Physical degeneracy / by Nathan Allen.

  • Allen, Nathan, 1813-1889.
Date:
1870
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Physical degeneracy / by Nathan Allen. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    In respect to the other charges against Americans above mentioned, namely, inordinate passion for riches, overwork of body and mind, and undue hurry and ex- citement, we admit there is too much truth in them, and that they have a most intimate connection with the subject under discussion. From remarks previously made on the nervous temperament, it will readily be seen that hurry and excitement grow naturally in part out of the excess of this organization, and at the same time they help to develop it more and more, thereby aggravating the evil. This is one of the most discouraging features in the matter as to any future re- form, namely, that the very evil itself operates both as a cause and effect, in conformity with a well-known law of morbid action. But this passion for riches, and this overwork of body and mind, have a broader, deeper, and far more significant meaning, than what appears upon a cursory survey. From this source spring some of the most powerful influences to undermine the constitution and the health of our people. We have set up a stand- ard of living too expensive—yea, extravagant—that has too many wants; we have not, as a people, the physical stamina or brain-power to reach this standard and live by it; a few individuals may do it, but the many cannot. Multitudes, attracted by the prize set before them, enter the arena, but a few only reach the goal. This standard is all-powerful in influence, including the fashions of the day, the equipage, the style, and the manner of living, both of individuals and families. Its main-spring is money—money—money—which, in the language of the wise man, answereth all things. Consequently, money must be obtained by all means,