ixvEvroii or tiik patent 
PARLOR RQWI.YG UPP&M&TWB, 
Patented June 19th, 1877. 
PRICE, COMPLETE, $10. 
35 Unbn Square, (Broadway side), N. Y. J. M. LA F LI N, 
CHAMPION ATHLETE of the WORLD 
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE AND RECORD. 
Physical excellence (though we often, too often, neglect its culture in ourselves) is always ap- 
preciated by us, and by the world, in others. The hero of antiquity whose fame has been justly 
preserved to the present day is Hercules; and there is no Bible saint half so popular with the 
masses as Samson. And among the long list of men who have excelled in strength, endurance 
and physique, there are none who have surpassed, in any or all of these points, the subject of 
this sketch, and the inventor of the Patent Parlor BowTing Apparatus and Condensed Home 
Gymnasium, Professor J. M. Laflin. 
We say 1 ‘ Professor” Laflin, for he is not only a practising athlete, but a professor of athletic 
sports—a teacher merely—and a man who possesses more than ordinary knowledge of the laws 
of health and strength—a man who has observed closely and studied faithfully the laws of the 
human body, and who has reduced the results of his study and observation into a philosophical 
system. 
As will be seen from the interview of a New York Hercdd reporter with Mr. Laflin (published 
elsewhere in this pamphlet), the Profess6r holds decidedly original views of his own on the 
subject of muscular training and hygiene, which opinions are, from their earnestness and com- 
mon sense, entitled to respectful consideration. 
This invention, the Patent Parlor Bowing Apparatus and Condensed Home Gymnasium, also 
serves conclusively to prove the success with which Professor Laflin has devoted himself to the 
study of the physical needs of nineteenth century humanity. 
But let us give the details of the life and career of this noted Professor of human physics. 
J. M. Laflin was born in Manchester, England, February 11, 1848. He came to America at 
a very early age, and devoted himself to athletic and aquatic sports, combining, however, with 
his youthful energy in this direction a physical prudence and moderation seldom united w'ith 
physical powers. As a professional he has taught club-swinging, sparring, sword exercise, etc., 
at Notre Dame College, Ind.; Ann Harbor, Mich.; London, Nice, Paris, and Vienna. 
He won his first race as an oarsman at Chicago, in 1876. Since that period he has contended 
with on the water, and defeated, Messrs. Haggerty, Preston, Wampole, Lord, of Boston, and 
Bogers. He has no living equal as a club-swinger. He is the confessed champion of the 
world, possessing twelve medals, together with a valuable leather belt, with gold mountings, 
presented by the English Life Guards in the name of the Unit-d Kingdom. 
At a match in Chicago with ¥m. Beillv, Professor Laflin swung 20-pound clubs for one 
hundred and five minutes, making 65 revolutions per minute for one and three-quarter hours, a 
feat never even nearly attained before. 
At Gilmore's Garden, in the famous athletic tournament, the noted pugilist, Joe Coburn, 
attempted to stand before Professor Laflin in a glove contest, but, to his own utter surprise and 
chagrin, Coburn was in a short time utterly annihilated as a boxer. 
The Professor is not only an athlete, but an artist. He has served as a model for such men 
as Jerome and Bartlett, of Paris, and Foley, of London, while he has also given public exhibitions 
of animated statuary before the Queen of England and the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. His 
tableaux of “The Hying Gladiator,” “Ajax Defying the Lightning,” etc., have been received, 
whenever exhibited in public, with the most pronounced enthusiasm. 
The Professor is likewise an actor of considerable merit. In “As You Like It” he has 
several times appeared before a New York public with deserved eclat. Nor has Professor Laflin 
ignored the intellectual side of his nature. He is a highly educated gentleman—speaks all the 
Continental languages with facility—and has attended a course of medical lectures. He has 
travelled extensively, and has visited every part of the civilized globe. 
In form he is a model of manly beauty, having been awarded in Vienna, in 1873, the first 
prize for perfection in figure and" physique. A vivid idea of his face and personal appearance 
will be derived from the portrait on our title page, and a correct estimate can be formed of his 
physical development by stating that he is above 6 feet 21 inches in height, measures 451 inches 
around the chest, 17 inches around the biceps, and 14J inches around the forearm. In brief, J. 
M. Laflin is one of the rare men who illustrates his own means in his own person. 3 
NO ONE SHOULD BE WITHOUT 
THE MOST COMPLETE 
Bonn Apparatus 
IN THE WORLD. 
THE ONLY APPARATUS 
that affords 
A Perfect Development 
OF THE 
WHOLE HUMAN SYSTEM. 
Be sure and observe the directions 
for putting the Apparatus up before 
using. v 
Using sveep or single nar- stating position. 
Professor Luflin the inventor of the Parlor Bowing Apparatus, who for the past ten years 
has taught club-swinging, rowing spurring, and other athletic exercises, and who received the 
First Award at the Vienna Exhibition, in 1873, as the “model man,” being then perfect in form, 
places before the public his Parlor Rowing Apparatus, which he considers the best exercise yet 
invented for the gradual development of the muscles in all parts of the body at the one time - 
not the mere developing of one part of the body at the expense of the other, but all in unison, 
which is the Gymnasium condensed into one article- viz., the Parlor Rowing Apparatus. 
Professor f.atlin has taught in Paris London, Nice, and other European cities, and in some 
of the principal colleges and institutions in America, and he proposes in this circular to give 
some very necessary hints on physical culture that will bo beneficial to the present and succeed- 
ing generations. 
It is a matter of common remark that too many persons have, by too precipitately “going in” 
for hard exercise, seriously injmed their health for life, which is true. As I am not here writing 
for professionals, but for amateurs and people in general, I will content myself by laying down 
a few -imple rules, by following which you will soon find yourself in h tine physical condition. 
As to diet, your own common sense, and not your inclination, must be considered. As to 
time of feeding, the earlier you have your breakfast the better; and if you can dine at midday, 
do so; if you cannot, take a’ light lunch. Avoid anything approaching to a heavy supper as 
carefully as yon would taking bard exercise on a full stomach. In the one case you get the 
nightmare; in the other, you would injure your mind; and in both, your digestion. Attend ] ar- 
ticularly to the state of the stomach, and accommodate your diet to its circumstances, if you 
feel worried in your mind, exercise will nearly always be found, if not entirely to remove, at any 
rate to ameliorate, your anxiety. Many a man, who otherwise would have sat at home nursing 
liis grief unavailingly, has, by a little brisk exercise, increased the flow of his spirits, improved 
the action of his liver—and all people with sluggish livers are prone to melancholy -and caused 
himself to take a more hopeful and wholesome view of his circumstances. \Yhat can he effected 
by systematic training is something wonderful. Boys and men, girls and women —at first puny, 
delicate, wheezy, pale-faced, feeble mortals enough—have become, merely by attending to a few 
simple rules, strong, hale, active, ruddy, and in full enjoyment of all their faculties, half of 
which, until they discovered that exercise was to them the one thing needful, and as such their 
best physician, were completely lost to them. I will venture, unhesitatingly, to say that hun- 
dreds of young people who in this great city die of consumption, could they only have been 
persuaded to put themselves through a little mild training, would have lived to thunk him who 
gave them the ndviee. 
To people of sedentary occupptions, which necessarily tend to contract the chest, and so to 
lessen the requisite quantity of air they should get into their use of the Rowing An- 
parutua is invaluable, No person, be Yie man or boy, if he has neglected proper attention to 4 
regularity of diet, sleep, and ex- 
ercise, can liope to become a new 
creature all at once. But per- 
severance will remedy most evils 
of this kind, if not of too old a 
growth. A me nth’s quiet prelim- 
inary training will work marvels. 
Ike eye that before was dull, 
heavy, bilious-looking, weak and 
watery, will soon grow bright and 
clear with the keen, confident 
glance of health. The complex- 
ion that before was muddy, spot- 
ty, unhealthy red, or pale, or 
sallow, will assume the clear, 
fair hue of good condition. 
The skin will improve in like 
manner. The quickness with 
which perspiration dries on rub- 
bing with towels after exercise is 
a good test of such improvement. 
The muscles that before were 
mere flabby, useless sinews, mis- 
erably shrunken from nature’s 
originally fair proportions, will 
enlarge day by day perceptibly, 
and the man or boy who but "a 
short while ago slouched along 
almost as though the least exer- 
tion was a dreary trouble to him 
will find his chest broader, his respiration more free, his legs, arms, back and loins stronger; 
and the mere feeling that he is alive and well, strong and hearty, of itself will be a pleasure such 
as none but those who have tried it ever know. 
Let those who love life cultivate a well-formed, capacious chest. The student, the merchant, 
the sedentary, the young of both sexes—aye, all—should have a Bowing Apparatus upon which to 
stretch themselves daily, and I am morally certain that if this were to be practiced by the rising 
generation, in a dress allowing a free and full development of the body, thousands, aye, tens of 
thousands, would be saved from consumption. 
If I were asked to answer in what, in my humble opinion, lies the true secret of health, I 
should frankly answer in two words : Exercise and Moderation. As I don’t suppose my readers 
are likely to become professional athletes, capable of performing feats to set New York staring, 
I have not thought it necessary to go into more lengthy details on training. After a few weeks’ 
exercise with the Rowing Apparatus, it will be found that the skin becomes soft, smooth and 
elastic ; the flesh firm, and the spirits light and cheerful. 
The importance and usefulness of gymnastic exercise as an adjunct to training, and as a 
means for preserving health and vigor, cannot be too highly estimated, or too frequently en- 
forced. But as every one has not ready access to a Gymnasium, some system that is -within the 
reach of all, and that may be practiced at home in all seasons, is very desirable. Such a system 
is presented by Professor Laflin in his Parlor Bowing Apparatus. 
On rising in the morning take an ordinary wash, and then, in clothes not to be worn during 
the day, sit down and have your exercise on the Bowing Apparatus; after which a sponge bath 
and good rubbing down will be found advantageous. Use a little salt in the water, as it hardens 
the flesh, and, being a disinfectant, protects the body against sickness. I must explain that all 
jerking motions are to be carefully avoided, as they have a tendency to injure the muscles. The 
Kteady, regular movements which can be practiced on this apparatus have a direct tendency to 
[five freedom to the flexors, extensors, pectorals, and shoulders. It is almost impossible to over- 
estimate the great service rendered to training by the use of this instrument. A few minutes’ 
practice daily will be found equally beneficial to the strong man, the delicate woman, or the 
young child, who may equally enjoy the exercise afforded by this novel and valuable instrument, 
without experiencing any sense of fatigue ; and as a relief from lassitude, I know of no contriv- 
ance so easily adopted, and so entirely free from all objection, and so well adapted to the pur- 
poses for which it is designed. Exercise—gentlemen, from three to five minutes ; ladies, two to 
three minutes—taking it in different ways, evening or at any time convenient, never less than an 
Using the Scull Oar—Finish Position. 5 
hour after eating. A rub down with a coarse towel will be found both beneficial and exhilarating. 
Use a little common salt in the water, und a sponge, which will harden the fiesh, and prevent 
cold und rheumatism; und all diseases due to imperfect circulation, from whatever cause, such 
as dissipation, liver complaint, rheumatism, gout, loss of sleep, nervousness, general debility, 
narrow chest, rouuJ shoulders, weak back, etc., guaranteed a cure if instructions are faithfully 
followed. 
Directions fob Pctttno the Machine Together and Using.—The Machine is composed of 
three parts, numbered one, two, and three. 
Take the pole (No. 1), place it under No. 2 ; place cast-iron foot-rest between Nos. 1 and 2. 
Then take the accompanying leg, pass through the casting, and screw firmly from the bottom, 
making a rest and support for the foot-rest. Never use the machine without being fastened to 
the wall. Place the uecompam ing screw-eye over the hook, and mark on the base-board 
the right height, then screw in the wall secure. Always oil the grooves upon which the seat 
rests before using. 
An excellent exercise is to turn the back to the wall and pull or throw your body forward. 
Another exercise: placing a handle on each end of the rubber will make a chest expander ; then 
<lumb-bell exercise by placing one hand on the thigll and forcing the other upward. 
