z , x . 
. ■ .'v' ' The Butler Health-Lift. 
NEW YORK: 
LEWIS G. JANES & CO., Proprietors. 
The Health-Lift is a Brief, Concentrated form, of Physical Exercise, unlike 
any other, bringing every Muscle and Organ of the body simultaneously into har- 
monious action, resulting in Vital and Nervous invigoration in contra-distinction 
to external Muscular Development; hence, becoming the most effectual Preventive 
of Disease, and the most Natural Curative Agency. 
As applied iy the Proprietors, it is cordially endorsed by the medical 
PROFESSION. 
L. G. JANESManager. 
L. E. WATERMANGeneral Agent. 
J. B. LOOMISSupt. of Apparatus. 
ZF'rrim.oijDSvl Offiice, 
(accessible by elevator,) 
214 & 216 BROADWAYPark Bank Building. 
L. E. Waterman, Instructor. 
Eranclaes : 
830 BROADWAY. 
GENTLEMEN'S DEPARTMENTWallace Norris, Instructor. 
LADIES' DEPARTMENTCaroline E. Youngs, Instructor. 
BROOKLYN, 158 REMSEN STREET. 
GENTLEMEN'S DEPARTMENTAlbert H. Tompkins, Instructor. 
LADIES' DEPARTMENT Caroline M. Branson, Instructor. 
LOW-RATE ROOMS, NEW YORK : 
120 Broadway, " Equitable" Building, Rooms 24 and 25, accessible by Elevators. 
S. R. Burleigh, Instructor. 
346 & 348 Broadway, N. Y. Life Ins. Building, Rooms 20, 22 and 24, accessible by 
Elevator. 
Luke Barry, Instructor. 
BOSTONDr. D. P. Butler, 43 West Street. 
LOW-RATE ROOMS, 53 Temple Place, 
ROOMS LOR LADIES, Dr. Elizabeth R. Branson, 784 Washington St. 
SAN FRANCISCODr. Joseph H Swain, 24 Post Street. 
PROVIDENCE, R. IDr. J. P. Brooks, 37 South Main Street. 
Subscribers at either of the above-noticed Lifting Establishments, tem- 
porarily stopping in New York, are invited to exercise at our Rooms, like advan- 
tages being offered to our subscribers when stopping in those cities. liar! wjuildtnrj, 
HEALTH LIFT ROOMS 
214 216 Broadway. 
Our principal office occupies an entire floor of the building represented 
above, and, together with the Craftsmen's Life Assurance Company, and 
other offices above the first floor, is accessible by a Steam Elevator. HEALTH-EXERCISE: 
THE RATIONALE AND PRACTICE 
OF THE 
Lifting-Cure 
OR HEALTH LIFT. 
BY 
LEWIS G. JANES, 
PHYSICIAN AND INSTRUCTOR AT CURE. 
" Habitual exercise is the cause and condition of that vital reno- 
vation of farts which is the source and measure of constitutional 
vigor."-Y oumans. 
SIXTH REVISED EDITION 
NEW YORK: 
LEWIS 0. .TANKS jg CO., NOS. 120, 214, 346 & 830 BROADWAY. 
BROOKLYN: NO. 158 REMSEN STREET. 
1871. E»tkbeu according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S69, by 
LEWIS G. JANES, 
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southws 
District of New York. TO THE READER. 
The advocates of the Butler Health Lift meet everywhere an encouraging recog- 
nition of the necessity of exercise., but with this recognition, usually, a profound 
ignorance that there is a right and wrong method in exercise, as in everything 
else ; and that the right method alone conduces in the highest degree to the 
acknowledged desideratum-Health. Even in the medical profession, this truth 
seems largely to have been ignored or overlooked. Yet a physician so eminent 
as the late Dr. Benjamin Rush declared that "That physician does not err 
more who advises a patient to take physic, without specifying its quantities and 
doses, than the physician who advises the patient to use exercise, without 
specifying its species and degrees." 
The object of this work, and the system which it advocates, is to sepa, 
rate the wheat from the chaff; to recognize the true method, and discard the 
false; to draw the line so distinctly that all may see the difference and obey the 
law. For his success in converting people to his views, the writer depends 
rather upon the practical results of the system than upon any felicity in pre, 
senting the argument in its favor. The immediate personal importance of 
the question to every man and woman leads him to hope that every stranger 
to the system herein presented, who sees this book, will peruse it carefully, 
and that the result of the perusal will be a prompt, practical trial of the 
Health Lift. In this event, the ultimate endorsement of the positions herein 
taken is not doubtful. HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
INTRODUCTORY. 
The Medical Profession has long recognized the remedial 
influence of proper exercise, as well as its invaluable agency in 
preventing disease, and various expedients have been devised 
and prescribed to secure its benefits. Pedestrianism, the 
Gymnasium, Horseback riding, Rowing, Calisthenics and the 
Movement Cure have each had their day, and are still resorted 
to, serving a good purpose, no doubt, as an aid to the develop- 
ment and use of the vis medicatrix naturae. 
I propose briefly to present the claims of Butler's Lifting 
Cure, as a safer, more complete and more economical system 
of exercise than any other, commending itself particularly 
to the medical profession as an exercise requiring little timey 
admitting of accurate prescription to patients, fulfilling all the 
conditions of well-directed physical training, with safety from 
over-exertion and injury. 
Unconnected with other questionable appliances or methods 
of treatment, it respectfully courts the investigation of all phy- 
sicians who would have within reach, an exercise which they 
can recommend, without fear of interference with their line of 
practice in other directions. No longer a subject of experi 
ment, but illustrated by more than a thousand living demon- 
strations of its beneficial and curative effects, endorsed by 
many eminent physicians and teachers in all branches of the 6 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
medical profession, the Lifting Cure yet makes its strongest 
appeal no less to the common sense of the practical man and 
woman in every walk of life, who value health as the greatest 
of earthly blessings, than to the intelligent medical practitioner. 
77Z27 PHILOSOPHY OF THE LIFTING EXERCISE. 
In presenting the claims of the Lifting Cure, we do not refer 
to that indiscriminate, careless straining at heavy weights, on 
rude and imperfect apparatus, for the mere object of lifting an 
immense number of pounds avoirdupois of cold iron. Ordin- 
ary lifting, where the action is not properly graduated to the 
movement and condition of the body, and where the object is 
an inordinate development of some portions of the muscular 
system, is undoubtedly injurious in its effects as it is crude and 
unpleasant in its operation. The public as yet know little of 
the beautiful apparatus and system of training which are com- 
prised in the Lifting Cure of Dr. Butler, by which exercise 
becomes pleasure instead of drudgery, and results in the devel- 
opment of the interior vital forces instead of the external 
muscles. Against the prevailing muscle-mania of the day we 
desire to enter our protest-firm and decided. In place of 
"Muscular Christianity"-a religion of externals, we would 
posit a vital religion. We would cultivate strength upon the 
basis of health; a strength which can be applied as readily to 
mental as to physical exertion, and without which a clear and 
vigorous mentality is impossible. 
The new science of physical development bases itself on 
these fundamental principles: 
First-Perfect mental as well as physical manhood is condi- 
tioned upon a system of physical culture as complete, as perfect, 
as scientific as that bestowed upon our intellectual nature. 
While our minds have been civilized by culture, our bodies 
yet remain savages, undeveloped by any adequate exercise of HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
7 
their wonderful organs. As well claim the superiority of the 
savage life of the Indian or Hottentot, who seeks his only men- 
tal culture in thought given to the necessary labors of each day, 
as uphold the sufficiency of a like mode of physical culture. 
We have the most complete system of mental culture which the 
world has known in our graduated, harmonious method of edu- 
cation, through primary, grammar, and university school, leading 
the mind easily from step to step to a comprehension of its pow- 
ers. We do not place before the student simply the practical prob- 
lems of every-day life, but, more wisely, we select that course 
of study which shall result in the most perfect mental discipline, 
knowing that with the power fully developed, conscious of his 
intellectual manhood, he can seize and master circumstances as 
they occur. Have we builded as wisely in our physical educa- 
tion? 
The necessity of exercise has indeed been recognized; but 
the scientific, graduated, and thorough culture of all the bodily 
powers has been almost totally neglected. Physicians and Hy- 
gienic teachers have recommended exercise very much as our 
good old New England grandmothers believed in eating, care- 
less whether the material was pork, butter, pickles, or health- 
giving bread. The writer was brought up in a family where 
the latest thought on health subjects, in book, magazine, or vocal 
instruction, was ever at hand. During his student days, his ex- 
ercise was chiefly walking--never less than four miles a day in 
the open air, often twice that distance, with a tramp of six or 
seven hundred miles and a month or two of open-air life in the 
summer. All this did not prevent him from falling into three 
years of invalid life, which rendered him unfit for either mental 
or physical labor. This prepared him to accept the principle 
that it is not so much exercise and food that we need as proper 
exercise and healthful food; and he was ready to accept another 
principle of the new method of health exercise, which is, 8 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
Second-A scientific system of physical culture develops the 
whole body harmoniously, which can only be accomplished 
through a single co-operative action. 
The nearest attempt at harmonious physical development 
which we have had hitherto, has been through an application of 
a variety of exercises to different parts of the body to bring out 
deficient organs and increase the strength of those already de- 
veloped, as illustrated by the light gymnastics of Dio Lewis, 
and the varied appliances of the pangymnastikon and ordinary 
gymnasium. This attempt to develop the body by piecemeal 
has been necessarily a failure. It implies a perfect knowledge 
on the part of pupil and instructor of every part of the human 
frame, and the application of the exact kind and amount of ex- 
ercise to secure its appropriate use and development; thus re- 
quiring an almost infinite intelligence to render it successful. 
Applied usually in classes, alike to weak and strong, while some 
have been temporarily benefited others have been permanently 
injured. We do not refer to this in a spirit of captious criticism, 
but simply to show how these inevitable failures of the old sys- 
tems are obviated by the new. In the co-operative effort of 
lifting, on suitable apparatus, we have not only a systematic ex- 
ercise, but the whole body, from head to foot, internal as well 
as external, vital as well as muscular tissue, viscera, veins, ar- 
teres, and mind itself through the will, is brought into simul- 
taneous and effective action. But the necessity of lifting prop- 
erly to secure this result, leads us to consider another principle 
embodied in scientific exercise, which is, 
Third-The exercise must be properly graduated ; not only 
must each effort be gradually adapted to the body, but varying 
conditions of strength and health, of natural temperament and 
present condition, must always be observed. 
