sons dying suddenly. Careful inquiry of surviving friends, if such there be, will almost always discover that there were warnings, although neglected, signs, slight perhaps, but sufficient to indicate to a practised eye, had such an eye been directed to them, the approaching catastrophe. And, in no small number of cases there is, at the same time, good reason to lament the neglect, embittered by the certainty that science had resources adequate to avert the deplored issue.

I have already remarked, that the disorders and diseases of aged persons differ greatly from those of youth and adults in middle-life; and it must be added, that they ought to engage the special attention of a distinct class of physicians.

Specialities are not generally in favour with the profession; but the public hold a different opinion. The propriety of such specialities scarcely admits of an argument. The diseases of the mind, of women and children, of the eyes, ear, throat, teeth, etc., have special practitioners, popularly supposed to be more skilful and experienced in their treatment respectively than those who spread their practice over the whole field of medicine.

I am certain that the troubles, disorders, and condition of elderly people demand very special and careful study and observation to understand.

There are several works on the disorders and diseases incident to advanced life, written by physicians of repute. Of these, we may mention Dr. Rush, of Philadelphia, U. S.; Sir Anthony Carlisle, Sir Henry Halford, Dr. Van Oven, Dr. Day, Sir Henry Holland, and Dr. Maclachlan. All these authors treat chiefly of overt diseases, their symptoms, and mode of treatment.

But, underlying such overt diseases, is the cause of the peculiarities they exhibit,—the especial condition of the system in aged persons. This I have found no satisfactory attempt to explain or describe. It is, nevertheless, definite and appreciable enough. Even to the eye of a common observer, some of the phenomena are unmistakable. We are conscious enough of them in ourselves, and our younger friends are not slow in observing them.

It is, however, only when the changes and peculiarities of the system in aged persons are carefully studied, with their relations, antecedents,

and consequences, that we are able to devise hygienic measures, preventive of overt disease and preservative of life.

And when defined, and its several items recognised and described, does the state of ageing admit of being ameliorated, retarded, and the inevitable result of the intrusion of the great and mysterious factor-Time-postponed? This question will be answered in the sequel affirmatively.

Of course, if a life is to be preserved and prolonged by any means or measures, it must be with the sensible and rational co-operation of the individual. It would be very happy for us had we a mystic elixir capable of preserving life, in spite of old damages and injurious habits; but we have not. If life is not worth some trouble for its preservation, my labour in writing is useless. know the tendency of most persons is to shut their eyes, and glide on to the end; but some will surely profit by information designed, at least, for their benefit. A French writer, alluding to the too common neglect of means and precautions prescribed by science for preserving and prolong

I

ing life, says: "Men do not usually die; they kill themselves."

IS LONGEVITY DESIRABLE?

Is it desirable to live to old age? To prolong life when the epoch of its decline has been reached ? When its active duties must be in some measure abandoned and superseded by bodily repose, quiet meditation, and thought.

This can only be decided by each individual for himself or herself.

Not unfrequently, the life of aged persons, heads of families, or otherwise, is of incalculable value and importance to their children, friends, or dependents.

Many people, without considering such ties or claims, may deem a prolonged life desirable for themselves. Having attained the objects of their ambition-wealth, reputation,-or even those who have simply reached a position giving them ease and immunity from care and anxiety after an active life of business, must surely desire to enjoy the quiet and repose of age as long as possible.

Surely, to all such, every available means for the preservation of life, and for attaining the full period of existence, should be of great interest, carefully sought and diligently employed.

Three thousand years ago, a wise man wrote: "There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men. A man to whom God has given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth; yet God giveth him not the power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity and an evil disease."

This is equally true at the present moment. Witness the tens of thousands scattered over the whole country, and, indeed, we may say, the whole world, wasting their lives in indolence, self-indulgence, perhaps vice; expending the wealth gained by the labour, anxiety, and often, it must be feared, by means of questionable propriety, of those who had a very brief tenure of it. Surely, if it be desirable to obtain riches, it is not less desirable to have the enjoyment of them as long as the laws of our being permit. Age has real and substantial enjoyments when not marred by suffering.