The power of raising and carrying weight is of great importance in a
general view. Many advantages will be derived from it; for besides
strengthening the locomotive muscles, upon which all our physical
operations depend, it will fortify also all the system and all the
organs. All persons, moreover, may find themselves under the necessity
of raising and carrying a wounded or fainting person, and may be glad
to have cultivated and acquired the power necessary to perform such an
act.
In accustoming young persons to carry burdens, they should be taught
to support what is on the back first with one hand and then with the
other: by these means the muscles are equally exercised on each side,
and acquire an equal developement. These burdens, however, must not
exceed their strength; and they should be taught not to carry on
one side in preference, for fear of deforming the limbs. There are
several modes of supporting weights, and of trying the amount of power
possessed for this kind of exercise.
Fig. 1, Plate XVI. represents one method. It consists in loading the
shoulders with sacks full of articles whose weight is previously known.
The position of the arms and hands is such that the pupil can support
a great weight: but in this way he can walk but very slowly; and it is
therefore, so far, disadvantageous.
[Illustration: _Plate XVI_
_Page 60._