I do not know any author who has reckoned man among the amphibious race
of animals; neither do I know any animal that better deserves it. Man is
lord of the little ball on which he treads, one half of which, at least,
is water. If we do not allow him to be amphibious, we deprive him of
half his sovereignty. He justly bears that name, who can _live_ in the
water. Many of the disorders incident to the human frame are prevented,
and others cured, both by fresh and salt bathing; so that we may
properly remark, “_He lives in the water_ who can find life, nay, even
_health_ in that friendly element.”
The greatest treasure on earth is health; but a treasure, of all others,
the least valued by the owner. Other property is best rated when in
possession, but this can only be rated when lost. We sometimes observe a
man, who, having lost this inestimable jewel, seeks it with an ardour
equal to its worth; but when every research by land is eluded, he
fortunately finds it in the water. Like the fish, he pines away upon
shore, but, like that, recovers again in the deep.
The cure of disease among the Romans, by bathing, is supported by many
authorities; among others, by the number of baths frequently discovered,
in which pleasure, in that warm climate, bore a part. But this practice
seemed to decline with Roman freedom, and never after held the eminence
it deserved. Can we suppose the physician slept between the disease and
the bath to hinder their junction; or, that he lawfully holds by
prescription the tenure of sickness in _fee_?[238]
[238] W. Hutton.
* * * * *
~Rural Sports.~