The
poor little canary birds confined in their prisons, are very liable to
disease, more especially inflammation of the bowels, asthma, epilepsy,
and soreness of the bill. No animal deviates so far from the
simplicity of nature in its habits, as man; none is placed under the
influence of so many circumstances, calculated to act unfavourably
upon the frame. His morbid affections are hence abundant and
diversified, as may be seen by referring to the different nosological
arrangements; these long catalogues of diseases affording strong
evidence that man has not carefully followed that way of life which
has been marked out for him by nature. The crowded state of the
inhabitants of large cities; the injurious effects of an atmosphere
loaded with impurities; sedentary occupations; various unwholesome
avocations; intemperance in food; stimulating drinks; high-seasoned
and indigestible viands (and these taken hastily in the short
intervals allowed by the hurry and turmoil of business); the constant
inordinate activity of the great central circulation, kept up by the
double impulse of luxurious habits and high mental exertions; the
violent passions by which we are agitated and enervated; the various
disappointments and vexations to which all are liable, reacting upon
and disturbing the whole frame; the delicacy and sensibility to
external influences, caused by heated rooms, too warm clothing, and
other indulgencies; are all contrary to the voice of nature, and they
produce those morbid conditions of the system which a more simple and
uniform mode of living would prevent.
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