The Lifting Cure, unlike any other form of exercise, may te 
accurately prescribed, thus enabling us to secure this essential HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
9 
result. By the action of springs the weight is taken upon the 
body pound by pound, and as gradually relieves the muscular 
tension in the reverse action. There is less liability to strain or 
injury in lifting heavy weights in this way than in any other 
form of exercise, even with light weights, or simple mechanical 
movements without weights. There is little of that soreness of 
muscle or stiffness of joint which comes to the novice from all 
other physical exertion. Exercise becomes a pleasure. Effort 
alternated with rest results in a glow and sense of exhilaration 
that no one unacquainted with the method can comprehend 
without personal trial. And there is no unpleasant reaction. 
Stimulation is not followed by weariness, but power developed 
is retained, not used up by frequent repetitions of the same 
degree of effort. The graduation of weights enables all degrees 
of strength to find accommodation; and the strength is gradu- 
ally developed and increased by addition from day to day. No 
invalid is so weak, if able to take an upright position, with or 
without assistance, and to go through a simple motion, that he can- 
not receive benefit and invigoration. By the increase of weight, 
an increase of will-power is necessitated, so that mind as well 
as body is interested, not in external objects, as in horseback 
riding or walking, but in the exercise its df. A new life pulsates 
through the weary arteries; congestion is removed, impurities 
are forced from the system. Each organ or part helps every 
other. Man is a democracy of organs; none so poor or weak 
as to be slighted with impunity. 
This graduation of the weight to the body by springs and 
rubber cartilages secures the other fundamental condition of a 
scientific physical culture, which is, 
Fourth-Interior or vital action and development must pre- 
dominate over external or muscular development. 
All the old systems of physical training tend to inordinate 
development of the extremities; of limb and external muscle. 10 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
Vitality is drained to supply muscular tissue. The citadel is 
emptied of force to man the out-works. Man is made " iron- 
clad without; weak, rotten, and undeveloped within." But in 
exercise with a properly constructed lifting apparatus the effort 
is slow and graduated, bringing into action not only the larger 
muscles, but the more minute, and the internal organs them- 
selves. Here the action culminates in its perfection, and here 
the predominant development takes place. Years of proper 
lifting do not produce the deformity of large and excessively 
hard muscle which would result from a few months of ordinary 
gymnastic exercise. The blood courses freely from center to 
circumference, the capillaries are cleared, and a new life-force 
leaps into every part of the system. 
The idea of lifting as an exercise may be repugnant to many, 
from a false conception of the position of the body and mode 
of action. It is usually connected in the mind with the idea of 
stooping, or bending the body in an unnatural and constrained 
position, and with an effort which would result in injurious 
strain or over-exertion. Nothing could be further from a true 
conception of this beautiful application of the laws of physical 
culture. To lift heavy weights is not the prime object of this 
treatment; but the action should always be graduated to the 
condition of the patient. We propose briefly to explain why 
proper lifting is the most perfect exercise for a human being, and 
how it aids in effecting a cure of chronic, acute, and organic 
diseases and deformities. 
FIRST-ITS ADAPTABILITY TO THE BONY STRUCTURE. 
Various forms of apparatus for lifting graduated weightshave 
been in use, from the rude appliances of the ordinary gymna- 
sium, the combination of scale-beam and yoke-lifting machine, 
the ordinary spiral spring machine, the side-lifting apparatus in- 
vented and used by Dr. Butler several years since, but now HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
11 
used chiefly in Chicago and Cincinnati by parties who pay Dr. 
Butler a royalty for the privilege, to the greatly improved appa- 
ratus now in use at our establishments, which, from long expe- 
rience and practical tests upon more than a thousand patients, 
I believe to be incomparably superior to any and all others. 
A minute description, in detail, of the lifting apparatus is un- 
necessary to our purpose. It is sufficient to say that the prin- 
ciples of its action are essentially those which govern the 
actions of the human body. It comprises a substantial table, 
through the center of which passes a vertical rod on which 
the graduating weights rest, varied to the condition of the 
patient. Between every joint in the machine are inserted 
artificial cartilages of rubber. The weight is suspended on a 
line with the feet, upon a steel spring, by means of the 
continuous rod, which is surmounted by an eye or socket, con- 
taining a pivot-rest, on which the handle, a cross-bar, padded 
with buckskin or rubber, is pressed in lifting. Beneath the plat- 
form, on which the patient stands, is a series of semi-elliptical 
or spiral springs, which are depressed as the weight is taken 
upon the body. This combination of spring and rubber, with 
central rod and handle, which is covered by the Butler patent, 
adapts the action of the machine to that of the body, pre- 
vents all injurious strain, secures a co-operation of the smaller 
muscles and the internal organs in the effort, and is absolutely 
essential to the most perfect curative results. 
In lifting, the entire body, from hips to head, including the 
spine and viscera, maintains, throughout, its normal, upright posi- 
tion, obeying the fundamental law that no action which com- 
pels the body to assume an unatural, stooping posture, or any 
contortion whereby the viscera are disarranged from their natu- 
ral condition of consecutive dependency, is allowable as a 
scientific method of health culture. The importance of main- 
taining this upright position of the body, even when at rest, can 12 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
hardly be over-estimated. Failure to do so is constantly result- 
ing in visceral displacements, rupture, disturbed circulation, in- 
digestion, and a large share of the ills which afflict humanity. 
The necessity of maintaining an upright posture in action must 
be even greater. 
In lifting on this apparatus in this upright position the long 
bones of the limbs and the vertebral column are brought into 
proper relations for sustaining the greatest possible weight with 
safety. The femur, tibia, and fibula, the long bones of the leg, 
act as a column of levers in the direction of their greatest 
strength. The toes being turned well out and the knees bend- 
ing outward, the femurs support each other in their pelvic 
sockets like an arch, the strongest mechanical position, instead 
of pressing backward and outward as in side and shoulder-lift- 
ing. The vertebra act as a perpendicular column of levers, 
protected by their intervening cartilages, which are compressed 
and consolidated in their action instead of being separated, as 
in stooping, thus overcoming curvatures and deformities of the 
spine. Under the action of properly graduated weights, the 
spine is compelled to assume as nearly as possible a vertical 
position, which the muscular tensions, gradually increasing in 
power under the influence of the weights, tend to assist and 
render permanent. Ordinary lateral curvatures, double or sin- 
gle, rarely fail to yield to this treatment when properly applied. 
It has also proved effective in cases of inward curvature with 
breast deformities, stooping bodies, swollen joints, resulting 
from rheumatic or scrofulous affections, and many other 
similar cases. The long bones of the arm, the humerus, 
ulna, and radius, with the bones of the wrist and hand, 
one back and the other in front of the body, sustain the 
weight in the direction of their greatest strength, in a central 
position beneath the body, allowing proportionate exercise 
to the muscles and viscera of the front figure, instead of HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
13 
giving a greater proportionate labor to the spine and muscles 
of the back, as in side and yoke-lifting. The point of suspen- 
sion being as near the termination of the spine as possible, the 
weight is perfectly controlled, swaying with the body and bear- 
ing equally on every part, instead of allowing one side to lift 
more than the other, as is the liability of side-lifting. The 
strength of the hands is the measure of the power of raising 
weights, acting as a natural safeguard against over-exertion, the 
greater liability of shoulder-lifting. All the parts work harmo- 
niously together, each sustaining its due proportion of labor, 
rendering the exercise perfectly safe, to the utmost limits of 
endurance, under a proper system of training. 
SECONDLY-ITS ACTION ON THE EXTERNAL MUSCLES. 
As with the bones, so also with the muscles. While the 
muscular is always rendered subordinate to the more import- 
ant vital development and action, under The Lifting Cure, no 
other method of exercise gives the muscular system an action 
so complete and harmonious, calling, as it evidently does, upon 
forces of the entire body, from head to foot, in a simultaneous 
and effective effort. 
Dr. Butler may well claim that, with his apparatus, every 
muscle of the body receives its appropriate share of exercise; 
for it is by no means uncommon for patients to perceive the 
muscular contraction upon the neck, face, scalp and ears, as 
well as the parts in more immediate approximation to the 
weight. 
Nearly all the large muscles are acted upon in the direction 
of their greatest length, as are many of the smaller ones. Thus, 
the muscular coating of every minute vein and artery is com- 
pressed, with powerful and beneficial effect upon the circulation, 
as will be seen hereafter. The abdominal muscles, contracting 14 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
most powerfully, not only enable patients afflicted with hernia 
to exercise with perfect safety, but we have actually cured 
inguinal hernia, so that the patient has laid aside the truss 
after using it many years. There is not only no danger of 
injurious strain or rupture in proper lifting, but it furnishes the 
most hopeful prospect of an entire relief. So also, in cases of 
excessive abdominal deposit of adipose tissue, the tendency is 
always to solidify the flesh, and restore the natural propor- 
tions. 
This powerful cooperative pressure of the external muscles 
upon the viscera, produces a mechanical action of those organs, 
more complete and effective than can possibly be derived from 
any partial or special application of exercise. This will be 
further demonstrated hereafter. 
The fact that the entire muscular system is thus completely 
and thoroughly exercised in a few minutes, without fatigue, 
renders the Lifting Cure the briefest and most economical 
exercise for our business men, professional men, students, and 
all persons of sedentary habits, who are suffering from dyspep- 
sia, nervousness, debility, and the long train of attendant ills, 
and who are debarred from ordinary exercise for want of time. 
It is also the surest preventive of these difficulties. 
Rheumatism and all diseases of the muscular tissue here 
find their appropriate relief. The muscular power thus gained, 
is available, not only in lifting weights, but in whatever direction 
its exercise may be called forth. 
Contrary, perhaps, to the ordinary opinion, the lifting of 
heavy weights, under a proper system of training upon this 
apparatus, does not tend to stiffen or harden the muscles. 
Much of the stiffness of joint and muscle which results from 
misdirected exercise is due to the production of continued im- 
pressions upon the muscular and bony system while in abnor- 
mal or constrained positions. The Lifting Cure, which avoids HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
15 
this action, and never results in abnormal muscular develop- 
ment, secures not only vital power, but a proper degree of 
suppleness. 
THIRDLY-ITS EFFECT ON THE VISCERA. 
The chief value of the Lifting Cure as a remedial agent 
does not depend upon the exercise which it furnishes to the 
external muscles. A large proportion of the maladies which 
afflict humanity, and that, too, most dangerous to life and 
destructive to health, has its seat in the viscera-the internal 
or vital organs of the body. 
Dr. E. P. Banning, in a recent work, lays down the follow- 
ing " fundamental propositions," among others, concerning the 
visceral status: 
" The normal status of the weighty, lengthy, fragile, and 
irritable viscera, consists mainly in their being maintained in 
the ascendant by their surrounding elastic abdominal walls, in 
opposition to the state of consecutive dependency from their 
ligamentous attachments. 
