PUBERTY, that period of life at which sexual development takes place. It differs somewhat among different races and nations, and is also affected by the climate, taking place rather earlier between the tropics than in the temperate zones. As a general rule the period is later in those races and in those families which are long-lived, and in con sequence a more perfect development is attained. It is during this interesting period of life that the nervous system, and particularly the brain, makes its most rapid growth, attaining a greater volume in the Caucasian than in any other race. It is in accordance with all that is known in biology and physiology that a certain period is required to pro duce a well-developed brain, and during this time the most favorable circumstances ought to attend the development, for on them depends a happy or an unhappy life, or good or bad health. There is such a wonderful tide of vitality coursing through the veins and along the nerves (luring these years of adolescence that under good training a fair con stitution may be formed upon a defective organization; but if the subject is exposed to degenerating influences of any kind, either from vicious personal habits, or errors in diet and exercise, or exposure to malarious and poisonous atmosphere, the inheritance of the most splendid organization may be completely squandered. Too long confinement
in the vitiated air of our crowded school-rooms, and to a too uniform sitting posture, it may be feared, has worked, and is working, more mischief than many who take pride in the handsome buildings and the order which reigns within them are willing to admit. Those nations who have attained a general condition of good physical and intellectual development have paid great attention to the training of their youth and maidens, but the subject has never been well enough understood.