Then take the hooks for the wall and place them a little ubovo the head, and the width of 
shoulders apart. Thtn you can pull them in any wav you may wish. 
If you want to makfe a lighter pull, you can take and attach the two rubbers together bv an S 
hook, and, used in that way, you can get a lighter and easier exercise, and never jerk the rubber 
or pull out to the full length. 
Bowrso.—After assuming position as seen in cuts 1 and 2, to imitate the rowing motion, 
the legs ure extended, while at the same time the arms are down towards the body, then an easy 
forward and backward motion is obtained, which should not be continued so as to cause fatigue. 
To convert it into a Health Lift, take the seat ott and turn it upside down; fasten the rubbers 
to the two eyes, at the sides ; stand upon the bottom part of the seat, and lift up and down at 
will ; lower the hands on the stretchers to make a heavier lift. Never lowerthe hands more than 
six inches below the handles in making a heavier lift. 
The use of this machine in conjunction with the Russian Bath is a certain method for the 
reduction of fat. Patrons will find excellent accomodations at l>r. Ryan’s Russian Bath Estab- 
lishment, 18 Lafayette place. 
The Rowing Apparatus is 
made of fine black walnut, has 
a thirty-inch slide, is but eleven 
inches wide, giving you the 
*ame exercise you get in a shell 
or race boat. You can detach 
the stretchers, and use them 
on the wall, as in dumb-bell 
exercise ; they can also be used 
in many other ways, ns the in- 
genuity of the person may sug- 
f;est — in each and every way 
urnishing healthy exercise anil 
social amusement. 
J. M. LAFLIX. 
It lias been found especially 
werviceable in Diseases of the 
Utekin, Stomach, Bowers, 
Kura, Liver, Ihreoulabitiej*, 
Prolapsus, Backache, Hysteria, 
Cosstipatio<, Biuoukves-,Ve..- 
tig •, Spinal, Irritati js, Sick 
Headache, Catau h, IBrsia, 
Nervous Prostration, Rheuma- 
tism, Gout, DrsrEPsiA, Ner- 
vousness, and all other diseases 
arising from want of physical 
exercise, and a Preventive of 
The Health Pul —Develcqjinj tin Muscles of the Gicst and Louis, 6 
Ladies’ and children's Lubber 
Stretchers, with handles and screw 
eyes, $3.50. 
Gentlemen’s Lubber Stretchers, 
with handles and screw eyes, $4. 
PRICE OF 
Rowing Apparatus, complete, $10. 
Sent on receipt of Post Office Or- 
der to any part of the world. 
First-class Agents wanted in every 
City and County in the United 
States. 
Special arrangements will be made 
with School Officers, Gymnasium* 
and Clubs desiring a supply of the 
Apparatus. 
N. B. — Mr. Latlin’s Imported 
English Ventilated Boxing Gloves 
always on hand ; the best in use. 
Trice, $7.50 
Backward and Forward Motion—Developing the Arms and Loins. 
TESTIMONIALS AND REFERENCES. 
We append a list of references from our first Oarsmen and Athletes, who highly recommend 
the Patent Parlor Rowing Apparatus for muscular development, and also testimonial* 
from the best medical talent in the country as to its efficacy as a curative agent : 
This Svstem of Exercise is indorsed by Hall’s Jour- 
nal of Health as being healthful, and certainly most 
excellent for in-door amusement. 
j consider the Parlor Rowing Apparatus to be the 
bett exercising invention I ever saw or heard of. 
Yours, etc., G. NILES ARNOLD, M. D., 
Sept. 11, ’77. 105 East Seventy-first street. 
I must say that I have been all my life one of the 
strongest advocates of the Methodical Gymnastic, based 
on scientific priic’ples, but uufortuuatelv this capital 
point of hygiene is much neglected for want of time 
and proper convenience. Your Parlor Rowing Machine 
has resolved entirely not only the problem of timp, with 
simplicity of the apparatus, hut also thoroughly attain- 
ed the scientific object 
It is very easy for any person to have ore placed in 
his room, and practicing regularly every day, he 
will soon find the beneficial effect. 
I am, sir. yours truly, A ANDREI, M. D., 
Oot. 13, ’77. 49 East Twenty-third street. 
Pbof. Laflin—I am much pleased with your Patent 
Parlor Rowing Apparatus. As a means of exercising, 
strengthening the muscles of the chest and at parts of 
the body, it is excellent, and is becoming very popular 
in Colleges and Schools. A device so simple and effi- 
cient, and yet so inexpensive, commends itself to every 
one. G. G BURT, 
9 West Twenty-Ninth s ’reet. 
Pbof. Laflin—Being somewhat infirm, I was recom- 
mended to use your Rowing Apparatus, and I must say, 
in justice to tbo same, that it has brought me around 
wonderfully the past month. I therefore feel grateful 
to you for so important a discovery, as I expect soon 
to enjoy perfect health once more. 
THEO. A. WADSWORTH, 42 West 33d St. 
Pbof. Laflin—The Patent Parlor Rowing Apparatus 
is a perfect gymnasium in itself—it has done me so 
much good. Since I commenced its use 1 am much 
stronger, in far better health, and not so subject to 
fatigue. I only hope it may be as beneficial to others. 
O. SELLICK, 145 East 21st street- 
New York, July 18,1877. 
Pbof. J. M. Laft.in. 31 Union Square: 
Dear Sir From my experience of the benefits to be 
derived from a systematic and intelligent use of the 
parlor Rowing Apparatus, I do not h. snate to commend 
it to persons suff-ring from diseases incident to a want 
of exercise, and to all persons engaged in sedentary em- 
ployments. It develops and hardens the muscles, 
strengthens and steadies the nerves, and tones up the 
whole physical system, thus enabling it to resist dis- 
ease. Yours truly, 
C. E. LOCKWOOD, M. D., 
60 West Thirty-sixth street. 7 
Paor, Lsn.m-Bavlng been In training for the past 
twenty-one years, I have uaeo every athletic facility, 
lnclud ng dumb bells, Kehoe clnbe, weights, and every 
thing known to the proieeslon; and I have found noth- 
ing to equal your Rowing Apparatus: theiefore I 
highly recommend It lo all persons, both young and 
old, male and female, an the best available means to in- 
creased health. Ac I am about sailing for Australia I 
will secure two of your Apparatuses to take with me. 
Jews, 1877. Yours, etc, JAMES MACE. 
Paor. Lan-rs-—I have need, and recommend the Pat- 
ent Parlor Rowing Apparatus, and consider it tbemoet 
valuab.e method of promoting ’he growth of the murc.ee, 
the expansion of the lungs, and that active ana vigorous 
circulation of the blooa upon which souud health so 
largely depends E. fel. PERRY, 
Wheeler A Wilson sewing Machine Co. 
Niw York Crrr, July 12, 1877. 
USE It AND RECOMMENDED BY SUCII MEN AS 
OLIVER W. HOLMES, M, D., Harvard Univertity. 
AUSTIN FLINT, M. D.. New fork. 
Da. J. G. HOLLAND, Editor Scribner'i Monthly. 
“ VAN BURES, New York. 
*• DIO LEWIS. 
44 SAY EH", New York. 
“ WHITE. New York. 
•* WOOD, New York. 
WM. FRED’K HOLCOMB, 1LD.. New York. 
R. OGDEN DOh* MI'S, M. D., New York. 
P. TKUAX, Oarsman. 
Rsv. J. HaLL. New York. 
“ Da. MORGAN, New York. 
THEO. A. W ADSWORTH D. D. 8., 42 Weat 33d 8t 
HENBY WARD BEECHER, New York. 
Rav ft. H. TYNG, New York. 
KEARNEY BKOs., Hembold M. Co. 
WILLIAM CURTIS, Champion Lifter of the World. 
OEO. ENULEHAKDT, New York. 
DICK PENNELL. New York. 
JAMES RILEY- Amateur Champion of America. 
BILLY EDWARDS. Champion of Light Weignta. 
F. PLAI8TED. Greenpolnt, N. Y. 
Famous WARD BROS. 
EUREKA ROWING CLUB. Newark. 
ORAMERCY ROWING CLUB, New York. 
Paor. COOK, Y»le College. 
NASSAU BOAT CLUB. 
CHAS. E. Dl'NBAH, Stroke Arganauta Crew. 
FRANKLIN L. GUNTHER, 184 Fifth Avenue. 
DOC WITHERS, Atalanta Crew. 
J. ROSS, Canada. 
T. DONOHUE. Newburg. 
A. WALTERS, Albany. 
ERNEST STAPLES. New York. 
Mr. MoNAMAKA, Y. V). C. A. Gymnasium. 
HARRY WRIGHT, Ri ston 
Prof. W. MILLER, Champion Grseco-Roman Wrestler. 
Prof. O’NEIL, Racket Club, corner Sixth Avenue and 
26th Street. 
Dr. MAIN, 2a Weat Twenty-third street. 
* H. a. WILBUR, Syracuse, N. Y. 
“ G. C. BROWN, 28 East Twenty-second street. 
“ J. W. WRIGHT, 53 West Nineteenth street. 
•* A. CLEVELAND, 59 West Thirty-eighth street. 
<a J. A. MoLAUHLIN. 401 East Tenth street. 
U. T. SCOTT, Lexington, Ky. 
“ O. W. DANA. 106 West Twenty-eighth street. 
“ F. J BU15STEAD, 24 East Thirty-eighth street 
•• H. T. WALKER. 294 Fifth Avenue. 
» CLINTON WAGNER, 53 West Thirty-fifth street. 
H. F. QUACKENBOS, 39 West Eighteenth street. 
“ LOZIER. 238 West Fourteenth street. 
Rkv. H. F. MoCABK, H*. Bridget’s Church. 
“ CHA8. DUROCHEK College <f Ottawa. w 
'• A. /. DONNELLY, 883 Ninth Avenue. 
Many clerical gentlemen and laymen, in indorsing 
the Patent Parlor Rowing Apparatus, speak of it as a 
pleasaut and invigorating pastime, and highly recom- 
mend its use to all. 
The simple and original views 
of Professor Lallin in regard to 
muscular training and physical 
hygiene are forcibly and fully set 
forth in the following interview 
with a Ilerahl reporter. The in- 
terview is herewith published, 
verbitim et literatim, as it originally 
appeared in the New York Ihrald. 
MUSCULAR CHRISTIANITY. 
The Errors in the Present System of 
“ Training" Dtin aistrated—Views 
of a Professiamt Ath'et —Popular 
Fallacies on Diet and Exercise. 
One by one the cherished ideas 
of our younger years are being up- 
rooted, the delusions of our youth 
dispelled. The myths of ancient 
Roman history have been shown 
to be but myths ; Nero has been 
transformed into quite an amiable 
being; so have Lucretia Borgia and 
Henry the Eighth ; and now we 
are informed that many of the 
maxims concerning physical train- 
ing which have been received and 
acted upon as axioms since our 
childhood are based upon mis- 
takes, and that not only doctors, 
Exercise for the Bock and Chest—Flirting the Seat Backwards and 
Fbrwarrts. 8 
but professional athletes, oarsmen, 
and others, have been pursuing in 
many respects a wrong course in 
reference to physical culture and the 
attainment of perfect health and 
strength. 
J. M. Laflin, now in this city, has 
been a professional athlete for ten 
years in this country and in Europe. 
Considered physically, Mr. Laflin is, 
a model of a man, literally “a 
model,” as he has “posed” for Ger- 
ome, Bartlett, and Foley. He stands, 
six feet two and a half inches in his 
stockings, weighs 220 pounds, and 
can swing a fifty-pound club with 
the greatest ease. He has never seen 
a sick day in his life, barring the dis- 
eases incidental to childhood. Now, 
as he attributes all his health and 
strength to his own system, which is 
the result of world wide experience 
and observation, it is evident that a 
glance at this system by which in 
due time similar results, he claims, 
can be obtained by all who practice 
it faithfully, a survey of those points 
in which this system differs from the 
systems of physical training and cul- 
ture now in vogue must be of value te 
all those interested (and who is not?) 
in the subject of physical perfection. 
