged and so 
administi red that it. will naturally and universal- 
ly call forth and cultivate the latent powers and 
capacities of the body, even as the mental facul- 
ties arc developed and strengthened by mental 
culture and mental exercise. 
Without exercise every function of the body 
is weakened and impaired. 
Safe, graduated, systematic exercise is the one 
certain and permanent relief to many, if not 
most of the ills to which flesh is heir. TITE TIE AI Tit- L TFT. 
43 
The true object of exercise should be to give 
the power of endurance; to give that kind of 
strength which is health ; to promote the healthy 
performance of all the functions; to equalize 
and invigorate the circulation of the blood, in a 
word, to reconstruct the whole system. 
C’nmrtlutive Exercise by the Health-Lift pro- 
cess will accomplish all these more effectually 
than all systems of physical culture combined. 
CUMULATIVE EXERCISE. 
A system of exercise in which additional 
muscles are brought into use successively, by 
su cesslvely Increasing the amount of weight or 
resistance ; a perfect and complete exercise of 
the entire muscular system. 
Cumulative Exercise invigorates, makes the 
breathing deeper and fuller ; makes the heart 
work regularly and efficiently ; tones the mus- 
cles and nerves ; is perfectly safe ; is economi- 
cal of time, brain, and nerve power ; may be 
graded to the most delicate. It i-* the most po- 
tent of all remedies. It is the great builder up 
of the body and scavenger of its waste. It fur- 
nishes a health agent whoso value is, as yet, 
only imperfectly understood and appreciated, 
even by those who have given it much study. 
it tills the lungs with fresh air, expands the 
myriad air cells; the oxygen, absolutely neces- 
sary to all life, filters through, vitalizes the 
blood, the chest is inlarged, the muscles de- 
mand more blood, which strengthens and en- 
larges them, and that, in turn, calls for more 
food, the stomach responds, digests more per- 
fectly, and supplies adequate nutrition ; the 
movement of the muscles exercises all the 
glands, augments the secretions, forces out the 
excretions, gives new nerve and brain force, 
and, in fact, that grand desideratum, a sound 
mind in a sound body. 
It will give case, grace and self-possession, 
and a ready use of all the muscles. 
It will develop the chest, stren then the mus- 
cles that support the spine, and keep the body 
in a correct position at all times. 
It will improve the voice strengthen the lungs, 
help digestion, comet constipation, warm the 
extremities, give tone to the muscles about the 
hips and the pelvic viscera, and perfect all the 
mu«cles and all tho organs oT the body. 
It improves the tone and condition of ibe vital 
organs, thus restoring and preserving health. 
'it produces results entirely differin' from 
other forms of muscular clt rt. Instead of pro- 
dnring bodily and nervous exhaustion, there is 
extraordinary increase of nervous energy and 
niuscnlar force, imparted through some mys- 
terious effect on the nerve centres. 
It is better than the Gymnasium, cheaper than 
the Saddle, less laborious than Routing, infinitely 
better than Drugs in a majority of Chronic 
Diseases. 
HEALTH. 
One of our recent writers has said that “good 
health is physical religion,” and it is a saying 
worthy to he printed in golden letters. Every 
person ought to be perfectly healthy, just as 
every one ought to be perfectly religions. Per- 
fect spiritual religion cun not exist without per- 
fect physical religion. Every flaw and defect 
in the bodily system is just so much taken from 
the spiritual vitality ; we are commanded to 
glorify God, not simply in our spirits, but in 
our bodies and spirits. 
A higher standard of physical development, a 
better average of bodily health, would do more 
toward bringing about that era of Sweetness rind 
light Matthew Arnold longs for, than all the 
essays he is likely to publish on the subject— 
an era of honesty in politics, charily in religion, 
and morality in trade—an era, in short, of 
peace on earth and good-will to men. 
Health is the essential condition of all per- 
manent success, and therefore is a matter of 
stupendous importance to every one. All at- 
tainable health and its maintainance isu duty, 
all avoidable sickness a sin. 
Health is the noblest condition of the body. 
It is our duty to strive for this condition of 
health, plan for it, achieve it. 
Through the medium of the Blood, all the 
processes of life take place. 
Every intelligent person understands that 
medicine does not cure disease, except indirect- 
ly, by arousing tho curative power of nature. 
If the Health-Lift develops this vital force— 
this ris medlcatrix natures, as the doctors call 
it—then it must cure disease, and the cure will 
not be mere relief, but constitutional, thorough 
and permanent. 
