Of 100 Clergymen 42 attained the age of 70 years and upwards.
Farmers 40
Commercial Men 35
Military Men 33
Lawyers 29
Artists 28
Teachers 27
Physicians 24
The first half in the above list, with exception of the clergymen, are necessarily much exposed to the air, and take physical exercise; but the other half, with the exception of the physician, are chiefly confined indoors, engaged in sedentary occupations. The difference between the longevity of the clergyman and the physician may no doubt be accounted for by the fact that the literary pursuits of the former are not so multifarious and unremitting as to prevent sufficient out-door exercise being taken; the nature of his studies may be regarded as favourable to a long life, by inspiring influences conducive to hopefulness and serenity. The physician, on the other hand, is exposed to influences often adverse to health; he has frequently to encounter the poison of infectious disease, and is often unable to observe those rules and precautions which it is his duty to enforce upon others; his responsibility often involves extreme mental anxiety; and his almost incessant occupation of both mind and body no doubt account for his comparatively short life. There are, however, instances of medical men attaining an advanced age. Harvey reached the age of 81; Hoffman 83; Hahnemann, 83; Heberden, 93; and Hippocrates is reported to have lived to be 109. The last, it is said, was much engaged in travelling, and passed more of his time in the country than in crowded cities.
Why employments are unhealthy.- The chief circumstances which render occupations unhealthy are, deficiency of daylight and pure air; a bad posture of the body during employment; and the inhalation of poisonous substances, or dust, which produces mechanical irritation of the lungs.
Abundance of sunlight is of great importance in workshops and offices, particularly where the young are employed. As already pointed out, patients make better and more rapid recoveries in well-lighted hospitals; and very serious cases are generally placed in the sunny side of such buildings. If therefore, persons are more likely to regain health in such apartments, we may fairly conclude that health will be better preserved in a large, well-lighted workshop or office. Windows, therefore, should be frequently cleaned, and the walls and ceilings whitewashed at least twice a year.
There is at present a general and just outcry about defective drainage; but the diseases and mortality from this source bear a very small proportion to those from over crowding. Spacious, airy, and well-lighted offices and workrooms for clerks, compositors, tailors, dress-makers, and others, would prevent a large amount of chronic disease; at the same time, work would be better done, and skilled labour rendered far more productive and valuable.
The influence of posture is not unimportant. The sedentary occupations followed by book-keepers, milliners, sempstresses, tailors, shoemakers, and others, are often most unfavourable to health, because the sitting posture is generally combined with an inclination forwards, so as to compress the chest and stomach. To a limited extent the hurtful consequence, of such postures may be avoided by occasionally changing to a standing one when at work, and by taking out-door exercise during the hours of relaxation. Abundance of healthful recreation in the open air is the best corrective of the injurious consequences of sedentary employments.
LICENTIATE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS; MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS; LICENTIATE IN MIDWIFERY, LONDON AND EDINBURGH, ETC. PHYSICIAN TO THE READING AND BERKSHIRE HOMOEOPATHIC DISPENSARY.
Author of "The Stepping Stone to Homeopathy and Health,"
"Manual of Homoeopathic Treatment". Editor of "The Homoeopathic World."