The Seat Reversed—The Rubbers attache l to each side of the 
Seat—Developing the Arms. 
On the subject of diet the system advocated by this athlete differs essentially from that gen- 
erally in use. It is the common practice to consider rare meat as more strengthening than well 
cooked meat; but this, he holds, is a great mistake. “In the first place,” he said, in an inter- 
view held by a representative of this paper with him, “there are at the present day many young 
men who are preparing or training for athletic pastimes or pursuits who naturally apply for in- 
struction as to diet to some professional athlete, who gives them the stereotyped advice, ‘Eat 
plenty of rare meat.’ Now this advice would be all well enough, perhaps, if the stomach of the 
one asking advice was as strong as that of the one giving the advice; but it is not, of course, and 
so, as it requires a great deal of tone and strength in the stomach to digest rare meat, the begin- 
ner in athletics finds himself unable to digest the rare meat which he eats. 
“Then, in the second place,” continued the athlete, “nothing is well digested in the stom- 
ach against which the palate revolts In many instances—myself, for example, at first—the taste 
of very rare meat is very unpalatable indeed, and to overcome this difficulty recourse is had to 
all sorts of spices and condiments to render it more pleasant. Most spices and condiments are 
pernicious in the long run to digestion, and so rare meat eaten under these conditions becomes 
positively injurious. 
“ Meat ought to be neither rare nor what is called well done, but medium, so as to be palata- 
ble without spices, etc., while at the same time it retains a large share of its natural juices. 
“ More harm has probably been caused by this notion of rare, underdone, bloody meat being 
wholesome than by any other idea on the whole subject, and the very first thing young men, 
especially young men luxuriously nurtured, who take a personal interest in athletics should da 
is to abjure this notion altogether.” 
EIRE MEAT NOT WHOLESOME. 
EARLY RISING AND EXERCISING INJURIOUS. 
“Again, as to the point of the time of taking exercise,” continued the athlete, “there are 
several serious errors held on this branch of athletic training. Thus, it is now very generally 
believed that the very best time for exercising is early in the morning, before the sun is up. We 
are told that we should row, for instance, before breakfast. Now all this is a great mistake, as. 9 
will be seen it must be, if one will only reflect. Tho air is unwholesome and damp before the 
«uu has risen. The sun is the great purifier of the atmosphere, and before he lises the air is full 
of impurities, and of the seeds of miasma. It takes half an hour or so for even the sun to get 
rid of these nuisances, and if a man goes out and works violently before the sun has done the 
disinfectant business for him he runs a decided risk of cntching some malarious or chest disease. 
Again, few people not professional athletes are able to endure the fatigue of severe exercise upon 
an empty stomach, especially early in the morning, when the system is at the weakest. I was 
forced, in my day, to exercise several hours before breakfast, taking a twenty-mile walk, or some- 
thing of that sort, but I came back often more dead than alive, and I know that altogether it did 
me more harm than good The proper way, undoubtedly, is to rise at a moderate hour, take a 
light breakfast, and then, after that meal has digested, take your exercise. Then the stomach is 
in good condition; then a man can work without hurming himself, and do good work.” 
INJURIOUS METHODS OF “COOLINO OFF.” 
“There ere other points of practice now in vogue, especially among oarsmen, which are ab- 
solutely pernicious. Thus, it is the general habit when an oarsman brings a bout in, after exer- 
cising, to devote a few minutes to his boat first, then to attend to rubbing himself down after- 
wurd. '1 his is simply putting the cart before the horse, as a man is of more importance than his 
boat, and should never allow himself to cool down or the pores to close before the refuse matter 
brought to the surfuce by perspiration is wiped away. Then, again, u great many young oars- 
men are trained to dive into the water immediately upon coming in from their exercise—upon 
what they suppose to be the principle of shock and reaction, as in the Turkish and Russian 
baths Hut this is all very, sometimes fatally, wrong. In the Russian and Turkish baths, after 
being acted upon, the system is at once reacted upon correspondingly; but in the case of the 
heated oarsman leaping suddenly into the cold water, and then coming out to the natural tem- 
perature of the air, there is shock without a corresponding reaction, and the consequence must 
be pernicious. It was this that caused the death of young Maxwell recently, a most promising 
oarsman, who, leaping from his boat into the water, took a congestive chill, and died in the hos- 
pital. Every year there are many young oarsmen killed by the injurious system now in vogue 
of‘cooling off.' Quick consumption thus contracted is among ttie most common of diseases. 
The proper, sensible method of ‘cooling off’ u man is to cool him oft' as they do a race horse— 
rubbing him slowly, cautiously 
uud in the man s case using plenty 
of salt in the water with which he 
is sponged. A pint ot salt should 
be used to a pail of water, and this 
salt should be put in some time be- 
fore it is used, so as to be thnro ughly 
dissolved ; an l during the cooling 
process moderate walking should bo 
taken under a blanket. There 
should be no sudden shock or 
ohange from intense exercise to per- 
fect rest; the process should bo 
gralual. The oft" process 
is by far the most critical step in 
the training of un oarsman, or any 
athlete, and yet it is that process 
which, of all others, seems to be 
most neglected or misunderstood. 
“Finally," said our athlete, in 
conclusion, “the great cardinal 
principles of all training are simply 
common sense and temperance in 
exercise ; and the only i>oiuts in 
which I differ from my brother 
athletes are simply those [>oiuts in 
which they have departed from 
these essential requisites.” 
It must be said of Mr. Laftin 
that he is thoroughly in earnest, 
and that for lie has practiced 
bis own theory, and attributes all 
Th> Heil Ih Pull—Th Rubbe a used ns pulleys. bdoic the Handles. 
The Starting Position. This exercise should be repeultd some 
eight or ten times. 10 
his success to a rigid practice of the points referred to in this article. He is certainly a superb 
specimen of physical culture, and views from such a source on such a subject are worthy of, at 
least, attention. 
Professor Laflin has naturally enough attracted largely throughout his career the attention 
of the Press. His invention, the Patent Parlor Bowing Apparatus, has also been extensively 
and favorably noticed, as will be seen from the subjoined 
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS 
MISCELLANEOUS 
LAFLIFS PARLOR ROWING APPARATUS 
From the “SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN.” 
To persons who 
have not ready ac- 
cess to gymnastic 
exercise, and de- 
sire a means for 
preserving health 
and vigor, the 
Bowing Appara- 
tus invented by 
J. M. Laflin, New 
York city, is espe- 
cially adapted. It 
can be readilynsed 
even in a small 
room* and the 
steady, regular 
movements which 
can be practiced on 
the apparatus have 
a direct tendency 
to give freedom to 
the flexors, exten- 
sors, pectorals and 
shoulders. A 
slight change con- 
verts the machine 
into a health lift. 
It can also be used 
in many other 
ways, and in each 
and every way fur- 
nishes healthy ex- 
ercise and social 
amusement. 
Prof. Laflin’s 
Patent Parlor 
Rowing Apparatus 
is confessedly the 
most complete of 
apparatuses. It 
develops the 
whole body. It 
can be taken 
apart ; its parts 
can be applied to 
fifteen different 
exercises ; it is a. 
complete gymna- 
sium ; it is pro- 
nounced by the- 
leading physicians 
to be the perfec- 
tion of exercise ; it 
is health, jxercise 
and amusement 
combined, all for 
Ten Dollars.— 
N. Y. “Evening 
Mail." 
The Health-lift at the jin'sh—Font View. 
New York “ COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER." 
Professor Laflin’s Patent Parlor Bowing Apparatus is the most complete rowing apparatus 
in the world, and the only apparatus that affords a perfect development of the whole human 
system. It is rowing in the room, with the advantages of rowing on the water ; while, in 
addition to rowing exercise, the apparatus can become a health lift, a dumb-bell, or a gymna- 
sium, admitting of fifteen different styles of exercises. 
It is muttum in parvo—health, strength and amusement available in the space of eighteen 
inches. Dr. Lockwood, of this city, pronounces it less tedious than the health lift, less exhaust- 
ing than the gymnasium, and the perfection of exercise. 
Saratoga Paper. 
This new invention or method is simply “ rowing on dry land,” just as roller-skating is 
skating without ice. Mr. Laflin’s apparatus may be called a parlor boat, and through its in- 
strumentality a man or woman can derive all the physical advantages of rowing indoors. 11 
For years it has been the aim of 
athletes and professional men to 
invent some exercising apparatus 
which it would be a pleasure to use 
and which would also afford a per- 
fect development of the human sys- 
tem. It fell to the lot of the gen- 
tleman whose picture we place be- 
fore our readers, as he appears in 
exercising costume and using his 
Patent Parlor llowing Apparatus, 
to give to the world a combination 
of movements in that apparatus 
which affects for good at the same 
moment every muscle, nerve, tis- 
sue, and organ of the person using it 
for exercise.—The M orking L'lturch. 
Professor Laflin, the inventor 
and proprietor of this complete 
gymnasium, is himself the best 
physically developed man we ever 
saw. In repose Ins body is a sym- 
metrical web of corded thews and 
sinews ; in play, his muscles are 
knots of iron, and stand out like 
bold promontories on a rugged 
landscape. A great athlete, and a 
successful athletic trainer, this ma- 
chine is the outgrowth of Professor 
Laflin’s experience, and is considered by him as offering the very best athletic exercise lor men 
and women of sedentary habits, better bodies in our pulpits will give us better sermons.—“ Chris- 
tian Advocate." „ 
From “LFECIIEli’S MONTHLY." 
Thf. Pest Means of Exercise.—The rowing apparatus of Professor J. M. Laflin, whose 
advertisement, illustrated with cuts, in this number, will give a better idea of the subject than, 
any written description, is by all 
odds the best apparatus ever de- 
signed for home exercise. The 
editor of The Monthly, from practi- 
cal experience, can recommend this 
unique, ingenious and perfect 
means of invigoration and recuper- 
ation. Every man who works 
hard with brain or body needs one. 
The Heallh-Lift at the finish—Back View. 
Editor’s Table. — We havo ex- 
amined with much interest the 
Patent Parlor Rowing Apparatus 
invented and manufactured by 
Prof. J. M.Lariin, 31 Union Square, 
New York. We have never seen 
anything of the kind, in so com- 
pact a form, that can give so much 
vigorou-t and healthful exercise. 
It is sold complete for ten dollars. 
—..Vie York ** Fumtoy Disjxitch." 
The Patent Parlor Rowing Ap- 
paratus 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 
The Scull Oar—A variation of Ho. 2. 12 
tissue of the body, that-when all 
the muscles simultaneously and 
harmoniously act, the organs, 
themselves receive their ap- 
propriate amount of exercise. 
So distributed is this effort that 
there is no danger of injurious 
strains or rupture. It strength- 
ens the weak organs, and ex- 
pels disease by a gradual, co- 
operative exercise of the whole 
body. The strength of the 
wThole body is augmented and 
equalized, the weak parts are 
built up, disease is expelled, and 
the individual becomes uni- 
formlystrong, and consequently 
healthy. It develops power 
chiefly at the vital centres. 
All the voluntary and respira- 
tory muscles are brought into 
harmonious play, expanding 
the chest, augmenting the 
breathing capacity, aerating the 
blood, equalizing the circula- 
tion, warming the extremities, 
and thus vitalizing every part, 
and, by determining action 
and circulation to the whole- 
surface, increasing the relative 
amount of blood in the ex- 
tremecapillary vessels, therebv 
removing internal congestions 
wherever located, and accelerating the nutrition of every organ. It is an equalizer and invigor- 
ator—a reconstructor of the tissues of the body and brain. All the elements of a perfect 
manhood are increased, including not only intellectual vigor, but moral power and social purity. 
In a word, it is putting a man or woman in possession of themselves. 
That Professor Laflin’s Patent Parlor Rowing Apparatus must and has received the attention 
of the men is evident, but the subjoined article, from the pen of one of our most popular female- 
writers, likewise shows that it is entitled to the serious consideration of the ladies. 
What the womej of America need. 
How “the girl of the period” mat obtain “a figure.” 
Something better than mammarial balm or breast developers. 
The way to naturallt develop the female form. 
Laflin’s Patent Parlor Lowing Apparatus and Condensed Gtmnasium. 