It is ascertain that from one to three months 
exerciso on the Health-Lift, with a proper 
amount and qualitv of food, will cure Dyspep- 
sia, Indigestion and the whole train of attend- 
ant symptoms, as that all the bitters—com- 
pounds of poor aloes and worse whisky—bo- 
luses and “blue-mass” will fail to do more 
than afford a temporary and deceptive allevia- 
tion. THE IIEA L TIT- LIFT. 
THE HEALTH-LIFT. 
The Health-Lift is a scientific, condensed and 
perfect method for securing and retaining per- 
fect health. To a household it is many times 
the value of a sewing machine or piano. Money 
can not represent its worth. It is considered 
indispensable by all who use it.. It is adapted 
to men, women and children. 
It furnishes an exercise which enn and should 
be introduced into every house, office, study, 
bank and store ; which may be practiced at all 
seasons, in all kinds of weather, by persons of 
both sexes, all ages and degrees of strength or 
weakness, alone or in company; does not 
exhaust strength or vitality, but absolutely in- 
creases it. 
As a means of exercise it is most concentrated 
and searching. 
It improves the circulation. It augments the 
strength. It promotes general vitality. It tones 
up the system generally, enabling it not only to 
throw off, but to resist disease. 
It is based upon the fundamental idea that 
the curative power is inherent in the human 
organi-m. It. proposes, by a harmonious, com- 
pletely co-operative and properly graduated 
exercise of the whole system, to develop and 
increase this latent power, and apply it, through 
the natural channels, to building up the tissues 
of the body and eradicating disease. Health 
depends upon the power and proper action of 
the organs of the body. An organ must first 
become weak before it can become diseased. 
The natural and rational method of cure is 
evidently to reverse this destructive process, 
and make it constructive; to strengthen the 
organs, and allow health to follow as a natural 
consequence of this organic power. 
The Health-Lift, is a system of Physical exer- 
cise, which commends itself to the professional 
and business man, as furnishing the maximum 
amount, of safe, graduated and thorough mus- 
cular exercise, at a. minimum expense of time, 
conveni'-nce and nerve-force ; and as a natural 
curative agency, t» the invalid (of cither sex), 
ns being applicable to the widest range of dis- 
eases, uniform in its results, and cordially en- 
dorsed by the medical profession. 
It is yet in its infancy, but, is growing apace; 
rapidly supplanting all other forms of exercise, 
and proving the most valuable adjunct jet. 
known to the medical profession for the cure of 
disease. As a preventive of disease it has no 
equal. 
GENERAL REMARKS. 
The Health-Lift makes strong appeals to the 
common sense of every man anti woman, in 
every walk of life, who values health as the 
greatest of earthly blessings. 
Many persons a’e aware that health anti 
strength are intimately related. And it is ra- 
pidly becoming known that systematically re- 
gulated exercise, when applied in accordance 
with physiological principles, is among the 
most efficacious means for removing the causes 
of disease, developing the vital powers and 
promoting longevity. 
The extraordinary vigor that has been acquir- 
ed, and the remarkable cures that have been 
effected by mear.s of the Health-Lift, demon- 
strate that it is very easy to maintain health or 
to regain it when lost. 
The most strengthening, health-promoting 
and pleasurable of all exercises. Brings into 
action all the muscles, arouses every dormant 
function and imparts cheerfulness to the mind. 
It. enables those whose time is precious to g t all 
the needed exercise of a day in a few minutes. 
It is a safe and reliable means of making the 
weak strong and the strong Herculaneum, doub- 
ling the strength in three months and tripling it 
in less than a year. 
The muscular power thus gained is available 
not only in lifting weights, but in whatever di- 
rection its exercise may be called forth. 
To sum up : The Health-Lift, as a gymnastic 
system, possesses the merits of simplicity, 
economy of brain-power, economy of time, the 
widest adaptability; the most fragile woman and 
the strongest man find in it their exact meed of 
exercise—perfect accuracy and perfect safety. 
It is believed that earnest investigation will sus- 
tain this sweeping claim. 
The body has urgent, distinct and imperative 
claims to culture. There is no error more pro- 
found, or productive of more evil, than that 
which views the bodily and mental powers as 
antithetical or opposed, and which imagines 
that the culture of the one must be made at tlie 
expense of the other. The truth is precisely 
the reverse of this. 
Health and strength are most intimately al- 
lied, and are usually by t he same means and in 
the same manner obtained. THE llEALTH-LIFT. 
