in the downward stream of time. The individual dies, but the life which has passed from him to his offspring continues, and passes on from generation to generation. Why two sexes are needed for this continuance of life we know not, but so it is. There is no subject on which more nonsense has been written by men having a reputation for science, than this. They prove themselves to be unacquainted with the very first lesson taught by the logic of science, not to confound resemblance with identity. Not to distinguish life from its teguments and appertainings, is to violate both science and common sense.

For an individual life to continue in existence, the integrity of its envelope,—the body in which it dwells, must be preserved. And the means we must employ to ensure its continuity and normal energy must be directed to the body, its textures, its organs, its processes, and actions.

These remarks are designed to dispel illusions and false notions now very prevalent and besetting persons not versed in true science, and to direct attention to the real and only method we must pursue to promote human longevity.

WATER.

When it is considered how large a proportion of water enters into the composition of our bodies, considerably more than half our weight consisting of water, and how many functions it performs during life, it becomes evident that the question of the purity or impurity of that which is imbibed becomes of paramount importance in relation to health. The average amount taken into the system by every individual in some shape or other, may be reckoned at about three pints per diem.

As the vehicle of the introduction of many subtle poisons it is now popularly recognised, and the pressure put by the Government and the Press on companies supplying water to towns is necessary, if we wish the people to enjoy health. Attention directed to wells and other sources whence families are supplied is demanded from every one who has influence in the matter. This is at pre

sent very partially accomplished.

Much has been done toward obtaining a supply of wholesome water to the larger towns.

The

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greater part of the organic matters formerly taken without a suspicion of their injurious nature are now excluded; and by filtering and other expedients, all or most of the impurities suspended in water are removed before it comes into our households. So far well. But when we are inquiring into the causes of premature decay and susceptibility to disease, we must needs look closer into the character and properties of the water taken habitually for months, years, and decades.

After all possible precautions have been taken to secure pure water, this is never done perfectly. The least impure water ever obtained still contains a notable quantity of earthy matter: lime and magnesia salts, soda, potash, etc. Hard waters contain these in the greatest although variable quantities, and the effect of taking, say, three pints daily of such water may be somewhat appreciated by observing the deposit found on the inner surface of the vessels in which they are boiled. In fact, a quantity of these saline matters is taken into the system quite sufficient to account for many disorders, the origin of which is otherwise inexplicable. It does not matter what may be combined with

the water, or how it is treated, whether taken as tea, soups, spirits, or beer; the earthy substances are there. The deposits so frequently seen in the ligaments about the joints, on the coats of the blood-vessels, and about the heart, in old people, probably have come from this source. And when we is discussing the question, how to preserve and extend life in advanced age, the character of the water habitually taken must be regarded.

or none.

The amount of lime salts and other earthy matter is greatest in spring-water; next in that from streams and rivers; while in rain-water carefully collected in clean reservoirs, there is little But rain-water is by no means free from contamination; much organic matter is usually found in it, and it readily dissolves substances of which cisterns are made, and even the lead of the pipes through which it flows. Iron is the least injurious constituent found in water, and its presence is very common. If the precautions against injurious agents are perfect, they will include, not merely the use of the softest and purest water supplied by nature, but absolute abstinence from any water except it be distilled.

There is only one objection to the use of distilled water, whether as a beverage, or in tea, for cooking, etc., namely, its cost. This surely may be entirely disregarded by most persons who are willing to incur some amount of trouble and expense to secure for themselves a long life.

It is true that distilled water is very vapid and unpleasant when drunk without admixture; but a water drinker may easily make it, not only tolerable, but delicious, by saturating that used for drinking with carbonic acid gas. The apparatus for making this gas and charging water with it, is simple and inexpensive, and the process is

easy.

There is another suggestion I would make, as to the use of water by elderly people. It is that they should occasionally and often substitute pure hot water with their meals for all other drinks, especially if any feeling of oppression and fulness is experienced after eating.

Not lukewarm water, which produces nausea and is disagreeable to the palate, but water as hot as it can be taken. Water at a temperature of 120 F., is very pleasant to the taste, and congenial