"In proportion as the body is erect, and the abdominal and 
dorsal tissues energetic, will this primary ascendant position be 
steadily maintained. 
* * * « jn proportion as these supporting tissues relax 
from any cause, there must ensue a corresponding change in 
the visceral status ; they must lose their altitude, compactness. 
and support, and assume a loose, dangling, and elongated con 
dition. In other words, a lineal dislocation is induced, involv- 
ing a train of both physical and functional derangements, such 
as a solid common sense might clearly foretell." 
What is more evident than that only a proper exercise of 
these abdominal walls, with an upright posture of the body, 
and a vital invigoration of the viscera themselves, can perma- 
nently restore them to their natural position and re-invigorate 16 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
their tissues ? To this natural method of treatment, alike in- 
dicated by a "solid common sense," we invite all thus af- 
flicted. 
The position of the body brings all the internal organs as nearly 
as possible into their proper relations, and by perseverance ulti- 
mates in a permanent and effectual cure. Inguinal hernia or 
rupture is thus relieved by the compressing, contractile action of 
the abdominal muscles, which are consolidated instead of sepa- 
rated, tending to restore the parts to their proper positions and 
retain them there, by giving tone and vigor to them and their 
adjacent muscles. 
Admitting the temporary convenience and occasional ne- 
cessity of artificial and external support to the displaced 
organs, it is none the less evident that permanent power and 
entire relief can only be obtained by a graduated and appro- 
priate exercise of the affected parts, in harmony with the entire 
body. Proper lifting can alone furnish the action desired. 
It is a well-known physiological fact, that each organ has 
its proper action ; hence, its nerves,-avenues for conveying the 
vital forces,-and its muscular tissue, which, by its power of 
expansion and contraction, furnishes the medium for this 
action. These organs are connected, directly and indirectly, 
with the external muscular tissue by muscular attachments. 
Thus, when the external muscles are brought into powerful, 
cooperative action, as in lifting slowly, properly graduated 
weights, not only the exterior tissue, but tht> vital organs them 
selves, receive their appropriate share of the exercise, and as 
really aid in lifting as the biceps or rectus. Thus, in lifting in a 
natural position, the strength of the human being, like that of 
a chain sustaining a weight, is tested by the strength of its 
weakest link or part; whether it be the hand, the leg, the spine, 
the liver, or the kidneys. Thus, also, the Lifting Cure becomes 
invaluable in the diagnosis of disease, unerringly indicating the 
weak or affected part. HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
17 
The unnatural postures which many of the occupations of 
life are apt to induce, as bending over books and sewing-ma- 
chines, bring the body into injurious and constraining positions, 
and are themselves sometimes sufficient to cause serious dis- 
ease. The Lifting Cure, on the contrary, causing the body to 
assume its normal, upright posture, the external muscles aiding 
the weaker viscera in regaining their natural places, and the 
viscera themselves gaining strength by gentle and appropriate 
exercise, furnishes the most complete and effective cure for 
prolapsus uteri and all visceral displacements, by whatever 
cause induced. 
As a matter of fact, we have met with remarkable success 
in treating this class of cases, when all the ordinary remedies 
had failed to produce relief. In the most serious cases, where 
walking and the ordinary forms of exercise would be impos- 
sible, our treatment is safe and sure. 
FOURTHLY-ITS EFFECT ON THE CIRCULATION. 
The action thus described upon the muscular and vital 
systems, reinvigorates the frame through its influence on the 
circulation. 
Proper nutrition is essential to the preservation of health, 
and an indispensable element in the cure of disease. To 
secure it, it is necessary, ist, to supply the system with whole- 
some food in proper quantities; 2d, to give strength and well- 
regulated action to the organs of the body, thus securing a 
healthy circulation of the blood. However healthful the food, 
unless the organs are powerful and healthy, it cannot be properly 
digested or assimilated. 
Defective circulation, if not a cause, is an accompaniment 
to nearly all forms of chronic or acute disease; and if we can 
secure, through the medium of exercise, a uniformly healthy 
action and circulation of the blood, we strike at the root of the 18 
health-exercise. 
difficulty and must accomplish its cure. The external symp- 
toms are but the effort of Nature to accomplish this object. 
If we can aid her by freeing the channels from impurities, and 
cause the vital tide to flow unobstructed through every part, we 
furnish the means of most speedy relief. This the Lifting Cure 
most certainly accomplishes. As it gives to every part its pro- 
per share of exercise, its first effect is equalization. This influ- 
ence of exercise obtained through the Lifting Cure, on the 
circulation and vital processes, and which no other exercise 
gives in so great perfection, has been so well summed up by 
Dr. Wm. Jay Youmans in his work on Physiology and Hygiene,* 
that I transcribe an extract from its pages. 
" Effects of Regulated Exercise. - All those vital 
processes which are essential to life, as digestion, circulation, 
respiration, secretion, are carried on independently of the will, 
and give rise to a large and constant amount of activity in the 
system. But labor and exercise are performed by calling into 
action an additional system of agencies-those of the voluntary 
muscles-and to maintain these in a state of activity, involves 
an extra requisition upon the various involuntary organs. As 
the materials of the body are derived from the substance of 
food, so all vital power is derived from the force stored up in 
the food. Organic matter is in a state of molecular tension, 
and, when decomposed, these tensions are given out in the 
form of physical forces. Food is organic matter, suited to 
undergo assimilation, and then to give out its molecular ten- 
sions in various forms, as animal heat, muscular power." 
Mark well the bearing of the following paragraph on our 
subject: " It follows, that in work, or exercise, the voluntary 
muscular system draws upon the involuntary functions for its 
* Elements of Physiology and Hygiene. Huxley & Youmans. New 
York : D. Appleton & Co. HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
19 
supply of energy; and hence, in proportion to the force 
EXPENDED, IS THE GENERAL EXALTATION OF THE VITAL PRO- 
CESSES." 
The Lifting Cure produces preeminently this vital exalta- 
tion and action without exhaustion, instead of calling out 
muscular energy at the expense of the vital, as do other long 
continued and more violent exercises. 
To quote again from Dr. Youmans, "As the circulation 
ministers immediately to all the functions, its energy rises 
and falls with their activity. Exercise increases the move- 
ments of the heart in both force and frequency, and accelerates 
the flow of blood through all parts of the body. The circula- 
tion is also aided by the contraction of the voluntary muscles, 
which by pressing on the walls of the veins, tends to force along 
the current of blood. Moreover, this increased activity of the 
circulation meets the increased demand of the muscles for new 
material, to renew the disintegrated structures; and it also 
speedily effects the removal of waste products, by rapidly 
transferring them to the proper eliminating organs. Thus, the 
complex stream from which the nutritive materials are con- 
stantly drawn, and into which waste matters are constantly 
poured, is directly affected both in its composition and rate of 
movement, by the state of action of the voluntary muscles. 
" Exercise, also, it is well known, heightens the calorifying 
functions. It is through the increased activity of the circula 
tion that the body is warmed by exercise." 
These beneficial effects, which are partially and imperfectly 
obtained from ordinary exercise, are obtained more perfectly 
and completely from the cooperative effort of lifting. Instead 
of causing a congestion of the large arteries, with injurious 
effect upon the brain, as is sometimes the result of misdirected 
exertion, the Lifting Cure increases chiefly the capillary action, 
clearing out the impurities which may have been lodged in the 20 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
various ramifications of the venous and arterial network, and 
causing a delightful glow and exhilaration to the patient. It is 
wonderful to observe the potent influence of this treatment 
jpon the skin and complexion. If yellow with jaundice or 
□ile, overburdened with effete matters and obstructions, it 
shortly becomes clear and beautiful, acquiring the natural 
glow of health. 
The influence of the Lifting Exercise upon all disorders aris- 
ing from congestion, defective or unequal circulation is very 
marked. Congestive or nervous headaches are usually relieved 
by a single exercise, and where they have become chronic, are 
permanently cured by a proper course of this treatment. Many 
marked cases of this kind, even in persons well advanced in 
years, have come under my observation, and my own expe- 
rience furnishes additional testimony to the relief furnished in 
these cases. Many acute pains in other portions of the sys- 
tem, of which congestion is the immediate cause, are relieved 
by the lifting, and, in process of time, their cause being removed, 
they return no more. The Lifting Cure also tends to prevent 
hemorrhage in cases of consumption and other weaknesses. 
Hemorrhage is always preceded by local weakness and conges- 
tion. If, by equalization, we can remove the congestion, and, 
at the same time, strengthen the weak parts, it is evident that 
the liability to a rupture of the part is greatly lessened. Thus, 
in many cases where local or excessive action would endanger 
an aggravation of unfavorable symptoms, the general action of 
a properly graduated lifting exercise will relieve and finally cure. 
Cold hands and feet, and torpid conditions of the vital organs, 
obstructing their healthy action, which are caused by defective 
circulation, here find their most appropriate remedy and a sure 
relief. Congestion of the liver, where other treatment had 
failed, and the life of the patient had been despaired of, has 
been cured. HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
21 
FIFTHLY-ITS EFFECT UPON THE DRAIN, THE NERVOUS SYS- 
Even more potent than the action of the Lifting Cure on 
the muscles, the viscera and the circulation, is its effect upon 
the brain and nervous system. To this influence, in a large 
measure, is its curative value due. Dr. Butler's remarks, in 
his work on " The Lifting Cure," upon this effect of the exer- 
cise have been somewhat criticised, and the possibility of its 
producing a marked influence on the brain and mind has been 
denied. Hence it may be well to note here the words of Dr. 
Youmans on the connection of body, brain and mind, which, it 
will be seen, completely support the position of Dr. Butler, and 
emphasize the importance of well-regulated exercise in securing 
healthy mental action. 
"Nature," he says, "presents the problem, not of mind 
separate, but of mind and body bound up in a living unity, 
and the physiologist must take the question as he finds it." 
Again: " It is now universally admitted that the brain is 
the grand nervous centre of thought and feeling-the material 
instrument of the mind, and that all mental actions are accom- 
panied and conditioned by physiological actions. From the high 
complexity of composition of nervous matter, it is extremely 
unstable and prone to change. The brain is therefore not only, 
like all other parts of the body, subject to the double metamor- 
phosis of waste and repair, but the transformations take place 
in this organ with more rapidity than in any other pant of the 
system. * * * If the cerebral circulation is lowered, mental 
activity is diminished; if accelerated, the mind's action is 
exalted." 