Wht no female should be without it. 
“Every woman owes to herself the supreme duty of being beautiful.” 
Such are the words which the great novelist, Balzac, puts in the mouth of one of his female 
characters, and every woman will instinctively confess their truth. 
The American female especially believes in Balzac, at least so far as the above sentiment ia 
concerned ; for the American female is confessedly one of the most beautiful creatures in 
existence. 
The American woman is a born belle, and, alike in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Paris, 
London, and Vienna, she is recognized as the standard of physical loveliness. 
In face and general external appearance the young American woman is without a rival—but, 
alas, only while she is ‘ young.” She is the most charming of flowers, but she quickly fades. 
At thirty years of age she is already aged ; she seems old ere she has really reached her prime. 
At a period when the English or German female is still hale and hearty, and at least in appear- 
ance tolerably well preserved, the American woman, particularly the wife and mother, looks 
“jaded, aged, faded,” and appears as it were “a relic of departed days,” the mere wreck of 
former loveliness. 
And while superior to the German or English woman in feature, the American, even the 
young American woman, seldom equals her European sisters in figure. 
The Scull Oar, with Lady, at the finish. Qentleman exercising with 
Rubber, as Dumb-Bell. 13 
“ The American women have no forms.” So said an English Duchess, judging from her own 
observation, and really her ladyship was not so vastly in the wrong. 
In the undulating outline of figure, in fulness and perfection of form, the average American 
belle, spite her notable beauty of face and general brilliancy of style, is wofully deficient. This 
fact is conceded even by Americans themselves-it is patent to the most superficial observer; 
and its cause is simple. The reason why the American girl is generally deficient in figure is the 
most natural thing in the world; it is because the American girl is generally averse to physical 
exercise. 
She hates to walk just as much as she hates to work. She hates to use her limbs. She is 
averse to all varieties of physical, manual gymnastic exercise or labor. 
A stroll along the fashionable side of Broadway, or the sunny side of the Boulevard, is the 
extent of her day ’s walk, whereas a German housewife will work about the house all day and 
half the night; while an English Duchess will look upon a five-mile walk before breakfast as 
the merest bagatelle. 
But while she is thus foolishly disinclined to healthful, muscle-developing, form-giving, 
physically-improving and beautifying exercise, the American girl of the period is perniciously 
prone to the use ot mechanical und artificial uppliances to remedy the resulting deficiencies of 
her figure. 
In every large and small American city and town mammarial balms and breast-developers 
find a ready sale ; while in general society the use of pads is almost universal. But cotton— 
though deceptive is so common now that it really deceives no one. Pads are heating, and are 
difficult to arrange and keep in place ; breast-developers are a nuisance, and mammarial balm 
is slow and not always sure. 
But if our belles will not walk or work, or are disinclined to active physical exertion, and 
yet naturally yearn for beauty of form, as well as charm of face, there is at least one way offered 
them without resorting to those wretched mechanical and artificial makeshifts; they can avail 
themselves of the muscle-developing anil form-rounding facilities afforded in Professor Latlin’s 
Parlor ltowiug and Condensed Gymnasium Apparatus. 
This invention is peculiarly adapted for the gentler sex—it offers exercise without exertion. 
The physical labor it entails is of that graduated character best fitted for females. As truthfully 
n marked by another writer, “Laflin's Parlor Rowing Apparatus and Condensed Gymnasium 
can be used uliku in the bedroom, boudoir or parlor - it can at any moment be begun or left off, 
as the will or circumstances may dictate.” And apropos of our special theme, the development 
of the female figure, it has a di- 
rect tendencynot only tostrength- 
en their muscles, but to develop 
their outlines. It not only hardens 
but eT]»inris the chest—it not only 
improves the health, but tin form 
—it beautifies beyond the power 
of any cosmetic—it glorifies the 
figure beyond the power of any 
balm. 
Laflin’s Parlor Rowing Appa- 
ratus imparts a healthful, band- 
some color to the cheek—it gives 
a vital tone to the system and a 
sprightly expression to the count- 
enance- it stirs the languid pulse, 
it brightens the eye—it excites the 
blood and heightens the complex- 
ion—it is better than rouge—it is 
superior to any face-powder 
known—while its gentle, gradual, 
hut irresistible, effect upon the 
muscular system is such that it 
develops, rounds and beautifies 
the figure, and expands the out- 
lines of form, in a natural and 
therefore perfect manner, in- 
finitely more graceful than that 
attained by any balm, pads, 
patent-heavers, chest-developers, 
0r any other artificial or median- 
first Movement from the WaU—Putting first one Rubber, then the 
o her. 14 
ical means whatever—while its result is not temporary, but permanent—as lasting as the form 
itself. 
Nor, to produce these beneficial results, does it require a prolonged period of time, or any 
long-continued exertion. On the contrary, the maximum of benefit is derived from the mini- 
mum of time. Ten minutes a day devoted to the use of Latlin s Parlor Ilowing Apparatus and 
Condensed Gymnasium, of which period only three moments need be devoted to direct exercise 
with the apparatus, are all that is required to attain the desired ends. 
Three minutes’ judicious, steady use of Laflin’s Parlor Rowing Apparatus (before breakfast, 
and never less than an hour after dinner, or any other meal), clad in a loose gown or 
wrapper, so as to afford the muscles full play, will accomplish all objects. The body-should 
then be sponged with salt and water—a handful of the former to a pint of the latter—an opera- 
tion which need not consume over seven minutes, or thereabout; and these few minutes repeat- 
ed conscientiously every day for two months will result in perfect health, increased strength, and 
fully developed figure, expanding the chest from two to three inches, and always preserving the 
just proportions of the figure. Surely, therefore, in the near future, Laflin’s Parlor Rowing Ap- 
paratus and Condensed Gymnasium will become a familiar object in every American household, 
prized for its strengta-giving by every man, and for its beauty-giving by every woman. 
Nor should it be forgotten that, admirably adapted as is the Laflin Patent Parlor Rowing 
Apparatus and Condensed Gymnasium for older persons of either sex, it is specially suitable 
for the use of children, even of the most tender years. 
The merest infant could not be injured by the Patent Parlor Rowing Apparatus, while 
children of from three to ten years of age will be materially benefited by it. Mothers can 
become “professors,” and with the aid of the apparatus can educate their children in the 
pleasant paths of physical Christianity. 
In conclusion, we would remark, that whether regarded as an entertaining amusement—a 
developer of feminine figure and bdauty—a varied and complete gymnasium in itself—a multum 
in parvo—an invaluable aid to*the amateur or professional oarsman—an equally invaluable appa- 
ratus for the amateur or professional athlete—and the very best thing for the wearied man, the 
nervous woman, the jaded health-seeker and the growing child—the Laflin Patent Parlor 
Rowing Apparatus and Condensed Gy mnasium is the completest, the cheapest, and neatest 
apparatus in the world. 
The Science of Health says on this subject: “The mental condition has more influence upon 
the bodily health than is generally supposed. It is no doubt true that ailments of the body 
cause a depressing and morbid 
condition of the mind ; but it is 
no less true that sorrowful and 
disagreeable emotions produce dis- 
ease in persons who, uninfluenced 
by them, would be in sound 
health—or, if disease is not pro- 
duced. the functions are disorder- 
ed. Not even physicians always 
consider the importance of this 
fact. Agreeable emotions set in 
motion nervous currents, which 
stimulate blood, brain, and every 
part of the system, into healthful 
activity ; while grief, disappoint- 
ment of feeling, and brooding 
over present sorrows or past mis- 
takes, depress all the vital forces. 
To be physically well, one must, in 
general, be happy. The reverse 
is not always true ; one may be 
happy and cheerful, and yet be a 
constant sufferer in body. 
To keep up the grand vital cir- 
culation, and to secure a proper 
supply of blood to every part, 
and maintain the general health 
and energy of the system, Exer- 
cise or voluntary action is of the 
utmost importance. It greatly pro- 
motes circulation, and particularly 
Mind and Health, 
Leg and Arm Exercise— The Rubbers attached to the Door. 15 
in the capillary system, or the 
myriadB of minute vessels which 
are so numerously distributed to 
every part of the body; it equally 
promotes respiration, causing full 
and deep inspirations of air, and 
a vigorous action of the lungs; and 
serves to impart vigor and activity 
to all the organs, and to secure 
the healthful integrity and energy 
of all the functions, and the sym- 
metrical development and con- 
stitutional power of the whole sys- 
tem ; and gives strength and agility 
and elasticity and grace to the 
body and energy and activity to 
the intellectual and moral facul- 
ties. Indeed, exercise may truly 
be considered the most important 
natural tonic of the body. If it 
is wholly neglected, the body will 
become feeble, and all its physio- 
logical powers will be diminished: 
but if it is regularly and properly 
attended to, the whole system will 
be invigorated, and fitted for use- 
fulness and enjoyment. 
The great secret of health is 
thus summed up : Moderation 
in eating and drinking ; short 
hours of labor and study ; regu- 
larity in exercise, relaxation, and 
r<-st ; cleanliness ; equanimity of temper, and equality of temperature. These are the great 
essentials to that which surpasses all wealth—health of mind aud body. 
Ill-health is an interdict on happiness; it spoils the taste for wholesome food; it shrinks from 
the all-embracing and vivifying atmosphere; it shudders at the touch of water; itrefuses the con- 
solation of forgetfulness in sleep; it annoys and torments its victim, until he grapples with it 
and ousts it from his system, saying, “ Get behind me, blue devil !” 
A pure atmosphere, proper diet, cleanliness and exercise are the best requisites for a healthy 
body and sound mind. 
The B uk 11 tht Wall—Raising and L>uei ing the Arms from the 
Sid*. 
The Mitral Value of Physical Strength. 
The American scholar and thinker is bv rule a dyspeptic. He is a razor-faced, lantern-jawed, 
thin, nervous man. This is partly the effect of climate und partly that of diet and regimen. 
In the old days of bran bread and prayers before daylight in the colleges, and long morning 
walks before breakfast, and suicidal, consumptive lialuts, it required a pretty tough man to live 
through his studies at all. We are now doing this thing better, but we have not reached the 
highest outcome of the change, and shall not reach it, probably, for several generations. But 
we have come to the recognition of the fact that it does not toughen a man to reduce his diet, to 
cut short his sleep, to take long walks on an empty stomach, and to indulge in cold baths when 
there is no well-Bur>]>orted vitality to respond to them. We have come to the conviction that, 
for a useful public life, brains are of very little account if there are no muscles to do their bid- 
ding. In short, we have learned that without physical vitality the profoundest learning, the 
most charming talents, and the best accomplishments, are of little use to a public man in what- 
ever field of urofessional life he may be engaged.—t'crUmer's Monthly. 
Guule for Dyspeptics. 
The following tab.e nan been carefully prepared, and shows what is easily digested, what is 
moderately easy, and what is hard to digest. A most valuable companion for those troubled 
with Liver Difficulties and Indigestion. 
East or Diolbtion.—Mutton, Venison, Hare, Sweetbread, Chickens, Turkey, Partridge, 16 
rheasant, Grouse, Beef Tea, Mut- 
ton Broth, Milk, Turbot, Hud- 
dock, Flounder, Sole, fresh flsh 
generally, roasted Oysters, stale 
Bread, Bice, Tapioca, Sago, Ar- 
rowroot, Asparagus, Sea Kale, 
French Beans, Cauliflower,Baked 
Apples, Oranges, Grapes, Straw- 
berries, Peaches, Toast V\ ater, 
Black Tea, Sherry \\ ine, Claret, 
Ale, new, 
Moi.ei}a.tely Digestible. — 
Beef, Lamb, Babbit, young 
Pigeon, Duck, Wild Waterfowl, 
Woodcock, Snipe, Soups, Eggs, 
not hard boiled, Butter, Turtle, 
Cod, Pike, Trout, raw or stewed 
Oysters, Potatoes, Beets,Turnips, 
Cabbage, Spinach, Artichoke, 
Lettuce, Celery, Apples, Apri- 
cots, C u r rant s, Raspberries, 
Bread, Farinaceous Puddings, 
Jelly, Marmalade, Bhubarb Plant, 
cooked Fruits, Cocoa, Coffee, 
Porter. 