45 
Let, therefore, bo.h mun and woman cultivate 
strength by this, the most available means ; let 
it be general, not partial. Trie battle of life re- 
quires the u'holt man, not a part; the whole, too, 
lu as good condition us it is possible for it to be 
brought. 
There is no profession, calling or occupation 
in which man can be engaged, there is no 
Isislilon In life, in which a well developed frame 
will not be valuable to bim, and highly essen- 
tial to success. Almost daily we see men 
falter and fail lu the midst of their labors—fail 
for want of a little i odily stamina. How easy 
to avoid such defeat, but how few will heed such 
advice in time! 
Health is vital to happiness, strength is vital 
to health, exercise is vital to all. 
Nature lias provided a sovereign remedy for 
all physical ills. Has not this wonderful age 
developed it in the discovery and perfection of 
the Health-Lift ? 
1A sound mind in a sound body is a short de- 
scription of a happy state in this world. He that 
has these two has little more to wish for ; and 
he that wants either of them w ill be but little 
the better for anything else. 
Good hones are better than gold ; tough mus- 
cles better than silver ; and nerves that flash and 
carry energy to every function are better than 
houses and lauds. 
\Ye are weak because it never enters into our 
thoughts that wo might be strong if we would. 
The body needs education as truly as does the 
mind. In short, the word education should lie 
understood to embrace in its operation our en- 
tire nature, mental and physical; both depart- 
ments advancing together band in hand, mu- 
tually respectful, helpful and tolerant. 
Physical education is of the greatest vnliie to 
mankind, not only as far as its own direct influ- 
ence is concerned on the health and natural ex- 
istence, but as an adjunct to mental advance- 
ment and culture. 
The really effective and useful men of the 
world are the men of sound nerves, strong 
muscles and good digestion. That which will 
contribute to the improvement of these agents 
is of vital importance and should DC eagerly 
sought by all. 
The proper school for idiot?, the insane, 
criminals and uii who manifest unhealthy and 
abnormal mental action, is a school of physical 
troiuing. Insanity, unhealthiness, vio cnce and 
crime would never occur in a properly balanced 
condition of brain and body, which a correct 
system of physical training is certain to bring 
about. 
Muscular strength developed by Cumulative 
Exercise is logically followed by health of all 
the organs, vigorous digestion, equable circula- 
tion, stcudy nerves and active brain. 
Don't wnit till disease sets in, nor till you are 
worn out in nerve, muscle and brain. Ten 
minutes’ daily practice on the Health-Lift will 
prevent all this, and keep yonr lease of life and 
health good till past three score and ten. 
Walking is very generally prescribed for in- 
valids. While it is the most available of exer- 
cises, it is one of the most exhausting for in- 
valids, draining away force from that portion of 
the nervous system located in the base of the 
brain and spinal cord ; and thus, by the mono- 
tonous use of a few sets of muscles, diverting 
vitality to them and fatiguing and depressing 
instead of refreshing and invigorating the 
patient. 
Most men are engaged in brain-work, and 
most women And it nnfashionablc to exorcise. 
Hence no provision is made for due exercise ; 
lienee urise woes unnumbered. 
Nature gavo man 527 distinct muscles; but 
there must have been some mistake, us the 
average man or woman urn the odd 27 muscles 
occasionally, and allows the 5U0 to rest and rust. 
Many have the idea that the Health L'ft is 
chiefly, if not solely, for invalids. This is far 
from correct. You have hoard it slid that • pre- 
vention is better than cure.’ Fortunate are those 
who realize the depth of meaning in this trite 
saying, and practie illy demonstrate it. To a few 
health is of some imoortanee. They can afford to 
make some little effort, to keep WELL. Many 
among those who purchase machine3, and patron 
ize lift rooms, have good health and mean to keep 
it, when they can do so by means so simple. The 
( Health Lift therefore, has a twofold value. 46 
THE HE A L TII-LIFT. 
TO THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 
THE HE-AL! H-LiFT COMPANY, 
No. 46 East 14tli Street. 
General Manager, F. G. Welch, M.D. 
New-York, October, 1874. 
Dear Sir : In the spring of 1873 the 
undersigned sent to the medical profession 
of New- Y ork City and vicinity some special 
circulars, calling attention to what he had 
found to be a valuable adjunct to medical 
treatment, as well as a meritorious system 
of Physical Training and Exercise. Since 
that time, as a response, over two .jun- 
dred physicians have called to investigate, 
who, together with as many more, have 
sent patients to our rooms for treatment. 
