Exceptions, of course, company, few would

vinced me that sixty-three is an age at which the majority of persons may be termed old; and, as a rule, we may adopt this as the epoch of the commencing decline of life. there are; but in a mixed fail to discern those who may fairly be pronounced old people, as distinguished from the middle-aged; and, we venture to say, most of them would be found, on inquiry, to have reached or passed sixty-three.

Sixty-three, it will be observed, corresponds to what the old philosophers designated, “the grand climacteric "-seven multiplied by nine. They fancied some mystical relation belonged to the number seven and its multiples. And no doubt the successive stages of life are marked by certain peculiarities. In early life we think those stages are septennial; but later, they are rather decades. However this may be, every one is conscious of changes in the constitution, tastes, feelings, mode of thinking, susceptibilities, etc., being marked and recognisable at several epochs of advancing life.

Physiology makes us acquainted with changes in the very structure of our bodies, whence all

the external manifestations of ageing flow. These we shall analyse and describe in the sequel.

Pathologists have often observed that the effects of pathogens (ie., external causes of disease-poisons, contagions, etc.) differ greatly at various ages. Adults are not liable to many diseases which assault childhood. Elderly persons are exempt from many others which afflict youth and middle age. We know, too, that food and medicine vary in their effects upon us at different stages of life. And, moreover, such diseases as youth and age suffer in common, present, even to superficial observation, dissimilar aspects, proceed in different courses, and issue in different results.

When we first hear the epithet "old" applied to us, we are shocked, and would willingly believe it untrue; but it soon becomes familiar, and we acquiesce in the imputation as inevitable. Those of us display most wisdom who do not attempt to blind themselves to the fact, but begin without delay to consider the new wants age creates, and the new duties it imposes. Conscious of having passed into a new condition of existence, the physiological details of the changes within us should

awaken much interest, and particularly excite another inquiry of no small importance.

Ageing, as we have seen, begins at various periods of life, determined always, or mostly, by the general course of the past. There may be in age a condition regarded as perfect health, although doubtless rarely so, as would be discovered, were a strict examination made in any case. More commonly there may be some defect, damage, or latent disorder in the constitution, the result of special wear-and-tear, previous habits, or attacks of disease long since supposed to have passed away.

When, therefore, a consciousness of ageing comes, the questions should be entertained and answered, Is there any such damage existing? What are the weak points in the system? A careful scientific investigation will supply an answer; and if any special organs exhibit any sign of weakness, disorder, or lesion, whether it be the brain, the heart, the lungs, the stomach, the liver, the kidneys, especial attention should be directed to the part, and appropriate remedies at once adopted. Any organ previously the seat of active disease,

will generally be the first to give way under the general condition of ageing. To urge this by any arguments on persons retiring from the active pursuits of life, and hoping to enjoy a calm and prolonged life, would be, one would think, as superfluous as to persuade them to dwell in houses wind and waterproof, or to regulate the temperature of their houses according to the seasons.

Such an investigation of the constitution as I suggest, may involve trouble and expense; but who that purchases an estate or house neglects to employ a surveyor? What merchant or trader fails to take stock when he begins or quits business?

I am quite sure it often happens at this epoch of life, that some incipient disease may be detected, which, if neglected, would develop and prove fatal in five to ten years, which, if detected and guarded against, would admit of the extension of life for twenty or thirty years.

If this be thought too exalted an opinion of the efficacy of remedial measures, it will scarcely be questioned that many aged persons have their lives embittered by sufferings which could be

readily relieved if due attention were given to them. But regimen, including, of course, everything around us, and medicinal agents with special powers to repair damage and invigorate weak organs, are as available and efficacious in age as in youth. It is a fallacy to suppose age is necessarily accompanied by pain and suffering. How often do we hear the expression, "Oh, he is an old man. What can we expect?" or, "Consider her age: what is the use of medicine?" Whereas I maintain that advanced age ought to be a stronger and more urgent reason for seeking, without delay, every means of relief. The first symptom of disorder in any part, however slight, should receive immediate attention; pain should not be endured an hour in any part without proper investigation of its seat and cause, and recourse to remedies.

It is very generally considered that sudden death is an evil, and that it is preferable for us all to have some warning and forecast of the inevitable end of life. The Church of England teaches its members to pray for exemption from sudden death. We read and hear daily of per

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