Again : " It is important to note, not only that the mind 
and body are both governed by laws, but that they are to a 
great extent governed by the same laws. Whatever improves 
TEH AND THE HIND. 22 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
the physical qualities of the brain, improves also the mind; 
whatever deteriorates the brain, impairs the mind. They have 
a common development, are equally increased in vigor, capacity 
and power by judicious exercise, and are alike injured by defi- 
cient or excessive effort. * * * As thus the mind is depen- 
dent upon the conditions of the brain, while the brain is controlled 
by the bodily system, we see how impossible it is to deal with the 
mental powers in a practical way without taking the material 
organization into account." * * * "As bodily and mental 
health depend in a great degree upon the same conditions, all 
that has been said concerning the sanitary influences which 
affect the corporeal system, has likewise its bearing upon health 
of mind." 
It is well known that there is no cause of disease more 
powerful or more prevalent than derangement of the mental or 
nervous forces. A sudden shock, as when one unexpectedly 
hears of the death of a dear friend, will disturb the secretions, 
send the blood back from the extremities to the heart, and is 
sometimes of itself sufficient to cause serious physical disease. 
The severe strain upon the nervous system during the late war, 
the conflict and excitement of a population devoted to specula- 
tion and trade, are potent causes of disease, premature old age 
and death. Our lawyers and statesmen are struck down sud- 
denly, in the prime of life, from over-mental exertion. How, 
then, shall we reverse this process, and use the nervous forces 
to reinvigorate and reconstruct the human being ? 
The Lifting Cure does this primarily through the concen- 
trated, harmonious and powerful action of the will, through the 
nerves, upon the muscular tissue. All action originates in the 
brain, and is initiated through the action of the will on the 
nerves. In lifting properly graduated weights, increasing them 
slowly but surely from day to day, the will is constantly demand- 
ing increased action of the nervous forces, and they in their HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
23 
constant, unvarying connection between will and nerve, 
and muscle, muscle and blood, we should seek in vain 
.nt the errand to the muscular tissues. Were it not 
any curative result, or, indeed, for any result whatever. In 
this too much neglected, too little comprehended department 
of nervous energy we find the tap-root of our tree of life. Here 
must our constant culture be applied. 
It is found by long experience, that, if the mind fails to 
become interested in the treatment, if the patient wants confi- 
dence, and hesitates, the cure is more doubtful and its accom- 
plishment is delayed. But here, also, is indicated the chief 
excellence of our treatment;-that in calling on will and nerve- 
energy by ever increasing demands, and never exhausting it 
by over action, a harmony is finally established between nerve 
and muscle and circulation, that trinity which composes the 
physical being of the wonderful unit-man ; by which his fell 
enemy, Disease, is most surely conquered and overthrown. 
The perceptible increase of power, as measured by the 
steadily increasing capacity for lifting weights, gives a confi- 
dence and sure encouragement to the patient, the value of 
which can hardly be over-estimated. In no other treatment or 
physical exercise can we measure this power, and determine its 
augmentation from week to week. This is not merely a test 
af muscular power, but of vital soundness, or health. Encour- 
aged by increasing strength, and corresponding gradual decrease 
af unfavorable symptoms, the patient perseveres in obeying the 
'aws of health, which is the essential condition to the complete 
eradication of disease. 
The equalizinginffaence. of the lifting exercise upon th o nervous 
forces is none the less positive and beneficial than upon the cir- 
culation of the blood. In cases of nervous debility it seems to 
produce the effect of a tonic, with no subsequent reaction or 
prostration. 24 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
The renewed energy given to mind as well as . 
greatly in overcoming pernicious habits. Many of our j. 
under this influence, have discarded tobacco and stimu.- 
without material discomfort or inconvenience, and it is needle 
to say, with great benefit to mental and physical health. 
In instances of over-nervous excitement, to which American 
people are peculiarly liable, the effect of this treatment is always 
sedative and quieting, and constantly invigorating. Many 
marked cases of improvement come under this head. In cases 
of chronic and acute neuralgia the Lifting Cure has effected 
some noticeable cures. One case in Boston, of ten years' stand- 
ing, which had resulted in a partial paralysis of the lower limbs, 
yielded to this treatment, when the patient had been under the 
care of some of the most noted physicians in Europe and Amer- 
ica, without obtaining any relief. 
SIXTHLY-PHYSICAL CHANGES RESULTING FROM THE LIFT- 
From records of the weight, height, chest and waist mea- 
surement, and physical condition of each subscriber, taken at 
the time of commencing the exercise, and compared at intervals 
during its continuance, which comparisons have now been made 
in more than one thousand cases, we are enabled to ascertain 
the general influence of the exercise upon the form and pro- 
portions of the body. It has thus been demonstrated that the 
tendency of the Lifting Cure is to produce a symmetrical devel- 
opment of the human body, reducing the proportions when they 
exceed a normal standard, and increasing them when deficient. 
Thus we find that men below the height of five feet six inches, 
of whatever age, almost always increase slightly in stature under 
continued practice of the exercise, while those exceeding five 
feet ten or eleven inches in height correspondingly diminish 
under the same process. 
ING EXERCISE. HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
25 
j, also, when the waist measurement exceeds the chest, as in 
>rpulency, this measurement is always reduced and the pro- 
portions changed even when there is no reduction in the weight 
of the patient. On the contrary, in one or two rare cases of 
abnormal chest development, resulting from special gymnastic 
exercises, the consequence of this treatment has been to reduce 
the chest and enlarge the deficient waist. 
Nine-tenths of all ordinary individuals will be found, from 
habit or nature, to be stronger on the right side of the body, 
arms, and legs, than upon the left, unless this tendency is modi- 
fied by some organic weakness or disease affecting chiefly the 
right side. But the Lifting Exercise tends always to equalize 
this uneven development of the sides, and to render one as 
powerful and enduring as the other. In my own case I find, 
after four years' systematic practice of the Lifting Cure, very 
little difference in the strength of the sides, and have many 
times unconsciously used the left hand in operations where four 
years ago it would have been comparatively useless. 
Very thin and spare people will always increase in weight 
under persistent practice of the Lifting Exercise, though the 
effect is not unusually the opposite of this during the first few 
weeks, until morbid matters are eradicated from the system. 
Fleshy people, on the contrary, are reduced in weight. 
The muscular development resulting from long practice of 
this exercise is slight, is always the most marked where the de- 
ficiency on commencing is most noticeable, and is even and 
harmonious throughout the body. Physicians and surgeons, 
accustomed to note such conditions, have frequently remarked 
this symmetry of development before suspecting its cause. 
The power developed by the practice of the Lifting Cure is 
always astonishing, accompanied as it is by so slight an increase 
of muscular size, thus demonstrating that it is quality rather 26 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
than quantity of muscle, based upon sound and healthy v 
conditions, that gives permanent and enduring strength. 
To the growing child and youth who desires symmetry and 
firmness without the unwieldy clumsiness of abnormal muscular 
development, to the man or woman who would preserve or re- 
store the form which nature intends to bestow upon a human 
being, to those of an advanced age who would arrest decay and 
prolong life, with the full use of every faculty, our system of 
physical training offers equally the most certain and effective 
method of securing these ends. 
As illustrations of the foregoing principles, I select from our 
records the following cases: 
ist. Mr. A., of Boston, printer, very corpulent, weight, 170 
pounds on commencing treatment, in six weeks reduced his 
waist measurement five and one-half inches, increased the chest 
three inches, with a gain of two pounds in weight. 
2d. Mr. G., of Boston, height five feet two inches on com- 
mencing, very small and slight in weight, in three months' 
exercise increased his height fully half an inch, weight increased 
fourteen pounds, chest three inches, waist two inches. His 
health was wonderfully improved, as he will to-day attest, al- 
though this comparison was made some three years ago. 
3d. Mr. P., insurance agent, Massachusetts, in six weeks re- 
duced his weight from two hundred and twenty-five to two 
hundred pounds, and his waist measurement three inches, 
though an ardent practice of the national game of base-ball 
had previously failed to effect the desired change. Similar re- 
sults followed the treatment of Mr. W., paper manufacturer, 
who, after three months' practice, purchased an apparatus for 
home use, so much was he gratified with the result. 
4th. Mr. B., student, tall and slender, seventeen years old, 
nearly six feet in height, chest thirty inches, waist twenty-seven 
inches, in three months reduced his height three-quarters of an HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
27 
inch, increased his chest measurement three inches, waist two 
inches, and weight four pounds, with decided increase of phy- 
sical vigor and endurance. 
5th. Mr. W., seventy-four years old, weight one hundred and 
five pounds, height five feet two inches, stooping shoulders, had 
suffered forty years from asthma, after one year's exercise, from 
straightening the form, increased half an inch in height, one 
inch in chest measurement, lifted five hundred and twenty 
pounds, and testifies that he felt better and younger than he had 
for fifteen years. 
We copy the following memoranda from our New York 
records: 
6th. Mr. H., of Ohio, weight two hundred and thirteen 
pounds on commencing, in three weeks reduced seven pounds, 
and waist measurement about two inches. 
7th. Mr. F., fifty-six years old, 
Weight. Height. Chest. Waist. 
On commencing, 1 ig| 5ft. 2Jin. 31m. 29jin. 
End of three months, 123 5ft. 3m. 32 Jin. 31 jin. 
8th. Mr. R., in his seventieth year, stout and portly, in three 
months reduced his waist measurement three inches, with no 
change of weight. 
9th. Mr. A. and Mr. S., well-known citizens of New York, 
commenced lifting about the same time, exercised three months 
with about the same gradation of weights. At the end of that 
time Mr. A., who was spare and thin, increased his height about 
half an inch, chest one inch, waist two inches, and weight six 
pounds, weighing at the end of the quarter more than ever be- 
fore in his life, while Mr. S., of corpulent tendency, reduced his 
weight six pounds, and other measurements correspondingly. 
Thus we see, in different conditions of the system, diametri- 28 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
cally opposite results produced by the use of the same weights 
for about the same length of time. 
These illustrations will suffice to show the general tendency 
of the Lifting Exercise to preserve and restore the natural pro- 
portions of the human body. It need only be added that this 
tendency to a natural and harmonious development of the body 
is uniformly accompanied by corresponding improvement in 
vital conditions, the essential basis of soundness and health. 
SEVENTHLY-ITS CURATIVE EFFECTS. 
Accepting our explanation of the effects of the treatment 
on the muscles, viscera, circulation and nervous system, the 
modus operandi of its curative influence will be readily con- 
ceived. Admitting its superiority as an exercise, it is unneces- 
sary to urge farther its curative value, to intelligent physiologists 
and physicians. Galen wrote, long ago, - "If diseases take 
hold of the body, there is nothing so certain to drive them out 
as diligent exercise." 
