The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 50
Calisthenics
Calisthenics.
Believing that the physical deformity and degeneracy of the American [unclear: was] are largely attributable to her inactivity, it is deemed necessary to require all [unclear: years] ladies attending the University to engage in Calisthenic exercises during one [unclear: setter] unless some reason justifying exemption therefrom be presented.
That gymnastic and calisthenic exercises are good only to produce the [unclear: athlete] acrobat, is a prevalent error, grounded in a misapprehension of the varied [unclear: charge] of the exercises. Calisthenic exercises are intended to remove special local [unclear: discretions]. The tendencies of our modern life to the contraction of lung capacity [unclear: led] to a prevalence of pulmonary weakness. Let Calisthenics in our schools [unclear: its] attention to that evil, then will it prove a national blessing in elevating the [unclear: physic] tone of our people.
This year we have been without the delightful stimulus of music in our [unclear: cu] thenic movements. We trust that our generous Board will not longer delay in [unclear: riding] us with a piano, for Calisthenics cannot accomplish its legitimate end [unclear: with] that exhilaration and enthusiasm that come through the magnetic influence of [unclear: mat]