He has yet to hear of a single case where 
the result of the investigation to the physi- 
cian, or of the exercise to the patient, has 
been other than satisfactory. The subscri- 
ber considers this unusual response an in- 
dication that the system, as well as the 
manner in which the business is conducted, 
has the good-will and favor of the Medical 
Profession. 
This success has determined the Com- 
pany to carry on the business through the 
Profession as the best and only proper 
channel, and we hope to secure universal in- 
terest in this important aid to medical 
treatment. 
As our rooms are always at the service 
of physicians, it is hoped that none will 
condemn without investigation, that it will 
be recommended where the medical ad- 
viser deems it desirable, and that there 
may be some among the Profession who 
would like to possess one or more ma 
chines. The Company solicit corre- 
spondence, through their Physician and 
Manager, F. G. Welch, M.D. 
The above letter sufficiently explains 
itself. Since it was written, the number 
who have investigated has nearly doubled. 
Many have purchased, and are making sa- 
tisfactory use of the machine. 
In another part of tills monograph will 
be found a few voluntary testimonials from 
physicians. More testimonials of the same 
character, as well as the names of a large 
number of prominent physicians, might 
have been given, if it were not against our 
principles to solicit or use either. 
Suffice it to say that most of the number 
who have investigated have been among 
the most prominent of this and other cities, 
and we have yet to hear of a single case 
where the result of the investigation by 
the physician, or of the exercise to the 
patient, has been other than satisfactory. 
It is confidently believed that the sweeping 
claims made in this little book may be ful- 
ly proven by any physician who will inves- 
tigate thoroughly. 
If you should think the matter worthy 
further attention, we will gladly furnish 
any additional information in our power, 
either by letter, or personally at our rooms, 
which are always at the service of the me- 
dical profession. The attention of the 
practitioner is called to a few axioms on 
the physiological effects of Cumulative 
Exercise. Till.! HEALTH-LIFT. 
47 
REMARKS ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF CUMU- 
LATIVE EXERCISE. 
By the phrase Cumulative Exercise is 
meant a scries of gradually increasing (cu- 
mulative) muscular efforts, produced in 
overcoming successively increased resist- 
ances, either by the use of an apparatus 
for the purpose, or otherwise. 
Muscles contract more or less readily ac- 
cordin'] to their use : 
This contraction affects the capillary and 
venous circulations ; they dejiend laryely upon 
this : 
If the mine muscles are employed repeatedly 
in overcoming the same resistance, while the 
demand for urierud blood will be as great for 
each re]sate)l contraction, venous blood will 
only be returned to the heart in volume propor- 
tionate to the compression exerted by the con- 
ttraetiiuj muscles : 
If, however, deeper layers of muscles are 
brought into action, by increasing the resist- 
ance overcome, the venous blood will be re- 
turned in corresjxmdingly increased volume to 
’ the heart, anil cardiac action will thus be re- 
duced in fretpwucg but increased in efficiency. 
The pulse is diminished in frequency bid 
increased in volume and regularity, the. res- 
piration is less frequent, deeper atul fuller, 
while the muscular system gains in tone and 
steadiness, so that accuracy of motion is 
greater after than before the exercise. 
To these considerations should be added 
tbc removal of capillary and venous con- j 
gestions, resulting in a freer passage of 
blood from the arteries, thus tending to 
lessen the work of the heart; the larger 
volumes of blood sent more equably to the 
lungs, and bringing into use greater aerat-, 
ing surfaces, thus causing the breathing to 
become more abdominal and less thoracic ; 
aud, liually, the effect of using the general 
muscular system, instead of limited regions 
of muscles. 
In the system of Cumulative Exercise 
the muscles of tlie'trunk, as well as those 
of the extremities, urc used ; and the ef- 
fect upon various diseased conditions, aris- 
ing from relaxed abdominal walls, lor ex- 
ample, and consequent malposition of the 
contained organs, is very striking. As the 
abdominal muscles acquire tone and afford 
support to the diaphragm, this important 
muscle, in turn, assists more efilcieutly iu 
supporting the dependent viscera; pre- 
venting alike dragging and impeded mo- 
tion of the thoracic viscera, and pressure, 
and consequent irritation, and other mor- 
bid action of the abdominal organs, on each 
other. Diilieult or imperfect breathing, 
irregular heart’s action, painful or defect- 
ive digestion, congestion or torpor of the 
liver, constipation, hernia, hemorrhoids, 
as wc’l as certain uterine und vesical ditli- 
culties, are frequently aggravated, if uot 
caused by this ilaccid, atonic condition of 
the abdominal muscles ; and in such cases 
the exercise may be reasonably expected 
to be beneficial. 