Hard to Digest.—Pork, roast 
Clams, Yeal, Goose, Liver, Heart, 
Brain, salt Meat, Sausages, 
Hashes, Mackerel, Eels, Salmon, 
Herrings, Halibut, salt Fish, 
Lobster, Crabs, Shrimps, Mussels, Oil, melted Butter, hard boiled Eggs, Cheese, fresh Bread, 
Muffins, buttered Toast, Pastry, Cakes, Custards Nuts, Pears, Plumbs, Cherries, Pineapples, 
Cucumbers, Carrots Parsnips, Peas, Beans, Mushrooms, Pickles, Chocolate, Champagne. 
Chest Exercise—A Varie'y of the preceding. 
Drastic Medication vs. Health. 
Most all the unhealthy people of modern days, especially those of bilious-lymphatic tempera- 
ments, owe their illness, in a great measure, to unwarranted drastic medication. In fact, the 
greater part of the people throughout the country persist in making the stomach a depository of 
pills and potions, if empty boxes and bottles are evidences. They forget that the stomach is a 
receptacle for food—a digestive apparatus. There is scarcely a month passes without an attack 
being made upon the living structures, if living involves changes and combinations which are 
incompatible with the frigid formulas of elementary substances. 
A great number do not use the proper kind of food, but 'that which is over-seasoned, half- 
cooked, and dirty, besides eating it irregularly, drenched down with black, scalding coffee ; and 
then, when the trouble becomes chronic, wat e up, as it were, in a state of exhaustive debility. 
The first thing, then, is drastic medication. Oh, my ! how the calomel is poured in to deplete 
and v.nil-rmi>ie the already weakened system ! Howgrest an amount of nauseating stuff is flooded 
down the throat to tone up the distracted organs ! And having done all this, we find ourselves 
not toned up, but afflicted with habitual constipation and other troubles. Who would have 
thought it? The more drugging one does, the better off one is ! Does this sound rational ? No ! 
Better say, The worse off one is ! What, then ? Why, well-cooked, good, plain food ; bright 
sunlight; fresh, pure air; bright aspirations; less drugs; more exercise, and the desired health 
may return. 
Friendly Hygeia keeps her old rocord. 
While every virtue has its own reward! 
[Phrenological Journal 
Dependence of Health upon Circulation. 
Perfect health depends upon perfect circulation. Every living thing that has the latter has 
the former. Put your hand under your dress upon your body. Now place it upon your arm. 
If you find the body over 90 degrees and your arm under 60 degrees, you have lost the equilib- 
rium. The head has too much blood, producing headache; or the chest too much, producing 17 
cough, rapid breathing, pain in the side, or palpitation of the heart; or the stomach too much, 
producing indigestion. Any or all of these difficulties are temporarily relieved by immersion of 
the hands or feet in hot water, and permanently relieved by such dress and exercise of the ex- 
tremities as will make the derivation permanent. 
For the information of those who would like to judge of their own condition, I have com- 
piled the following tables, the first of which shows the weight a man of any given height should 
be when in good condition for the performance of athletic feats. 
It will be observed that there is a margin of several pounds left in each calculation. The 
reason is, that a man trained for a boat race should be heavier than one who has trained to en- 
gage in a foot race. Another reason is, that the man with the largest bone can afford to carry 
Che most flesh. The size of bone seems to vary more in men measuring from five feet eight 
inches to six feet than any other height. For this reason greater margin is allowed to those 
heights. The table is only carried out to inches, but the proportional parts can easily be found 
for the fractions of an inch. As it is seldom that men of less than five feet in height engage in 
athletic sports, I have commenced at that point. 
Table showing the Weight of a Man of any Height between Five and Sis Feet when in 
Condition for the Performance of Athletic Feats. 
Height 5 feet, weight from 103 to 108 lbs.; height 5 feet 1 inch, weight from 108 to 113 lbs.; 
height 5 feet 2 inches, weight from 110 to 116 lbs.; height 5 feet 3 inches, weight from 114 to 120 
lbs.; height 5 feet 4 inches, weight from 119 to 125 lbs.; height 5 feet 5 inches, weight from 122 to 
129 lbs.; height 5 feet 6 inches, weight from 129 to 136 lbs ; height 5 feet 7 inches, weight from 
133 to 140 lbs.; height 5 feet 8 inches, weight from 140 to 150 lbs.; height 5 feet 9 inches, weight 
from 450 to 162 lbs.; height 5 feet 10 inches, weight from 162 to 172 lbs.; height 5 feet 11 inches, 
weight from 172 to 182 lbs ; height 6 feet, weight from 180 to 192 lbs. , 
The following table shows what the weight of a man should be in good condition, according 
to the size of his bone, neck, chest, wrist, ankle, and height; and, as a general rule, if his meas- 
urement does not compare close- 
ly with this table, he must be 
considerably out of proportion, 
and if he can perform any 
athletic feat, it is only with one 
part of the body, which has been 
unduly developed. 
I have found that I cannot 
judge what a man’s weight should 
be by the measurement of the 
chest alone as accurately as by 
measuring the neck, bone, and 
chest, as in the following table 
explained. I am aware that the 
Life Insurance Companies em- 
ploy only the chest measurement, 
but the greater accuracy to be 
attained by my method may be 
seen from the following illustra- 
tion : The difference between 
a race horse and a draught horse 
is evident to the most super- 
ficial observer, the latter having 
more muscle, breadth, bone and 
strength than the race horse of 
the same height and length. The 
race horse, although standing 
as high and measuring as long as 
the draught horse, not having 
as large bone, cannot carry as 
much flesh ; neither was it inten- 
ded to. 
Still another Variety of the Same—Pulling, and Expanding the 
Muscles (fthe Chest. 18 
Table showing the Weight a Man should be in Good Condition, according to the Size of his 
Bone, Neck, Chest, Wrist, Ankle, and Height, commencing at Five Feet. 
Height 5 feet, weight 103 pounds, ne'ck, 12 inches ; chest (uninflated), 32£ inches ; wrist, 
5J inches ; ankle, 7§ inches. 
These measurements should be taken tight on a corpulent man and loose on a spare person. 
ALLOWANCES. 
The following allowances should be made where the dimensions are found to be greater than 
shown in the preceding table : 
For every inch in height, If lbs.; for every inch around neck, f lb.; for every inch .around 
chest, 1 lb ; for every inch around wrist, J lb.; for every £ inch around ankle, 1 "lb. 
The above tables will be found uniformly accurate, as they have b«en repeatedly tested. 
They represent the result of my own personal observation after having measured over 10,000 
persons in the performance of my professional duties of ten years in Europe and America. 
It is not asserted that a very good condition of health may not be enjoyed by persons whose 
measurements do not correspond with the above tables, but such persons cannot be regarded as 
specimens of symmetrical development or true physical proportion. 
If onr temperament does not make us naturally cheerful, we must cultivate those habits of 
mind and body that seem most favorable to the growth of this happy state of feeling. We must 
keep our mind to drown them- 
open to cheerful ft, f ' I I,bIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII^'I1 * selves, but a host 
impressions, ,] "I ll ''''III KflMni' of frogs showed 
and close it to t.,,, |, |] > 'l III, 'I\\<l&nu ImV L fi! such terror at 
those that are jlj ; !j i.ij /Z JS, li, iJWfl if i;| thesightofthese 
gloomy. We li lj.® . 1 f nove 1 visitors 
must avoid soli- lj; I'lf jjj 11 III I 1 that 
tude, and keep .» jj llijl jj|: ‘III I m seeing there 
with our kind, I '!;! Jr /Jr III In , j were creatures 
and be sociable. !;., j 'i1 iPjHiSwOs. /s 'll I I more timid and 
We must not j jj | | I wretched than 
give ourselves , - " J Jk/JT ll themselves, felt 
aja to gloomy | jli WmgFjjijjLnf\ jiff I their spirits 
thoughts of the ; | jj (pi If I j revive, and went 
future and draw H [jj r Ww/oIf* _Jf[tf I | I home rejoicing, 
pictures of want • jj I Uk p=,[ | . , Fruitisamong 
and misery in jg&SBHlfife/k \\ 1 if. 1 I the best articles 
aur old age, but < .A 111 1 'I M f ► 'll I I i °f food. It rel- 
pluck up hearts Jj m' tl'jik | I I !|.,![| IIM - M j ishes better than 
af grace and go | < || .-—hi j j ji anything eaten, 
about our daily ,7jr; \ 11 )|fp— f-j jij because it is the 
task rejoicing, 'ft!: | S,V 1 *T"i "P" T~ pf most whole- 
burton gives _ J|j some. It pre- 
noun ds, went in Back and Arm Exercise—The Arms Pulling below fhe Waist. The regular 
a body to a pond > action of the 
aowels is of the utmost importance to health. The evils, both bodily and mental, resulting 
from habitual costiveness, are incalculable, and yet there is reason to believe that this habit of 
body is exceedingly common in civic life, and particularly with young females. Mothers, and 
ill who have the care of children and youth of both sexes, ought to pay great attention to this 
natter; for they may be assured that it cannot be neglected without much hazard to the health 
md life of the young. Habitual costiveness predisposes to dyspepsia, pulmonary consumption, 
nervous disorders, headache, insanity, and indeed almost every distressing form of disease 
that flesh is heir to; and when it does not actually develop disease in youth, it lays a deep and 
immovable foundation for it in after life. Everybody should have a regular and free action 
of the bowels once in twenty-four hours ; and the dietetic and other habits should be so 
regulated as to secure this. 
Mind and Health. 
Back and Arm Exercise—The Arms Pulling below fhe Waist. 19 
Gymnastic exercise gives en* 
ergy and precision to muscular 
movements, and is an efficient 
auxiliary in mental education. 
Exercise may be defined as vol- 
untary motion of the limbs and 
muscles, and, in thought, of the 
brain, which increases the power 
of the involuntary vital principle 
as well. If this voluntary motion 
be neglected, the vital force be- 
comes inactive in a correspond- 
ing degree, and loss of physical 
vigor is the inevitable result. 
Pleasures entered upon with- 
out moderation shorten more the 
days of men than remedies can 
lengthen them. The poor are less 
frequently sick on account of 
their want of nourishment than 
the rich on account of their hav- 
ing too much. Food which pleases 
theappetitetoo much, and makes 
us eat beyond our need, poisons 
instead of nourishes. Remedies 
themselves are true evils which 
wear out nature, and should be 
only used in urgent cases. The 
grand remedy which is always 
innocent and always useful is 
sobriety, temperance in pleasure, tranquillity of mind, exercise of body; thus one can have sweet 
blood and uu even circulation, and all the superfluous humors may bo disposed of. 
Pulling from the Wall, .draw Extended above ami behind the Head. 
A Xnr S if stein of Muscular Training.—Professor J. M. Laflin has made some 
new “points” in regard to tho present system of training. The professor holds that the use 
Of v. rj rare, “blood-red ” m> at is 
very unwise; that meat should be 
tolerably “ well d ne" to do good; 
that rowing or exercising before 
breakfast to any great degree, or 
taking any exhausting exercise 
on an empty stomach, is unwar- 
ranted by common sense ; and 
that tho Btyleof “cooling off sud- 
denly ’ now in vogue is perni- 
cious. Professor Lufiin has pre- 
pared iais views for publication. 
Repeated excess exhausts the 
vital force, weakens muscular 
power an l nervous energy, and 
gives an undue advantage to the 
consumption of the body, the 
operations of which are never 
iille, and, if not replaced by nutri- 
tion. rapidly merge into decay. 
Wo are at all times prepared to 
put tho afflicted in communication 
with former patients who have 
been cured of similar troubles in 
almost any part of theOnitod States 
an l Canada. 
in tho interest of suffering hu- 
manity tho reader is requested 
to send us the address of afflicted 
friends to whom wo may mail 
Ladies' Chest Exercise. 20 
copies of this pamphlet. Its teach- 
ings and dictates we are sure may 
be the means of restoring many 
to health, whose suffering might 
otherwise be indefinitely pro- 
longed. 