Dr. Youmans, from whom I have quoted before, says : " If 
thus exercise be an essential condition of health, and the want 
of it a fruitful cause of disease, it is obvious that only by the 
reestablishment of the needed exercise can health be regained." 
This principle has long been received by the medical pro- 
fession. In submitting the Lifting Cure as the most available, 
systematic, safe and agreeable form of exercise, we are simply 
supplying a method whereby physicians can secure this most 
desirable aid. It will readily be comprehended that a system 
of treatment which thus acts directly on the centres of vitality, 
aiding the natural processes of digestion, excretion, circulation 
and nervous energy, freeing the system from impurities and 
giving tone and life to the weakened organism, must be most 
effective and permanent in its results. Its method of cure in 
organic diseases, is, through the stimulation and strengthening HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
29 
of the natural processes, to create new organs, uncontaminated 
by disease, unpoisoned by effete and decaying matters. Through- 
out the whole range of chronic diseases, we have met with unvary- 
ing success. 
Where the difficulty is simply weakness, the Lifting Cure 
removes it by giving strength. 
Where deformity exists, the Lifting Cure, by bringing the 
body into perfect position, under the stimulus given by prop- 
erly graduated and increasing weights, tends always to 
remove it. 
Where displacement of organs has resulted, from whatever 
cause, the Lifting Cure, by restoring them gradually to their 
natural position, and strengthening them, with their adjacent 
muscles, has proved most effectual as a cure. 
Where congestion, or unequal and torpid circulation deranges 
the system, the Lifting Cure, by its harmonious and powerful 
influence, cannot fail to promote equalization and healthy 
action. 
Where pain exists, resulting from congestion or unequal 
nervous action, the Lifting Cure, by equalization, quickly 
removes the difficulty. 
Where there is nervous debility, from over-mental action or 
excess, the Lifting Cure, by presenting proper physical exer- 
cise, quiets, and restores the true equilibrium between body 
and mind. 
Where digestion is impaired, or constipation exists, the pow- 
erful and beneficial action of graduated lifting speedily produces 
relief. 
In diseases peculiar to women, the Lifting Cure, by furnish- 
ing proper physical and mental stimulus, has proved most 
efficient as a method of cure. 
In consumption and lung diseases, the Lifting Cure, by its 
influence on the circulation and nutrition, and the powerful 30 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
and healthful action of the lungs which it induces, furnishes a 
most potent aid both in prevention and cure. 
From all humors, the Lifting Cure, by its influence on the 
circulation, purifies the body. 
In many acute diseases, if applied in season, the Lifting Cure 
furnishes immediate relief. 
As a preventive of disease, the Lifting Cure furnishes the 
simplest, most effective and most available means. 
In short, by presenting an agreeable form of exercise, capa- 
ble of so gentle application that the most delicate invalid can 
safely attempt it, and, on the other hand, becoming the most 
powerful agent known, for physical culture and development, it 
is available to all who need bodily exercise-and who does not 
need it ? 
It works in harmony with all Hygienic agencies. 
It invites the attention of all who seek restoration to health 
or an increase of physical vigor. 
We especially and respectfully ask the investigation and 
favorable consideration of the Medical Profession, aiming to 
supply a need, and furnish an efficient aid to them in their 
labors for the alleviation of suffering humanity. 
To physicians, and all interested to inquire, we will be 
pleased to give verbal statements of the effects of the treat- 
ment in individual cases, covering a wide range of diseases, 
which, for obvious reasons, we do not insert here. 
All desiring information, are respectfully solicited to call 
at our rooms, where every facility for investigation will be fur- 
nished. 
Better than any theory or explanation, is the sure test of 
practical experience. To this we invite all who would know 
more of the Lifting Cure. HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
31 
THE APPARATUS OF THE HEALTH LIFT. 
D 
E 
E, 
[M 
0 
C 
M 
.L 
8 
B 
B 
K 
s° 
,A 
H 
A 
Fig. i. 
THE STANDARD IRON MACHINE. 
The most perfect form of apparatus for the application of the 
Health Lift-that in use at our leading establishments, and in many 
private families, is represented in the accompanying cut (Fig. i). 32 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
It comprises an upright iron table, the four legs of which rest 
upon solid glass or metal balls, inserted in iron cups, which enter the 
tops of four heavy volute springs (a,a,a,a). Beneath each of these 
springs is a simple arrangement for leveling the table. Upon the 
lower section of the platform are cups for ten volute springs (b,b) of 
varying capacities of tension, and upon these springs rests the upper 
platform, on which the pupil stands while taking the exercise. 
Underneath each of the legs and springs, wherever there is a joint 
or point of movement in the machine, are inserted artificial carti- 
lages of rubber, which soften and modify the movement. Rubber 
plates or cushions are also placed underneath the feet, upon the 
upper platform. 
Through the centre of the machine, as thus described, passes an 
upright rod (c), surmounted by an eye or socket (d), through which 
the lifting bar or handle (e) is passed, impinging upon a pivot at the 
top, and supported by a spiral spring and rest (i). This rod is 
varied in height by means of a double screw running through the 
upper portion. At its lower extremity, beneath the platform, 
are placed disks or weights of iron (h), varying from one to fifty 
pounds avoirdupois, and capable of exact graduation. This rod rests 
at the centre, on a level with the platform by means of a nut cush- 
ioned with rubber (l) upon one or more volute springs, of varying 
capacities, according to the weight to be attached below ; (k) rep- 
resents the step, which may be inserted at the front or side of the 
machine; (o) the seat, inserted at the back. 
The Standard machine occupies a space of 26 by 32 inches on 
the floor. The platform, on which the pupil stands, is 26 inches 
from the floor. The weight of the whole machine, including 600 
pounds of lifting weights, is about 700 pounds. The seat and steps 
project slightly beyond the body of the machine, as may be seen in 
the cut. HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
33 
Fig. 2. 
Fig. 3. 
POSITION WEIGHT AT REST. 
POSITION WEIGHT RAISED. 
Figures 2 and 3 represent a wooden table of corresponding con- 
struction, but without steps or seat, with semi-elliptic springs in the 
place of volute or spiral ones. This is an older form of apparatus, and 
is not considered quite as complete and perfect. In its best form it 
is usually constructed with spiral or volute springs in the centre, un- 
der the weight. 
The wooden machine occupies a space of 24 by 36 inches on 
the floor, and its platform is from 28 to 36 inches from the floor, 
according to the length of the legs. 
THE WOODEN MACHINE. 34 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
M. 
M 
H 
L 
It 
-■3 
B 
Fig. 4. 
Figure 4 represents the Spring Machine, whereby the tension of 
weights is simulated by the compression of graduated volute springs, 
of varying capacities. The machine in its construction and ad- 
justment is thus described : 
It comprises a low table, the legs of which rest on thick rubber 
cushions. These legs are fastened to the platform, at the four corners, 
by means of four nuts and screws. Upon either side of the plat- 
form are carpets of rubber, with slits corresponding with similar 
places in the platform. The three wire springs are placed upon the 
THE SPRING MACHINE. HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
35 
platform, one in the centre, and the other two over the two slits. 
Under them are placed the two shallow rings, lined with rubber at 
the bottom, on which the wire springs rest. Through the side 
springs pass the upright pieces (h,h), having a thumb-screw on the 
upper end of each, for the admission of side handles, which accom- 
pany each machine, but the use of which we do not approve, for 
reasons hereafter stated. On the lower end of these upright pieces 
is attached the plate containing seven cups or places for springs, each 
lined with a ring of rubber. The upright pieces are passed through 
the end of the plate and slid slightly towards the centre, so that 
they hold it securely. Then at the ends of the plate, and in the 
centre, attach the three pieces (1,1,1), which hang below it to hold 
the small weights that are used in grading between the 251b multi- 
ples of the springs. 
The rod for the centre lift (l), which is the better one to use, 
is put down through the narrow slits in the centre of the platform, 
and keyed to its place by a long round pin, which should be in- 
serted from the front of the machine. Then the bell, which is in- 
tended to strike when the weight is raised, is put in its place, so 
that the tongue on the back of it will pass through the spring plate 
and through the loop at the end of the iron pin which keys the lifting 
rod. The rubber rings should be placed so that all the springs will 
have one at each end, top and bottom; the small ones around the 
small knobs on the under side of the platform, and the larger ones 
in the cups (a,b,c,d,e,f,g). 
The rod should be adjusted so that its length will permit the 
person to straighten the knees fully, just as the bell is struck. It 
requires to be a little shorter for a heavy weight, than for the lighter 
weights. The springs are arranged for the different weights as mul- 
tiples of zjjlbs., from zjlbs. to yoolbs according to the accompany- 
ing table. See page 47. 
The spring machine is manufactured in two forms. The one 
generally preferred will stand within a space of 19 by 28 inches. 
The platform upon which the lifter stands is 15 inches above the 
floor. The weight of the machine is between 90 and 100 pounds. 36 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
The other form requires a space of 25 by 33 inches. Its 
height is the same as the other, and its weight slightly greater. 
While these machines are not equal in all respects to the larger 
ones previously described, they offer the following practical advan- 
tages, viz: 
1st. Convenience.--The handling of large masses of iron is 
wholly obviated. They are small and low, light, easily trans- 
ported, and so simple that a lady or child can arrange them for 
use. 
2D. Elegance.-In point of beauty they are not equalled by any 
other cheap machine of any manufacture, nor excelled by the most 
expensive of Dr. Butler's manufacture. 
3D. Accuracy of Adjustment.-Unlike other cheap machines, 
they can be graded accurately, to a single pound, from 25 pounds 
upwards. 
4TH. Spring Action.-The spring action is more perfect in its 
facilities for adjustment to the varying weights, than that of any 
machine ever offered to the public at any price, thus aiding to se- 
cure the essential vital action, together with perfect safety. 
5TH. Side and Centre Lifting.-This machine combines both 
of these methods of lifting, and can be changed in a moment from 
one to the other. Although we greatly prefer the centre lift, this 
may be deemed an advantage by many. 
As an instrument for health exercise, we would commend it 
cordially to the public, confident that, if properly and systematically 
used, it will produce better results than any other cheap apparatus; 
for no other so perfectly embodies the underlying principles upon 
which the Butler Health Lift depends for its unprecedented success. 
By attaching to the central dependent rod (i) a screw and 
wheel, by which it is lengthened, with other slight changes, the 
spring machine is so arranged that it will receive nearly 500 pounds 
of dead weight. When used as a dead weight machine, three of the 
most powerful grade of weight springs may be substituted for the 
THE COMB INA TION MACHINE. HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
37 
three wire springs upon the platform. No springs are placed, under 
the platform when the machine is used for a dead weight. Of course 
it is inferior to the standard machine first described, omitting, as it 
does, the spring platform and rests for the legs. 