Of the effect of so powerful a derivative 
as this will readily be seen to be, on con- 
gestions of the brain and nervous systems 
generally, and of its value in improving 
nutrition-using the word in its largest 
sense, as including digestion, absorption, 
assimilation, secretion, and excretion—it 
is not necessary to say any thing to the 
professional reader. But it is believed 
that in its accuracy of prescription, in its 
wide applicability, in its conservation of 
nerve-force, in the thoroughness of its ac- 
tion, and in the record of its effects, it has 
established a claim as a valuable therapeu- 
tic agent and adjunct to medical treatment, 
no less than as a safe, brief and sufficient 
gymnastic system, especially adapted to 
persons of sedentary habits and busy lives. 48 
THE HEALTH-LIFT. 
The wonderful results which have attend- 
ed the use of the Reactionary Lifter, and 
the unprecedented success which its sale has 
attained, have led to many attemps at imi- 
tation. Several cheap and worthless ma- 
cnines and clastic appliances for health 
exercise are now offered to the public, and 
if accepted by them will have the effect to 
bring the system of cumulative exer- 
cise into disrepute. 
The dealers in these wares call them “The 
Health-Lift,” “The latest and best,” and 
other similar names, and claim for them the 
same results, and even greater than those pro- 
duced by the Reactionary Lifter. The fact 
that they are obliged to borrow our name, 
to appropriate our literature, and even our 
testimonials, in order to give some show of 
value to their wares, should be sufficient 
to condemn them and their productions. 
A number of these spring machines have 
already been withdrawn, the parties having 
failed. 
»The Spring, as a resisting power, has 
been tried in a great variety of wavs, but in 
every case it has proven ineffectual, inaccu- 
rate, unsatisfactory and unsuccessful. And 
for the following reasons : 
First, as a resisting force, it is not only in- 
effectual, but worse than useless, as it 
destroys the contractile force of the muscles. 
The spring never has a finish and com- 
pleteness to its action. The exerciser feels 
as though he were pulling at something 
which he fails to raise. The whole action 
of the spring produces this sensation. 
Where the resistance is definite, the weight 
when lifted becomes an accomplished act— 
a complete triumph of mind over matter. 
There is always a quiver about a spring 
which is decidedly unpleasant, and es- 
pecially to nervous and fleshy persons. In 
many cases it is aggravating and dangerous. 
But in the Reactionary, where the resistance 
is steady and well defined, there is produced 
a calming influence over any tremor that 
may pervade the muscles, or excitement 
that affects the nerves. This effect has great 
therapeutic value, and has much to do with 
CHEAP LIFTING MACHINES 
the advantage that lifting has over other 
forms of exercise. The spring acts directly 
contrary to this : when most compressed, 
its objectionable quiver is most marked, and 
its injurious effects are thus aggravated. 
The resistance of the spring is changed by 
use, so that it soon becomes unreliable as a 
measure of the exercise taken. 
The lifter is always at a loss to know at 
what height he must raise the handles. 
Springs are objectionable as leading the 
muscles to depend upon them. 
In the Reactionary all the objectionable 
featuresof these cheap machines are avoided 
It is the only machine now sold giving 
definite resistance, and therefore the only 
one justly entitled to the remarkable claims 
of the real Health-Lift. Its patents cover 
all the available principles that can be 
utilized for the purposes of this kind, so 
that it cannot be imitated or superseded. 
In it the resistance is made to consist of a 
dead weight, and dead-weight pressure. It 
is founded upon the most remarkable and 
unique combination of mechanical principles. 
It is the only machine in which one handle 
is made to balance against the other by an 
equalizing yoke, so necessary to perfect lift- 
ing. It is the only machine that has a proj)- 
erly constructed handle upon which, more 
than all else, depends the ability to take this, 
the best kind of exercise in the right way. 
The Health-Lift Company of New York 
is the only incorporated body of the kind, 
and is the sole licensee for the manufacture 
and sale of the Reactionary Lifter, the only 
valuable and reliable machine in use. It 
owns and controls all the patents that are 
useful and available for an object of this 
kind. It contains all the essential principles 
involved in lifting. The Health-Lift Com- 
pany points with satisfaction to its years of 
practice in the principal cities of this coun- 
try, to its thousands of patrons, and to its 
unrivaled testimonials from physicians, 
clergymen, lawyers and other professional 
and prominent men, and still invites the 
thorough investigation of all.