A free exposure to the light, and 
to the sun's ipthience, has a great 
effect in diminishing the tendency 
to disease. Tbe sunny side of the 
street should always be chosen as 
a residence, from its superior 
healthiness. It has been found, 
in public buildings, etc., that 
those are always the most healthy 
which arethe lightestand sunniest. 
In some barracks in Russia it was 
found that, in a wing where no 
sun penetrated, there occurred 
three cases of sickness for every 
single case which happened on 
that side of the building e xposed 
to the sun’s rays. All other cir- 
cumstances were equal such as 
ventilation, size of apartments, 
number of inmates, diet, etc.— 
so that no other cause for this dis- 
proportion seemed to exist. In 
the Italian cities this practical 
fact is well known. Malaria seldom 
attacks the set of apartments or 
houses which are freely open to the sun, while on the opposite side of the street the summer 
and autumn are very unhealthy, and even dangerous. 
“ The wide-spread fallacy that if persons are able to live without work it is their right and 
privilege to lead an inactive life, is an error as fatal in its effects on health as it is fallacious in 
princiide. Men of light occupations, and wromen whose circumstances do not compel them to 
work, a great majority of whom neglect physical exercise, thereby become so deficient in mus- 
cular development as to be weak, delicate, and sickly—ever the prey to nervousness, dyspepsia, 
and that long train of chronic diseases that afflict the human race. We pity their condition, be- 
cause, for the most part, the evils they suffer are brought on by ignorance of the laws of their 
being. To place ourselves on good terms with such, we will not now blame them for what, per- 
haps, might be called culpable ignorance, but good-naturedly address ourselves to the task of 
removing from their minds the veil of ignorance that has caused all the ills which scourge them.” 
—PhrmoLoyicul Journal. 
Exercise is as essential to bodily development as air is to life. No person can acquire a 
large, compact, muscular organization without it. 
Healthy nerves render us happy, disordered nerves miserable. Do nothing to derange 
them, and they will never disorder themselves. The two general directions are : first, keep the 
skin clean and active by bathing; and, secondly, give them action. Exercise is as requisite to 
them as to the muscles or lungs, or to any portion of the body. Avoid mental excitement, 
anxiety and trouble. Avoid occasions of sad feelings and vexations. 
Young Misses’ Chest Exercise. 
By an irrevocable physiological law, growth of brain and body is acquired by exercise. Look 
at the arm and hand of the laboring man or woman, and how vast the difference in the size and 
strength of the two classes ! The same law holds respecting the lungs and other vital organs. 
The heart of him who creeps through the world languidly and mincingly is small and weak in 
its power to circulate the blood, while the heart of the man who rashes into active business 
earnestly, and uses his muscles vigorously, is called upon for energetic action in Bending the 
blood copiously to all parts of the system, and the consequence is an increase in the size and 
strength of that important organ, and the promotion of bodily health and vigor. 
The Value of Exercise. 21 
We cannot stretch out an arm or a foot, or walk, or run, or leap, without freshening the 
life-currents of the system, sending new flashes of electric warmth along the nerves and mus- 
cles, and scattering a cloud of those blue aud black devils that buzz around the ears of poor 
sedentary students, stayers-at-home, and women imprisoned in nurseries and amid their house- 
hold cures.—North American Review. 
From “NATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATION," Boston, Mass. 
The Patent Parlor Rowing Apparatus of J. LI. Laflin A Co. is the most perfect system ever 
devised for home practice. It is used by either sex for the development of the muscles, and with 
success. Every muscle of the body is brought into play by its use and in such a way as to de- 
velop without unduly fatiguing. It infallibly corrects the stooping posture so common in per- 
sons of sedentary habits, and imparts strength, especially to the young. Athletes use the row- 
ing apparatus as the best exercise they can find, and it has become a favorite with clergymen and 
lawyers. The apparatus may be used by the strongest ns well as the weakest persons, for it is 
graduated so nicely that anv degree of strength may be used. The rooms of the rowing appara- 
tus are at Broadway and Seventeenth street, 31 Union Square, and lUd Broadway, New York, 
where those interested in physical development may see and test it. 
Parlor Rowing Apparatus.—Thousands of persons who have not access to n gymnasium 
feel th** need of physical exercise different to that obtainable in their ordinary occupations, and 
the last few years have given birth to quite a number of devices intended to meet this want. A 
few of them are fairly good, though the most of them are indifferent as to any beneficial results 
to be derived from their use. The main difficulty with the vast majority is that they develop 
some one or two portions of the body at the expense or neglect of others, while the expensive- 
ness of those which are of much account puts them beyond the reach of the average purse. 
Professor Latiin, the well known athlete, who received a prize at the Vienna Exhibition as the 
“ mo lei man,” has invented a “Parlor Rowing Apparatus,” as it is called, which is destined to 
corns into very general use on account of the harmonious results the use of it is calculated to 
brim/ about, and the moderate price at which it is put. It is extremely simple, and consists of 
a bo lv on which is a sliding seat, a pole, a foot-rest, and a pair of stretchers. It is no exaggera- 
tion to say that it is the most com- 
plete and perfect thing in its way 
ever invented. Used as a “rowing 
ratus,” it calls into immediate 
Sthe muscles of all parts of the 
especially those rarely used by 
sedentary persons. If properly em- 
ployed it will correct the stooping 
posture common to them and to many 
of our youth, and strengthen the 
muscles that support the spinal col- 
umn. Narrowness and weakness of 
the chest, nervous and general de- 
bility. dyspepsia, and the thousand- 
and-one difficulties that arise from a 
lack of physical exercise, may be pre- 
vented, or materially helped where 
they already exiRt, by the daily use 
of this ingenious affair. For young 
persons, for invalids and convales- 
cents, for ladies particularly, it is 
recommended as moet serviceable, 
since it is graduated to the strength 
of the strongest man or youngest 
child. It may be converted into a 
common “ health lift ” by removing 
the seat, turning it bottom upwards, 
and fastening the rubber straps to 
the eyes provided therefor. Three 
t° five minutes’ use of the rowing 
apparatus every day will dissi- 
pate many an incipient disease, kill 
Prom the Philadelphia (Pa.) “ COMMERCIAL BULLETIN." 
> 
The Do hie P< ill—On• PuUiny the Sweep Tlarul e, the other the 
Scull Handle, May he use-l by Lady and Gentleman, or two 
Ladies. 22 
■dyspepsia and hypochondria, give a vigorous skin, good circulation, strong muscles, and 
put the general system into a high condition, at the same time conferring a corresponding 
temper of mind. Aside from its character as a means of general exercise, it will be found of 
remarkable service to those persons who are learning, or who contemplate learning, the art of 
shell-boat rowing. The sliding motion, so difficult to attain in a shell, may be gotten command 
over by the use of this apparatus more readily and easily than in the boat itself, and, after a 
little exercise, the sliding seat of the latter may be used at once with great success. If any 
of the readers of the Commercial Bulhtin have not seen the Parlor Bowing Apparatus, we advise 
them to call and examine it. Its use and advantages are cordially recommended by such men as 
Drs. 0. W. Holmes, Austin Flint. J. G Holland, Dio Lewis, B. Ogden Doremus, and Bevs. H. 
W. Beecher, John Hall, S. H. Tvng; and in this city by Drs. W. H. Hooper, P. Benardy, Wil- 
liams, Flemming, Goddard, Ludlow, and many others of established reputation, who have ex- 
amined it and pronounced it the most beneficial affair in i:s way yet invented. It is destined to 
come into very general use so soon as the public are made acquainted with its admirable quali- 
ties. It is being handled in Philadelphia by Ellis Ward—one of the celebrated Ward brothers— 
who has established his headquarters at No. Chestnut street. This accomplished gentle- 
man is on hand at all hours of the day, and gladly explains, in a practical way. to visitors the 
characteristics of this new bidder for popular favor. 
A MODEL EXERCISIXG APPARATUS. 
The Paeloe Rowing Machine—The Invention of “The Model” Athlete, Peof. J. M. Laflin— 
A Condensed Gymnasium. 
There has been on exhibition in Philadelphia, for some weeks, at No. Chestnut street, under 
the agency of Mr. Ellis Ward (one of the famous Ward Brothers), a new invention—“Laflin’s 
Patent Parlor Bowing Apparatus.” Prof. J. M. Lafiin is known as a champion athlete, and as 
showing such remarkable cultivation of all the muscles that he received a First Award at the 
Vienna Exhibition for being perfect in form and development. Prof. Laflin has now given to 
the world a Bowing Apparatus, by the systematic use of which, he asserts, anyone may cultivate 
great strength, and thereby avoid many of the ills of life. Everyone is aware that rowing is an 
exceptionally superior exercise, but the distance of inhabitants from the location of boat-houses, 
the inconvenience of undressing and dressing, the danger of persons going on the water v ho 
cannot swim, and the constant 
and steady practice necessary 
to become even moderately pro- 
ficient, confines the practical part 
of rowing to a minority, while 
the majority manifest their in- 
terest as spectators and as “ con- 
tributing ” members. Thus it 
will be seen that the benefits to 
be derived from rowing—as an 
exercise—cannot be enjoyed by 
tide multitude. Prof. Laflin has 
evidently thought upon this di- 
lemma, for by his novel contriv- 
ance he puts the benefits of the 
exercise within the reach of all, 
and at a marvelously trifling ex- 
pense of only S10—really nothing, 
compared to the price of club 
membership, boats, broken oars, 
smashed rudders, etc. 
The Apparatus is simple, com- 
prising a sliding seat, 'in front of 
which is a “rest,” to place the 
feet against while making the 
rowing movement backward and 
forward. In front of this “rest ” is 
a pole, to which a pair of rubber 
stretchers are attached, repre- 
senting the oars, and by their 
The Striking, or Sand-bag, Exercise—Shoving and Returning. 23 
tension affording a capital illus- 
tration of the “ resistance ’ of 
wuter. Thus it will be seen that 
every detail of rowing baa been 
observed, ho that all the benefits 
of tbe exercise may be realized. 
We cannot, therefore, recom- 
mend “ Tbe Parlor Rowing Ap- 
paratus" too warmly or too 
highly. It ought to be in every 
household, for it is a model ma- 
chine in all respects, free from 
roughne-s and danger, simple, 
satisfactory, complete—in short, 
a condensed gymnasium, very 
much (by way of comparison) 
liko Liebig's beef-tea, by taking 
a little of which we get a benefit 
equivalent to eating half a dozen 
beefsteaks. Mr. Ward having as- 
sumed the agency for the intro- 
duction of the machine among 
Pliila lelphians, has established 
himself at No. Chestnut 
street, and is meeting with well- 
deserved success. As an oarsman, 
he is in the front rank of his 
profession, and to this ability he 
unites a great many sterling 
qualities of head and heart. His 
explanations of training, rowing, exercising, and other athletic features, Rhow his intelligence- 
's patience, his judgment, and his long and thorough experience. He does not find it trouble, 
some to explain the “ Parlor Rowing Apparatus” to all who may call upon him, and is confident 
that when its merits and importance are fully appreciated, it will save a long list of unnecessary 
expenses for physicians and medicines.—Philadelphia Item. 
Riiting and Lo wering, or the “ Sirring Wood" Exe'cise. 
Health of Farmers. 
Farmers and planters, as a rnle, enjoy remarkably pood health, and are free from the ills 
that beset those who lead a shiftless or inactive life. They represent the bone and sinew of the 
land, and reap in a measure a just reward for their industry, thrift, and commendable habits of 
life. There are thousands of this class, however, who, from excessive overwork, and a total dis- 
regard of Nature’s laws, become broken down prematurely, and suffer from nervous and general 
debility, and kindred infirmities. Those who are engaged in agricultural pursuits have the ad- 
vantages of vocation with a view to longevity; and with pure air and sunshine, and a dfie regard 
for the laws of health, there is bo reason why those who are so favorably situated should not in 
the maximum of cases attain the alloted fourscore and ten. 
Medicated (?) “Pads,” "Girdles,” and “Charms” are quackish arrangements, gotten up to 
deceive the uninformed; but Exercise is the proper thing for all. 
