The system of instruction is divided into a number of " courses" regularly graduated, beginning with elementary and special movements, with a view to render every part of the body supple, and to develop the several muscles and give complete command over all their motions (elementary gymnastics); and proceeding to exercises of leaping, sus pension, standing and walking on beams, walking on stilts, climbing, swinging, vault ing, etc. (applied gymnastics).
The theory of the advantage derivable from gymnastics is simple enough. An admir able law of nature provides that—within certain limits—parts of the human frame increase in strength, aptitude, and size, in proportion to the use made of them. In gym nastics, this law is brought to bear successively on every part, and filially on the whole system in combined action. If the exertion be not carried so far as to induce excessive fatigue, all other parts of the body sympathize with •the improving condition of that which is mainly exerted; the circulation, excited from time to time by the exercise: acquires fresh vigor, and blood being driven with unwonted force into all parts of the system, every function is carried on with increased activity; an improvement in the gen eral health becomes soon manifest, and the mind—if simultaneously cultivated with judgment—increases in power and endurance.
Gymnastic exercises require, however, to be practiced with many precautions, and always with moderation and due regard to the strength of the individual. The whole benefit may be counteracted by excess: the muscles may be overstrair,i', and ruptures and other serious accidents ensue. The danger of such evils from gymnastic exercises has perhaps been exaggerated, and it has no doubt hindered their more extensive intro duction into schools. But it is to be remembered that hardihood can in no way be obtained without risk; for cricket, fencing, boating, and other manly sports, are attended with at least as much danger as a well-regulated course of gymnastics.
A short account of gymnastics and out-of-door recreations is given in Chambers's Information for the People, vol. ii. Other works on the subject are—Capt. Chiasso's Gymnastics and Calisthenics; G. Roland's Gymnastics; Walker's British Manly Exercises; and MacLaren's Training, in Theory and Practice; and Physical Education, Theoretical andPractical (1868). The books written in German on Gymnastics (Turnkunst) would form a small library.