The combination machine occupies about the same space as the 
second form of spring machines. Its weight alone is slightly aug- 
mented, and is also increased by whatever amount of dead weight 
may be used with it. 
PRICE OF APPARA TUS. 
The Standard Iron Machines first described are furnished by us 
for $300 each, with 600 lbs. of weights, two grades of straight 
handles, steps and seat, complete. Curved handles of different 
grades, adapting the centre lift to persons with short arms and long 
bodies, and additional straight handles are furnished at a slight ad- 
ditional expense. There is a small charge for boxing and carting, 
and the freight from Boston, which are always payable by the pur- 
chaser. Three or more of the best machines in one order will be 
furnished for $250 each, additional charges as above described. 
The Wooden Machine is furnished for $250, with all the ac- 
companiments of the iron machine except seat and steps. Extra 
charges the same. Three or more in one order, for $225 each. 
We have a few second-hand wooden machines, in good repair, 
which we can furnish for $200 each. 
The Combination spring and dead weight machines are furnished 
for $150 each, with full quota of springs and a single handle. Ad- 
ditional handles extra. Other charges as before mentioned. 
The Spring Machines, which avoid the use of weights, we fur- 
nish for $100 each, with single handle. Other charges as before 
mentioned. 
A small portable spring machine we expect to be able to offer 
for 850. This is adapted to light weights, suitable for use during 
a summer vacation, or temporary absence from the health lift 
100ms. 38 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
CONDITIONS OF SALE. 
Each of these machines is furnished under a form of lease, pre- 
pared by the inventor, which is intended to prevent its public use 
by people not qualified by experience to apply the exercise properly 
to others. The necessity of such an arrangement will be evident to 
all. The lease is liberal in its terms, permitting any friend to use 
the apparatus, at the option of the lessee, and admitting of a trans- 
fer, if desired, to any other party who will accept the conditions of 
the lease. The lease can be seen at our office by any one desiring 
to obtain the apparatus. 
FOR PRIVATE USE. 
Special arrangements will be made by us with parties desiring 
to introduce The Health Lift for public use in other cities or towns. 
A form of lease especially adapted to that purpose is granted in such 
instances, which may be seen at our office. 
FOR PUBLIC USE. 
In lifting, the entire body, from hips to head, maintains its 
normal upright position, precluding any displacement or unequal 
pressure on the viscera. The heels are placed equally distant from 
the rod, the toes turned well out, so that the knees bend outward, 
and the hip joints form an arch, the strongest mechanical position. 
The ankles should be on a line with the rod, not too far back or 
too far forward. The top of the shoulders should be well set back, 
the chest rounded out, the whole body square with the machine, 
without twist, the hips in a perpendicular line with the shoulders 
and ankles, the head straight up, and eyes slightly raised. Then by 
bending the knees as in Fig. 2, page-, the body is dropped astride 
the handle, without otherwise changing its position, and the hands 
clasp the handle firmly, one in front, and the other back, of the 
body. The weight is then raised by straightening the knees, without 
METHOD OF LIFTING BY THE CENTRE LIFT. HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
39 
drawing up the arms or shoulders in the least, until the knees are 
completely straight as in Fig. 3, page 33. The weight is then lowered 
as slowly as it was raised, and in the same manner, until the position 
in Fig. 2, is again reached, when the hands are unclasped, the body 
raised erect, as in lifting, but without the weight, and several full 
breaths taken. All this is done without changing in the least the 
upright position of the body ; after which the pupil rests upon the 
lounge or chair 
NUMBER OF LIFTS. 
The number of lifts varies from four to eight, according to the 
natural temperament, habits, and present condition of the patient or 
pupil, and is graduated at each exercise from light to heavier 
weights, according to the accompanying tables.* A strong, vigor- 
ous man, who has little other exercise, will take eight lifts. A 
weak, nervous invalid, should begin with only four or six. 
During the lift, the lungs should be moderately inflated, but not 
so much as to produce dizziness or stricture upon any part. 
IMPORTANCE OF REST. 
The rest between lifts and after the exercise is essential to 
secure the best results, giving time for a complete reaction to follow 
the absolute action of the lift, and preventing the inevitable ex- 
haustion of frequent repetitions without rest. 
FREQUENCY OF EXERCISE. 
There are very few persons who would be benefited by taking 
the Lifting exercise more than once a day; and in most cases a 
daily exercise is advisable. Very weak invalids, persons with ex- 
tremely small vitality, would do well to exercise only every other 
day, and with very moderate additions of weight. 
There are occasional cases, where a part of the body is much 
weaker than the system generally, as in local paralysis, where an 
* See pages 49, 50, 51. 40 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
exercise twice a day is advisable. The weak part can be exercised 
more frequently with benefit, since the amount of exercise taxes 
the general vitality so little that shorter intervals of time are re- 
quired for recuperation. So, also, in case of sudden headache, or 
other acute pain, after the regular exercise has been taken, another 
may be advisable. But people generally need to be reminded that 
the universal fault in all systems of exercise, is the tendency to over- 
work and exhaust the system. This should always be avoided. 
TIME FOR EXERCISE. 
The best time for taking the Health Lift is when the mind is 
most at rest, and can be given up, without haste, wholly to the 
treatment. If this condition can be secured three or four hours 
after breakfast, and before lunch or dinner, that hour is very desir- 
able. In the middle of the day all the electrical conditions are 
favorable to the most vigorous effort. Severe exercise should not 
be taken for at least one or two hours after eating. There is no 
objection to taking this exercise shortly before eating, the only 
caution necessary being to guard against overeating as a result of 
the stimulus of the lift. People troubled for want of sleep may 
find the latter part of the day, or just before retiring, the best hour 
for exercising. Many business men prefer to lift after the labor of 
the day is over, since the mind is free from the anxieties of busi- 
ness, and can more readily receive and appropriate the benefits of 
the exercise. We w'ould emphatically protest against the idea pro- 
mulgated in some institutions, that little or no rest is necessary to 
secure the full benefits of the lift. Thus, one doctor, who ought 
to know better,has advertised: " One minute's exercise, three times 
a week, sufficient." Americans are too apt to " bolt," food, exer- 
cise, and all the essentials of life. The advocates of The Health 
Lift should aim to neutralize rather than foster this universal haste, 
which is eating away the life of the nation. HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
41 
THE SIDE-LIFT COMPARED WITH THE CENTRE-LIFT. 
In another part of this book we have expressed a preference for 
the centre-lift over the side-lift, and alluded to the anatomical 
reasons for our preference. We propose here to explain more fully 
these two methods of lifting, and illustrate their respective effects 
upon the body. Fig. 6, page 42, represents the position recom- 
mended and practiced by the advocates of the side-lift. It is 
copied very accurately from a cut used by them to illustrate the 
"correct position." It will be seen from the dotted line h h that 
the line of direct traction passes through the back of the head, the 
shoulders, which are attached in the skeleton at the back of the 
body, downward through the region of the spine and large muscles 
of the back. Thus it is evident that the result of exercising in this 
manner will be to develop chiefly the deltoid, dorsal and oblique 
muscles of the shoulders and back, which are located in the line of 
direct traction, and to neglect almost entirely the important central 
portion of the frame where the viscera arc located, and the ab- 
dominal and chest muscles. One may be trained by this method 
to lift immense weights by the special culture of these few large 
muscles, with those of the leg and forearm, while the vital organs 
and front muscles of the body obtain but little strength from the 
exercise. Indeed, the effect in time must be, like that of any 
extreme special culture, to drain the general vitality in building up 
those local parts. 
It has been claimed by some that the position of this line of 
tension may be varied by changing the position of the feet upon 
the platform, or that of the shoulders. But.the attempt to cen- 
tralize it, if the shoulders are kept well back, and the chest out, as 
they ought to be, results only in a position like that represented in 
Fig. 7, page 43. Here the dotted line d d representing the line of 
traction, passes very nearly through the centre of the body, but to 
secure this, the hips are thrown too far back, the body stoops for- 
ward, and an injurious cross-strain is produced from head to hips. 
The dotted line e e represents the direction of the body, and the 
true line of traction were it erect; and, the angle between the two 
lines represents the amount of the cross-strain. 42 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
H 
A 
H 
FIG. 5. 
FIG. 6. 
The only other possible attempt to correct this error of the 
side-lift, results in cramping the chest, and rounding the shoulders 
and back, in the endeavor to throw forward the line of traction, 
and still preserve the upright position ; thus manifestly endangering 
the system, and violating the anatomical law. 
The correct position, as illustrated in the proper use of our 
centre-lift machines, is represented in Figs. 2, 3 and 5. The ob- 
jection usually urged against this method of lifting is that it induces 
a lateral twist of the body. That this is not true, is illustrated by 
Figs. 2 and 3, where the body is seen squarely fronting the spectator, 
as well as by the positions taken by pupils under training at our 
rooms. But the position of the hands, one in front of the body 
and the other behind, controls the weight in its proper position 
beneath the centre of the body, bringing the line of traction mid- 
way between back and front, as in Fig. 5, represented by dotted 
line a a, thus exercising equally the abdominal and pectoral muscles, 
as well as the centrally located viscera. For this and other reasons 
Dr. Butler, the original inventor of the side-lift, on which he has 
obtained letters patent, discarded it for the centre-lift. HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
43 
E 
D 
■B 
B 
c 
C 
ir 
fig. 7. 
E 
fig. 8. 
The change of hands, alternating from front to back, in the 
centre-lift, thus varying the traction upon the opposite sides of the 
body, produces a different and much more thorough exercise of the 
oblique muscles around the body, and the deltoid, flexor and ex- 
tensor muscles of the shoulder and arm than is possible in the 
single, unvarying position of the side-lift. 
Moreover, since almost every person is hereditarily stronger on 
one side of the body than the other (usually upon the right side), 
md since the side-lift allows one to stand nearer to one rod than 
he other, or to favor the weak side, there is danger that this in- 
equality of strength will be perpetuated and increased, instead of 
being gradually obviated, as in the centre-lift. Persons lifting in 
this manner by side handles, are liable to raise one shoulder higher 
than the other, as in Fig. 8, thus tending to induce or perpetuate a 
lateral flexure of the spine. 
The point of support in the centre-lift, being brought as near 
as possible to the absolute centre of the body, can be completely 
controlled by the position of the hands, one in front, and the othei 
behind the body. If the body sways slightly during the lift, the 44 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
weight is thus carried along with it in its movement, and the in- 
equalities of muscular action, which would take place under the side- 
lift, are thus prevented. 