I dare not placo any gift, however beautiful, or any success, however brilliant, above the tal- 
ent or the skill which can relieve a single pang, and the self-devotion which lays them at the feet 
of the humblest fellow-creature.—Oliver Wendell Holmes. 
The health and well-being of all the organs of digestion and nutrition greatly depend upon the 
daily evacuation of the bowels. Regular habits in this respect should be formed, and carefully 
preserved. Never delay when Nature prompts to this duty, for such delays tend to produce con- 
stipation. There is no rule of health more important than this, and its neglect is productive of 
the most serious consequences. 
Man subsists more on air than on his meat and drink. The reasons, then, for its being 
pure and plentv are obvious. Ventilation is a subject of immense importance. We should spend 
several hours cold or warm, in the open air, coupled with much bodily activity. This 
would give firmness of every nerve and energy of thought. 24 
from “XEW YORK SUXDAY MERCURY." 
American Institute Fair—An Aid to Muscular Exercise.—With the extreme seasons pecu- 
liar to our latitude systematic muscular exercise has hitherto been impossible, except to the 
wealthy. Now, however, thanks to Professor J. M. Laflin, we have an apparatus, within the 
reach ot all, which combines in a compact form every necessary movement for muscular develop- 
ment and healthy exercise summer and winter. The Patent Parlor Rowing Apparatus was one 
of the perennially popular ieatures of the fair, and thousands wanted “just to try it.” Through 
the urbanity and untiring patience of Mr. G. J. Jackson, the Professor’s agent, everybody seemed 
somehow “to get a turp,” and had to be coaxed off for “the next.” Professor Latlin’s rooms are 
at 31 Union Square, and his testimonials and references are worth examination. His apparatus 
is the only radical cure for weak chests, nervous complaints, etc. It is equally adapted for both 
sexes, and is the only mechanical contrivance that affords a perfect development of the whole hu- 
man system. Professor Lahin deservedly received a medal of excellence at the fair. 
Friend Laflin ; 
I am in receipt of your Patent Parlor Rowing Apparatus, and find it gives a free and easy 
movement, same as you obtain in rowing in a scull boat; and as a health lift, chest expander, 
«tc., I find it the best invention for exercise that I have ever seen, and it should become of gen- 
■eral use in every family. 
Yours truly, 
Union Springs, X. Y. CHARLES E. COURTNEY. 
Hygiene of the Xervous System. 
A healthy nervous system requires, first of all, a sound nervous organization by 
second, proper nutrition; and, thirdly, due exercise of the mental powers. . On the subject o* 
inheritance Dr. O. W. Holmes has strikingly said that “each of us is only the footing up of a 
double column of figures that goes back to the first pair,” and observation daily teaches us that 
children resemble their parents, not only in their features, but also in their intellectual and 
moral natures. Every peculiarity of body or mind, all intellectual endowments and aptitudes, 
.and all moral qualities, are or may be transmissible from parent to child. If one generation is 
missed, the qualities may show themselves in the next. It is important to notice that not only 
the natural < onstiiu ion of the parents 
may be inherited, but their acquit ed 
habits of life, whether virtuous or 
vicious. And even when the iden- 
tical vice does not appear, there 
is a morbid organization, and a 
tendency to some vice akin to it. 
Not only is the evil tendency 
transmitted, but what was the sim- 
ple practice of the parent becomes 
the overpowering impulse of the 
child. 
A learned physician, after long 
study of the effects of excessive to- 
bacco-smoking, says: “Theenerva- 
tion, the hysteria, the insanity, the 
dwarfish deformities, the consump- 
tion, the suffering lives and early 
deaths, ot the children of inveterate 
smokers bear ample testimony to 
the feebleness and unsoundness of 
the constitution transmitted by 
this pernicious habit.” We are, 
then, forced to the conclusion that 
any kind of nervous disease in 
the parent seems to predispose to 
innate feebleness in the child. 
Care and proper habits do much to 
avert the diseases to which a bad 
inherited nervous organization is 
subject, though it is impossible to 
entirely remove the original defect. 
The Swinging, or Club, Exercise—Swinging in guy way desired. 
2 he Rutters joined by an S Ilo. k. 25 
TIott necessary, then, is it to en- 
deavor to secure that heultny 
nervous organization which is 
not only a blessing to its possess- 
ors, but is a source of happiness 
to succeeding generations! 
Tbe second thing essential to a 
healthy nervous system is proper 
nutrition, to suppply the great 
waste produced by nervous ac- 
tion. As this nutrition must 
come from the blood, it is evident 
that whatever lessens the quan- 
tity or injures the quality of the 
blood impairs the health of the 
nervous system. It is clear, then, 
that the nervous system may be 
impaired (1) by impure air, which 
injures the lungs, and injures 
the brain still more. The nerve- 
tissue is the most delicate part of 
the body, and is the tirst to feel 
the effects of blood poorly sup- 
plied with oxygen. (2) By im- 
i ro er diet, which, poisoning the 
blood, thus poisons the brain, 
and cheats it of its nutriment ; 
hence,the ideas become confused, 
the emotions morbid, and the 
will weakened. The whole man 
is crippled, physically, mentally, and morally. And if such be the effect of improper food, how 
much more injurious mu»t be the effects of such poisons as alcohol, tobacco, opium, etc., which 
act so directly and powerfully upon the nervous system ! 
Of course, anything which impairs the health of the nervous system injures in a correspond- 
ing degree every other part and tissue of the human body. The nervous system furnishes the 
stimulus by which the blood circulates in the arteries and veins, the stomach digests the food, 
the liver secreteB the bile, the kidneys separate the urine from the blood, and, in short, by which 
every change in every organ of the body is effected. And understanding this, it is clear that a 
large proportion of nil diseases to which man is subject may be cured by acting on that part of 
the nervous system which governs the organ which is the seat of the disease. To the perception 
of this truth is mainly due the great success of thoso eminent physicians who have employed ex- 
ercise for the alleviation of suffering and the cure of diseases, and whose labors ha\e done so 
much to raise “ The Patent Parlor Itowing Apparatus ” to the runk of a science. 
Ilead Eterc'ixe—Developing the Muscles of the Upper Ertrani'y. 
Exercise ami Sleep. 
Kleen is (\ most important physiological factor. During its hours of quiet rest, when mus- 
cular and nervous effort is stilled, millions of microscopic cells are busy in the interior of the 
organism, like coral insects in the depths of the sea. repairing the waste which the day’s work 
lias caused. I)r. Richardson, of London, an accomplished physiologist, describes the labor of 
sleep in the following language: “During the period of natural sleep the most important 
changes of nutrition are in progress; the body is renovating, and if young, is actually growing. 
If the body be properly covered, the animal heat is being conserved, and laid up for expendi- 
ture during the waking hours that are to follow; the respiration is reduced, the inspirations 
being lessened in the proportions of six to seven, as compared with the number made when the 
body is awake ; the actum of the heart is reduced ; the voluntary muscles, relieved of all 
fatigue, and with the extensors more relaxed than the flexors, are undergoing repair of structure, 
and recruiting their excitability; and the voluntary nervous system, dead for the time to the 
external vibration, or, as the older men called it, • stimulus’ from without, is also undergoing rest 
and repair, so thut, when it comes again into work, it may receive better the impressions it may 
have to gather up, and influence more effectively the muscles it may be called upon to animate, 
direct, control.” 
Another physiologist tells us that “the state of general repose which accompanies sleep is 
of especial value to the organism in allowing the nutrition of the nervous tissues to go on at a 
greaterratethan its destruction.” In another place the same writeradds: “ For the brain there is no 
rest except during sleep;” and, again, “ The more active the mind, the greater the necessity 26 
for sleep ; just as with a steam- 
ship, the greater the number of 
revolutions its engine makes, 
the more imperative is the de- 
mand for fuel.” These state- 
ments explain the instinctive 
demand for sleep. They also 
show why it is that children 
require more sleep than persons 
of middle age; and these, again, 
more sleep than old people. 
Children must have sleep for 
repair and growth; those of 
middle age, for repair only; 
and old people, for the small- 
est amount of repair. Sleep is 
the chance and laboratory of re- 
pair for the brain and nervous 
system. In this fast age there 
is no fear of suffering from too 
much sleep. On the contrary, 
vast nunjbers, especially those 
engaged in business pursuits and 
in mental labor of various kinds, 
are victims to over-work of the 
brain and nervous system. When 
it is properly understood that 
the braiu isthe seat of sensation, 
the source of voluntary motion, 
and the organ of thought, and 
that there is no rest for the brain except in dreamless sleep, we cannot fail to realize the necessity 
of obtaining, at any cost, an abundance of that sweet sleep which, in the words of Sliakspeare, 
The Neck Exercise, with Rubber pi iced onthe lower portion of the Neck. 
“knits up the ravell’d sleeve of care, 
The death of each day’s life, sore labor’s bath, 
Balm of bnrt minds, great Nature’s second course, 
Chief nourisher in life’s feast.” 
Parlor Rowing Apparatus. 
An examination of the Parlor 
Bowing Apparatus exhibited and 
for sale by Dr. Richard D. McGraw, 
at Masonic Temple, will disclose 
some very interesting features. 
The inventor is Prof. rf. M. Laflin, 
a well known athlete, who has 
taught athletic exercises in some of 
the principal foreign and American 
colleges and cities, and -who has 
given his attention to the construc- 
tion of an apparatus that would 
combine the best results from prac- 
tice for both sexes and all ages. It 
might well be termed a bedroom 
gymnasium, from its complexity of 
arrangements. It is made of black 
walnut, has a thirty-inch slide, com- 
posed of two small tracks eleven 
inches apart, on which runs a sliding 
seat; and there are braces to rest the 
feet against. 
The two bauds are one of the best 
features of the whole apparatus. 
They are provided with handles, 
and may be hooked on to a bar 
placed in front of the seat; and be- 
ing elastic, by pulling at them and 
Chest Expander—Placing both the Scvli Handles on one Rubber. 
Front View, 27 
sliding the Beat, the name charac- 
ter of exercise is obtained ns that 
in rowing, with the exception that 
in this apparatus you can moder- 
ate it as you like, milking it as 
violent or easy ns you may desire. 
The bunds may boliooked on to the 
sent and a health lift improvised, or 
hooked on to the wall and various 
other exercises indulged in. It 
is claimed that by its use dys- 
pepsia can be cured, as well as 
vnrioua other ailments. All should 
avail themselves of the oppor- 
tunity presented to examine the 
apparatus, and see for themselves 
what can be done.—Evenirnj Bul- 
letin. 
The immortal John "Wesley, 
over a century ago, indorsed 
Exercise as an unparalleled cura- 
tive. If this great and good 
man could see the advance made 
in the principle, as realized in 
Laflin'8 I’arlor Rowing Appara- 
tus and Condensed Gymnasium, 
they would have a true expound- 
er and. liwurm advocate. 
The Old and My System of Training. 
rh>st Expanler. Lack View. 
In the good old times—■which often strike me as having been very bad old times—when 
a man had to walk a match or run a race, his trainers physieed him and sweated him till the 
poor fellow was worn to mere skin 
and bone, and had no elasticity of 
limb or spirit left in him. This 
plan was all very well, perhaps, for 
attaining endurance, but it was 
destructive to health in the long 
run, and certainly not the sort of 
thing to recommend to parents and 
guardians, llie new system has, 
however, almost abolished physic. 
Training, considered as a means of 
getting the body into a condition 
to perform certain feats of activity 
and strength somewhat out of the 
usual and ordinary course of most 
nun’s lives, is nowadays a much 
more simple and sensible matter. 
It may possibly, though it hardly 
comes within the scope of this pub- 
lication, interest some of our yoirng 
readers if Charles Westliall tells 
them how pedestrians get them- 
selves into condition. His notions, 
as will be seen, are much the same 
as my own; and although I am 
not addressing my friends as pro- 
fessional walking men in fiditro, I 
am glad he and I agree in many 
things. And I may here observe 
that, though it will not be necessary 
The Finishino Motion of Chest Expander, with TFm£ Movements, 28 
for them to go recommended 
through as much by trainers is 
work as he sug- legion, but the 
gests, they never- simpler will al- 
theless will do ways be found 
well to follow the best. The 
him. writer, in all in- 
The first and stances, found 
primary aim that a couple of 
■ought to be the antibilious pills 
endeavor to pre- at night, and 
pare the body by salts and senna 
gentle purgative in the morning, 
medicines, so as has answered 
to cleanse the every purpose. 