The centre-lift is centralizing in its effect. The limbs and 
muscles act together toward a single focus, thus penetrating most 
thoroughly to the vital centres, and arousing the torpid internal 
organs; whereas the side-lift, as we have seen in Fig. 6, taxes rather 
the external muscles of the back and sides, and neglects the more 
important vital centres. The centre-lift gives a paralytic patient a 
firm support while lifting, whereas the side-lift leaves him with a 
feeling of insecurity. The point of tension is too far from the 
hands and centre of the body to be available as a support. 
The claim usually made for the side-lift, is that it allows ladies 
to exercise without the necessity of assuming the gymnastic dress. 
This fact, if we admit it, would be the strongest possible argument 
in favor of the centre-lift; for no lady, dressed in the ordinary 
combination of close-fitting corsets, and garments supported about 
the hips, can obtain a thorough exercise, without danger of con- 
gestion or visceral displacements as an effect of this compression, 
and the action of the exercise, forcing the blood into the com- 
pressed parts. But if the slight change necessary to give freedom of 
muscular action which would be essential to safety in the side-lift, 
be made, it is also sufficient to enable ladies to take exercise by the 
centre-lift, without the gymnastic dress, as many of our lady patrons 
will testify. Nevertheless, we decidedly advise the assumption of 
the gymnastic costume, in all cases. As a matter of fact, the in- 
stitutions in Boston and New York, where the centre-lift is used, 
have had a larger proportion of lady patrons, than those in Chi- 
cago and Cincinnati, where the side-lift has been used. 
Having the right to use and furnish to others both forms of 
apparatus, we can discuss this question without bias or prejudice. 
We may add that our opinion is also the opinion of Dr. Butler, 
the patentee of both forms of apparatus, Dr. Swain, of San Fran- 
cisco, who has had longer experience than any one in the business 
except Dr. Butler, and of all our leading advocates of the system. HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
45 
We think, however, the evident physiological reasons, and the 
practical results of the two systems should be sufficient to settle the 
question in favor of the centre-lift, without appeal to any personal 
authority, however good. 
Patients troubled with spinal weakness or irritation, have found 
that increased by the severe strain brought upon that part of the 
body by the side-lift; and paralytic patients have complained to 
the writer of the feeling of insecurity they have experienced in 
trying it; though the same patients felt only beneficial effects from 
the use of the centre-lift. 
SPRING ACTION. 
It is perhaps unnecessary to enlarge upon the importance of a 
perfect spring action, in every form of lifting apparatus. Without 
it, the effect is hard, harsh, and is liable to be injurious. It is an 
external muscular action at the best. The dead weight lift does 
not penetrate and arouse the viscera to new life, as the gentle, soft, 
and yielding spring action inevitably does. Believing it to be 
essential to safety, and no less important in securing that all-im- 
portant vital action and invigoration which is the foundation of the 
curative power of the Health Lift, we cannot do otherwise than 
affirm its importance in the strongest possible manner. It is a vital 
point in the Butler patent, and the inventor assures us that it will 
be protected. 
This spring action is found in perfection only in the apparatus 
used and furnished by us; having been the subject of most careful 
study and experiment by the inventor for seven years. 
In conclusion we would again say, that the Health Lift must be 
tested rather by its fruits than by its theories. We invite all to 
examine our testimonials from the profession and the people, and to 
apply the more important test of practical, personal trial. 46 
HEALTH-EXERCISE. 
DIREC TEO NS 
FOR ADJUSTING THE SPRINGS TO REPRESENT THE WEIGHTS TO BE 
In Fig. 4. p. 34, the spring-plate, which is seen under the plat- 
form of the machine, has seven cups, marked a, b, c, d, e, f and 
g, in which the springs representing the weights to be lifted are 
placed. 
There are three Drab springs, representing 25 lbs. each; three 
Red, of 50 lbs. each; and four Blue, of 125 lbs. each. 
A weight of 25 lbs. is represented by the spring-plate, rod and 
handle. They also make up 25 lbs. of the weight in every lift. 
Table a, p. 47, shows which springs are to be placed in the 
cups to make weights of the multiples of 25 lbs. up to 700 lbs. 
For instance, a weight of 400 lbs. is represented by a Blue spring in 
cup a, a Red in b, a Drab in d, a Red in f, and a Blue in g. 
Weights requiring additional fractions of 25 lbs. are made up 
by adding a sufficient amount of the small weights. For instance, 
a weight of 413 lbs. is made by arranging the springs, as directed 
above, for 400 lbs., and adding two 5 lb. weights, one 2 lb. and 
a 1 lb. weight on the centre pendant 1. 
In the spring-plate of some of the machines, the cups marked 
c and e in Fig. 4, p. 34, are omitted, and Table b, p. 48, is pre- 
pared for use in adjusting the springs on those machines. 
LIFTED. TABLE A. 
47 
Weights. 
A 
B 
C 
D 
E 
F 
G 
50... 
Drab 
25 
75... 
( Drab 
...4. 
Drab 
1 25 
25 
100... 
j Drab 
Drab 
Drab 
» 25 
25 
25 
125.... 
( Red 
Red 
I 5° 
5° 
150... 
( Red 
Drab 
Red 
1 5° 
25 
5° 
175.... 
( Red 
Red 
Red 
1 5° 
5° 
5° 
200... 
j Red 
Drab 
Drab 
Drab 
Red 
( 5° 
25 
25 
25 
5° 
225... 
( Red 
Drab 
Red 
Drab 
Red 
1 5° 
• • 
25 
" • • • 
5° 
25 
5° 
250... 
( Red 
Blue 
Red 
1 50 
125 
5° 
275... 
( Blue 
Blue 
1 125 
I25 
300... 
( Blue 
Drab 
Blue 
1 125 
25 
125 
325... 
( Blue 
Drab 
Drab 
Blue 
1 125 
25 
25 
125 
350... 
J Blue 
Drab 
Drab 
Drab 
Blue 
1 125 
25 
25 
25 
125 
375... 
j Blue 
Red 
Red 
Blue 
I 125 
5° 
5° 
125 
400... 
( Blue 
Red 
Drab 
Red 
Blue 
1 125 
5° 
25 
5° 
125 
425... 
( Blue 
Red 
Red 
Red 
Blue 
1 125 
5° 
5° 
5° 
J25 
450... 
( Blue 
1 125 
Red 
Drab 
Drab 
Drab 
Red 
Blue 
5° 
25 
25 
25 
5° 
125 
475... 
( Blue 
Red 
Drab 
Red 
Drab 
Red 
Blue 
1 125 
5° 
25 
5° 
25 
5° 
125 
500... 
( Blue 
Red 
Blue 
Red 
Blue 
1 125 
5° 
!25 
5° 
125 
525 
( Blue 
Blue 
Blue 
Blue 
1 125 
125 
125 
125 
j Blue 
Blue 
Drab 
Blue 
Blue 
1 125 
125 
25 
125 
125 
575... 
( Blue 
Blue 
Red 
Blue 
Blue 
( I25 
125 
5° 
125 
!25 
600... 
J Blue 
Blue 
Drab 
Drab 
Drab 
Blue 
Blue 
( 125 
125 
25 
25 
25 
125 
'25 
625... 
j Blue 
Blue 
Drab 
Red 
Drab 
Blue 
Blue 
1 125 
125 
25 
50 
25 
125 
125 
650 
( Blue 
Blue 
Red 
Drab 
Red 
Blue 
Blue 
1 125 
125 
5° 
25 
5° 
125 
125 
675.... 
( Blue 
Blue 
Red 
Red 
Red 
Blue 
Blue 
1 125 
125 
5° 
5° 
50 
125 
125 
700. . 
( Blue 
Blue 
Red 
Red 
Red 
Blue 
Blue 
1 125 
125 
5° 
5° 
5° 
125 
125 
And all the small iron weights. TABLE B. 
Weight. 
50... 
A 
J? 
D 
Drab 
F 
G 
( Drab .... 
25 
Drab 
1 25 
25 
1OO... 
( Drab .... 
Drab .... 
Drab 
1 25 
25 .... 
25 
125... 
(Red .... 
Red 
| 50 .... 
5° 
150... 
( Red .... 
Drab .... 
Red 
(50 .... 
25 .... 
50 
175... 
(Red .... 
Red .... 
Red 
' 1 50 •••• 
50 .... 
5° 
200... 
( Red .... 
Drab .... 
Drab .... 
Drab .... 
Red 
| 50 .... 
25 .... 
25 .... 
25 
5° 
225... 
( Red .... 
Drab .... 
Red .... 
Drab .... 
Red 
1 5° •••• 
25 .... 
50 .... 
25 .... 
50 
250... 
( Red .... 
Blue .... 
Red 
1 50 
125 .... 
5° 
275... 
( Blue .... 
Blue 
1 125 .... 
I25 
300... 
( Blue .... 
Drab .... 
Blue 
1 125 .... 
25 .... 
125 
325... 
( Blue .... 
Red .... 
Blue 
t 125 .... 
50 .... 
!25 
350... 
j Blue .... 
(125 .... 
Drab .... 
25 .... 
Drab .... 
25 .... 
Drab .... 
24 .... 
Blue 
125 
375... 
( Blue .... 
Drab .... 
Red ... 
Drab .... 
Blue 
1 125 .... 
25 .... 
50 .... 
25 .... 
125 
( Blue .... 
Red .... 
Drab .... 
Red .... 
Blue 
1 125 •••• 
S° • • • • 
25 .... 
So 
125 
425... 
( Blue .... 
Red .... 
Red .... 
Red .... 
Blue 
1 125 .... 
50 .... 
5° .... 
5° .... 
125 
( Blue .... 
Drab .... 
Blue .... 
Drab .... 
Blue 
1 125 .... 
25 .... 
125 .... 
25 .... 
125 
( Blue .... 
Drab .... 
Blue .... 
Red .... 
Blue 
1 125 .... 
25 .... 
125 .... 
5° • ■ • • 
125 
500... 
( Blue . .. 
Red .... 
Blue .... 
Red .... 
Blue 
I 125 .... 
50 .... 
125 .... 
50 .... 
125 
525... 
( Blue ... 
Blue .... 
Blue .... 
Blue 
1 125 .... 
125 .... 
125 .... 
125 
( Blue .... 
Blue .... 
Drab .... 
Blue .... 
Blue 
1 125 
125 .... 
25 •••• 
125 .... 
125 
575... 
( Blue .... 
Blue .... 
Red .... 
Blue ... 
Blue 
( 125 .... 
125 .... 
50 .... 
125 ... 
125 
600... 
(Blue .... 
Blue .... 
Red .... 
Blue .... 
Blue 
I 125 
125 .... 
50 .... 
125 .... 
125 
And all the small iron weights. Table for Grading Weights. 