Stomach, bowels It is reasonable, 
and tissues from however', to sup- 
all extraneous pose that any 
matter, which one who has ar- 
might interfere rived at suffi- 
with his ability cient years to 
to undergo the compete in a 
extra exertion it pedestrian con- 
is his lot to take test has found 
before he is in a out the proper 
fit state to strug- remedies for his 
gle through any particular inter- 
arduous taskwith nal complaints, 
a good chance of Theinternal por- 
■success. tion of the man’s 
“The number frame, therefore, 
of purgatives beinginahealthy 
condition, the time has arrived when the athlete may commence his training in proper earnest; 
and if he be bulky, or of obese habit, he has no light task before him. If he has to train for a long 
distance m tch, the preparation will be almost similar, whether for walking, running, or rowing. 
“ The work to having any nour- 
be done depends ishmentwhatever 
very much on the before going for 
time of year. In the morning’s 
the summer the walk ; but these 
man should rise are exceptions to 
at 6 in the morn- the rule. Most 
g, sot hat, men who take 
after having their exercise be- 
taken his bath, fore breaking 
either shower or the fast feel faint 
otherwise, there andweak i'n their 
will have been work after break- 
time for a slow fast, at the corn- 
walk of an hour’s mencement of 
duration to have their training; 
been taken before and the blame is 
sitting down to laidonthematu- 
breakfast;thatis, tinal exerciso; 
if the weather be when, if a new- 
favorable ; but if laid egg ha 1 been 
otherwise, a bout beaten in a good 
at the Itowing cup of tea, an 1 
Apparatus and taken previous to 
its different exer- going out, no 
ciseswill be found symptomoffaint- 
not unfavorable ness would have 
as a good substi- been fel t, al- 
tute. Many men though it is ex- 
can do without pected some fa- 
Mak'rg a Dumb-bell with one Rubber. By lowering the hand on 
the ih'gh the weight (fthi daub-bell is increased. 
Dumb-bell Exercise as used by Lady and Lad. 29 
tigue would be such stimulant, 
felt from the un- After having rest- 
wonted exertion, ed for a sufficient 
and the man be time to have al- 
at once ready for lowed the process 
his breakfast at of digestion to 
eight o’clock. have taken place, 
The breakfast thetimewillhave 
should consist of arrived for the 
a good mutton work to corn- 
chop or cutlet, mence which is to 
from half a pound reduce the mass 
upwards, accord- of fat which at 
ing to appetite, thistimeimpedes 
with dry bread at every hurried ac- 
least two days tion of the mus- 
old, or dry toast, cles and blood- 
washed down sels. This por- 
with a cup or two tion of the train- 
of good tea ing requires great 
(about half a pint care and thought, 
in all), but with for the weight of 
little, and if pos- clothing and 
sible no, milk. workaccomplish- 
Some give a glass ed must be com- 
of old ale with mensurate with 
breakfast; but it the strength of 
is at this time of the person, 
the day too early “The contin- 
to introduce any ued use of meat 
and bread, unless tne man nas a wonderful appetite and constitution, will once, if not more, in 
almost every man’s training, pall upon his palate, when the trainer should at once try the effect 
of poultry or game, if possible, but, at any rate, not give the trained man an opportunity of 
strengthening Wine in small 
his partial dislike quantities is 
to his previous sometimes bene- 
fare. In cases ficial, but should 
like these the not be taken at 
only wrong thing at all -when malt 
i3 to persevere in liquors are the 
the previous diet; standard drink, 
for if a man can- If it is possible to 
not tackle his do without wine, 
food with a the better. The 
healthy appetite, chief thing in 
how is it possible diet is to find 
that he can take out what best 
his proper share agrees with the 
of work? The man, which in 
quantity of ale most instances 
should not ex- will be found to 
ceed a pint, un- be what he has 
less there has been most used 
been a greater to previously, 
amount of work “After a thor- 
accomplished in ough rest of an 
the morning hour’s duration, 
than usual, when theathleteshould 
a small drink of stroll about for an 
old ale at noon hour or two, and 
would be far from then, divesting 
wrong policy, and himself of his 
a good refresher ordinary attire, 
to the imbiber. doa his racing 
Chest Expander in Different Positions, similar to 27 and 29. 
Full Vi-w of the Machine folded, nadyfor txpressage, shipment, 
or travel. 30 
gear and shoes, and practice his die 
tance, or at any rate some portion 
of the same, whether he is training 
either for running, rowing or walk- 
ing. This portion of the day's work 
must be regulated by the judgment 
and advice of the trainer, who of 
course is the holder of the watch by 
which the athlete is timed, and is 
the only person capable of knowing 
how far toward success the trained 
man has progressed in his prepara- 
tion. It is impossible for the ath- 
lete to judge by his own feelings 
how he is performing or has per- 
formed, in consequence of, perhaps, 
being stiff from his work, -weak from 
reducing, or jaded from want of rest. 
The trainer should encourage his 
man when going through his trial 
successfully, but stop him when 
making bad time, if assured the 
tried man is rasing the proper exer- 
tion. The rule of always stopping 
■when the athlete has all his pow- 
er .out, and yet the watch shows the 
pace is not ‘ up to the mark,’ should 
never be broken, for the man who 
struggles, however game he may 
be, or however well in health, takes 
more of the steel out of himself 
than days of careful nursing will restore. If stopped in time, another trial may be attempted on 
the following day, or at any rate the next but one.” 
The Seat reversed, same as No. 6—Young Miss using Health 
Lift. 
When •we consider that the whole external skin is in some measure a breathing organ ; that 
it is continually discharging impurities from the body ; that it is the medium through which a 
large portion of the effete or worn-out matter of the system passes off, and that in its anatomical 
structure and functional character it holds very near and powerful relations to the lungs, stomach, 
and other internal organs, we must feel convinced of the great importance of preserving its 
healthy condition, and of securing the vigorous performance of its functions. In order to do 
this, few things are more indispensable than cleanliness ; and hence bathing should never be 
neglected, always using salt in the water. 
They who have never practiced this mode of bathing can have no just notion of the comfort 
which it affords. AVhen, from almost any cause, one rises from his bed in the morning languid 
and dull, and perhaps with a heavy feeling in the head and foul taste in the mouth, such a bath, 
followed by the exercise I have 
named, refreshes him astonish- 
ingly, and makes him feel like a 
new man. Indeed any one who 
has been long accustomed to this 
kind of bathing, would hardly be 
willing to dispense with it for a 
single morning, even to save his 
breakfast. It may with perfect 
comfort and safety be continued 
through the whole year. Even 
on the coldest mornings of win- 
ter it is exceedingly refreshing 
and grateful. 
Bathing as a Hygienic Measure. 
A Schonlbm/’s Recreation—Snatching a moment from Study at Home 
to prac'ice Physical Cu’ture on the Parlor Rowing Apparatus. 31 
This pamphlet is the only one j 
of the kind in any country, and it / 
was the first to meet the demand 
for a popular and gratuitous pub- 
lication devoted to the best inter- 
ests of mankind. In its pages 
every subject relating to health 
and physical culture is duly con- 
sidered, and neither pains nor 
expense are spared to maintain 
the interest already created in its 
teachings. Moral and intellectual 
vigor cannot be attained without 
proper regard to bodily health and 
the rules of hygiene. Our pamph- 
let is devoted to scientific truths 
and the elevation of the masses. 
We have examined with much 
interest the Patent Parlor Rowing 
Apparatus, invented and manufac- 
tured by Prof. J. M. Laflin, No. 31 
Union Square, New York. We 
have never seen anything of the 
kind in so compact a form, that can 
give so much vigorous and health- 
ful exercise. It is sold complete 
for ten dollars.—Polylingual Jour- 
nal. 
Starti g Posiionofthe Sweep Oar.—Same as No. 2. 
The Proper Use of the Mowing Apparatus. 
The general utility of the Apparatus is undeniable, as it is superior to Indian clubs, dumb- 
bells, and also gymnastic exercise, in giving that full play to all the muscles of the body which 
active exercise requires. "When par- 
ticular muscles only are brought 
into play the other muscles are 
weakened ; therefore it is impor- 
tant that any athletic exercise 
should bear equally on all parts 
of the body. It is well known that 
active oarsmen have great strength 
in all muscles of the body and 
limbs, while the professional pedes- 
trians acquire immense power in 
their lower limbs to the depreciation 
of the upper parts of the body. 
Various instances of great strength 
are recorded. Marshal Saxe is said 
to have been able to stop a chariot at 
full speed by seizing and holding 
the wheel; and it is recorded of 
Count Orloff, the Russian general, 
that he broke a horseshoe between 
his fingers. These, however, are ex- 
treme instances. What we want is, 
to train the whole body to endur- 
ance ; and for this purpose all kinds 
of athletic exercises are to be com- 
mended. 
It must never be forgotten that 
the purpose of training is not to 
fatigue, but to strengthen. Health, 
vigor, and activity depend much 
Finished Position—Same as No, 4. 32 
more upon regular living 
and careful diet than upon 
the occasional fatigue in- 
duced by violent exercise. 
Home training is therefore 
to be pursued, and tlms 
■will you acquire that first of 
blessings—a blessing with- 
out which all pleasures, 
mental and physical, are 
but feebly and insufficiently 
enjoyed—a sound mind in a 
sound body 
In order to give the proper 
degree of exercise to the va- 
rious muscles in the trunk 
and limbs it is necessary 
that you should use the 
Apparatus and Rubbers in 
all the different methods 
described in this work, in 
the most complete and ad- 
vantageous manner. You will easily understand that a lad may be able to strike a ball to 
a considerable distance with a cricket-bat, and yet be no cricketer; or that he may be able to 
throw a fourteen-pound skittle ball, and still be a very indifferent player at nine-pins. In 
like manner dumb-bells may be used in suck a way as to afford little or no benefit to the user in 
the strengthening and hardening of his muscles. 
There is much in I am aware that it 
the “way of doing is very difficult to 
things”—a “knack,' tea«ch mechanical 
as it is called. You arts by mere descrip- 
know, for instance, tion, however plain 
how much more and graphic; but 
easily and handily where actual practi- 
a carpenter uses his cal teaching is not 
tools than an ama- attainable, a hint or 
teur. That arises a bit of sound ad- 
notmerely from long vice often proves of 
practice, butalso immense utility. In 
from the fact that he the use of the Appa- 
was properly taught ratus, then, I wish to 
in the earliest days do for my pupil what 
of his apprentice- the master does for 
ship. his apprentice. 
And now farewell! I might go on for a dozen or two pages, and dilate on the value and 
importance of all kinds of gymnastic exercises, but that sort of thing has been done to death. 
It is the usual resource of writers who have no special knowledge of the subjects on which they 
write, to descend to generalities. Nothing is easier than to flirt and pirouette about the confines 
of a subject. When you know little or nothing about a thing, says Smellfungus, talk about 
something that is akin to it, and people will give you credit for knowing a great deal. Rut that 
is not my fashion. I am not what is called a “practiced writer.” Having simply endeavored to 
tell what I know in as plain and easy a way as I could, R. is hardly worth my while, now that I 
have come to the end of my teaching, to make an attempt at fine writing. In fact, I am much more 
at home exercising with the Apparatus than wielding the pen ; and therefore having said my say, 
I will go back to my exercise, merely observing, as the last word, however, that if any of my 
readers want further details with regard to the matters here discussed, I will give them all neces- 
sary information in regard to rowing or any other athletic exercises, either amateurs or profes- 
sionals, by sending to my address, 
Muscular Chest Vanity at its best.—A Fashionable Belle developing 
her muscles and remnding her outlines by a three minutes pull at the 
Parlor Rowing Apparatus. 
Prof. J. M. LAFLIN, 
No. 35 UNION SQUAB'S, (Broadway side), N. Y.