3 Grades. 
50 to 250 lbs. 
5° 
4 Grades. 
4 Grades. 
4 Grades. 
to 250 
lbs. 
250 
to 
50° 
lbs. 
500 
to 750 lbs. 
25 
40 
50 
25 
35 
45 
5° 
125 
190 
235 
250 
250 
375 
47° 
500 
3° 
45 
55 
25 
4° 
5° 
55 
130 
195 
240 
255 
255 
380 
475 
505 
3° 
5° 
60 
3° 
45 
55 
60 
!3° 
'95 
245 
260 
255 
385 
480 
510 
35 
55 
65 
35 
50 
60 
65 
*35 
200 
250 
265 
260 
39° 
485 
515 
35 
60 
70 
35 
55 
65 
70 
*35 
205 
255 
270 
260 
39° 
49° 
520 
4° 
65 
75 
4° 
60 
70 
75 
140 
210 
360 
275 
265 
395 
495 
525 
4° 
70 
80 
40 
60 
75 
80 
140 
210 
265 
280 
265 
400 
50° 
53° 
45 
75 
85 
45 
65 
80 
85 
M5 
215 
270 
285 
270 
405 
505 
535 
45 
75 
90 
45 
70 
85 
9° 
M5 
220 
275 
290 
270 
405 
510 
540 
50 
80 
95 
5° 
75 
9° 
95 
150 
225 
280 
295 
275 
410 
515 
545 
50 
85 
IOO 
5° 
75 
95 
IOO 
150 
225 
280 
300 
275 
415 
520 
55° 
55 
9° 
105 
55 
80 
IOO 
Io5 
M5 
230 
285 
3°5 
280 
420 
525 
555 
.55 
9° 
no 
55 
85 
105 
no 
!55 
235 
290 
310 
280 
420 
53° 
560 
60 
95 
115 
60 
9° 
no 
115 
160 
240 
295 
3T5 
285 
425 
535 
565 
60 
loo 
120 
60 
9° 
no 
120 
160 
240 
300 
320 
285 
430 
54° 
57° 
65 
Io5 
!25 
65 
95 
115 
'25 
165 
245 
3°5 
325 
290 
435 
545 
575 
95 
110 
!3° 
95 
100 
120 
!3° 
165 
250 
310 
33° 
290 
435 
550 
580 
7° 
05 
J35 
70 
Io5 
125 
*35 
170 
255 
3'5 
335 
295 
44° 
555 
585 
70 
120 
140 
70 
Io5 
130 
140 
170 
255 
320 
34° 
295 
445 
560 
590 
75 
!25 
M5 
75 
no 
135 
MS 
J75 
260 
325 
345 
300 
450 
505 
595 
75 
I30 
150 
75 
XI5 
140 
'5° 
*75 
265 
330 
35° 
3°o 
450 
57° 
600 
80 
'35 
J55 
80 
120 
145 
155 
180 
270 
335 
355 
3°5 
455 
575 
605 
80 
140 
160 
80 
120 
!5° 
x6o 
180 
270 
34° 
360 
3°5 
460 
580 
610 
8.5 
140 
165 
85 
I25 
155 
165 
185 
275 
345 
365 
310 
465 
585 
615 
85 
145 
170 
85 
*3° 
160 
170 
185 
280 
350 
37° 
31° 
465 
59° 
620 
90 
*5° 
175 
90 
*35 
165 
*75 
190 
285 
355 
375 
3J5 
47° 
595 
625 
90 
'55 
180 
9° 
'35 
170 
180 
190 
285 
360 
380 
3*5 
475 
600 
630 
95 
160 
185 
95 
140 
x75 
185 
*95 
290 
365 
385 
320 
480 
605 
9.35 
95 
165 
190 
95 
M5 
180 
190 
195 
295 
370 
39° 
320 
480 
610 
640 
IOO 
170 
x95 
IOO 
J5O 
185 
195 
200 
300 
375 
395 
325 
485 
615 
645 
100 
170 
200 
100 
150 
185 
2CO 
200 
300 
375 
400 
325 
490 
620 
650 
105 
I75 
205 
IO5 
*55 
190 
205 
205 
3°5 
380 
405 
33° 
495 
625 
655 
105 
180 
210 
105 
160 
195 
210 
205 
310 
385 
410 
33° 
495 
630 
660 
no 
185 
215 
no 
200 
215 
210 
3'5 
39° 
4J5 
335 
500 
635 
665 
no 
190 
220 
no 
185 
205 
220 
210 
315 
395 
420 
335 
5°5 
640 
670 
115 
J95 
225 
"5 
170 
210 
225 
215 
320 
400 
425 
340 
5!° 
645 
675 
115 
200 
230 
"5 
*75 
215 
230 
215 
325 
405 
430 
540 
5io 
650 
680 
120 
205 
235 
120 
180 
220 
235 
220 
330 
410 
435 
345 
515 
955 
685 
120 
210 
240 
120 
180 
225 
240 
220 
330 
415 
440 
345 
520 
660 
690 
125 
215 
245 
I25 
185 
23° 
245 
225 
335 
420 
445 
35° 
525 
665 
995 
125 
220 
250 
125 
190 
235 
250 
225 
34° 
425 
450 
350 
525 
670 
700 
230 
345 
430 
455 
355 
430 
675 
705 
230 
345 
435 
460 
355 
535 
680 
710 
235 
350 
440 
465 
360 
54° 
685 
7J5 
235 
355 
445 
470 
360 
54° 
690 
720 
240 
360 
450 
475 
365 
545 
695 
725 
240 
380 
455 
480 
365 
550 
700 
73° 
245 
365 
460 
485 
37° 
555 
7°5 
735 
245 
37° 
465 
49° 
37° 
555 
710 
740 
250 
375 
470 
495 
375 
560 
7*5 
745 
250 
375 
47° 
500 
375 
565 
720 
750 Table for Grading Weights, 
COCOCOtOtOCOCOtoCOCOOJtOtOCOCOCOCOtOtOCOtOtoCOLOCoCotoCototOCOCO tO bJ bO M M bO bO N N tO 
*4 *4 -4 "4 O' Os Os Qstn (JI Ulin 4* 4*. 4* W W W W tJ to tO tO m t- - Q 0 O U'O'OO'XJ CO 03 OO 
tn Ln 0 0 tn 0 0 tn Ln Q Q tn cn 0 0 tn tn 0 Q tn tn Q 0 tn tn 0 0 tn tn G 0 tn tn 0 G tn Cn Q 0 tn tn 
to bO bO bO to bO bO 
Os Os Os Ostn 
0 0 tn tn 0 0 tn 
4 4 4 W W W W 
0 0 Q so so so CO 
tn tn 0 tn 0 0 Ln 
to W 1 
tn tn 
tn 0 
CL CL 
CO 
0 tn 
O 
O Lzx 
UJtMtOtOtOMMMOOsOsOsOOOCC 00-M *4 O'. Os Os tn tn tn 4* 4- CL CO LJ to to to m m 
tn 0 tn tn 0 tn 0 0 tn O tn tn 0 tri 0 0 tn 0 tn tn 0 tn 0 OtnOtntnOtnO 0 tn 0 
tn 0 tn 
tn 0 tn 0 0 
CsOsOsOsOsOsCnCnCntntnCntHCnCnCnCnCnCntnCnCnCnCnCnCn 
4 4 4 4 4. 
K. 
(!\ I /I 
tn 
-X- (il (il (ii 
-j- - 
0 tn 
O 
tn G tn 0 0 
tn 0 tn OtnOtntnOtnOtnOtn 0 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn Otntn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn Q Q tn Q 
Ln O tn 0 tn tn 0 
tn 0 
V] 
%q 
**4 "4 O\ O O 
OsOsOsOsOsOsCsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOs O'tn CnCnCntntntnCnCntnCntntnCntntn 
tn (n tn tn tn 4 A 
b 
Cl. 
tO O 
- 
t - - . c ■ - < 
CO co 
0 tn 
C 
tn 0 tn 0 tn 
0 tn 0 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn O tn 0 tn 0 tn Q tn 0 tn 0 tn tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 
0 Ln 0 tn 0 tn 0 
tn 0 
%q *4 
*q %q 
4 4 4 OsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsCsCsOsCsCsOsOs Os tn tnCnCnCncnCnCnCnCntn 
Ln tn tn tn tn Ln tn 
tn tn 
4 W (0 N h 
- C 0 C C CO CO *4 Os C Ln tn 4- 4- C- L- (. 14 - - L C 4 '.2 CO ' 1 O': tn -- 
4*. LJ !. (J - 
0 Ln 
U 
Ln 0 tn 0 tn 
0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn Q tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn Q Cn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 
0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 
Ln 0 
tn tn 
W OJ W W W W W 
co co 
8 8 
Ln 
SO so so 00 00 00 M *-q Os Os OS Os tn tnt(itn4^4'4*4iWtiJWW 10 to to to m m m m O 0 0 Q 
tn 0 Otntn 0 Otntn 0 Otntn 0 Otntn O Otntn 0 0 tn tn 0 Otntn 0 0 tn tn Q 0 tn tn 0 0 
sO so SO sO 00 CO 00 00"4 
tn Ln 0 Otntn 0 Otn 
M 
•O M 
V] V) V] 'Q K) 
*4 *4 41 *4 M 4j OsOsOSOsOsOsCsOsOsOsOsOSOsOSOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOSOS Os tn tn tn tn tn tn tn 
n t n 
0 
0 0 tn 
4- CL CL CL bO 
0 tn tn Q tn 
tOtO'-'-'OOQ'OSQsOOO *4 *4 Os Qs Qstn tn 4- 4- CL Co Cl to to m m h. 0 Q Q 
0 0 tn 0 tn tn 0 tn 0 0 tn C tn tn 0 tn 0 0 tn 0 tn Ln 0 tn 0 0 tn 0 tn tn 0 tn 0 0 
so so 00 00 
Ln O tn tn 0 tn 0 
■V4 OS 
O Ln 
Ln 
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00*4 
Os Qs Os Os Os Os Os 
Os Os 
O 
0 
tn tn 
0 
Os Os tn tn 4* 
tn 0 tn 0 tn 
-U4*WulOtOHHOOOsOsOCO 00*4 *4 *4 Os Otn 
OOtnOtnOtnOtntnOtnOLnOtnOOtnOtnOtnOtntnOtnOtnOtnOO 
SO sO 00 00*4 Os 
Ln 0 Ln 0 Ln 0 tn 
(n 
(OsOsOsOtOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CO*4 K] VJ sj -q Ki 
>q «<, -<j «»q <1 
*<3 
0 
u> 
ya 
0 
4* -4- CL LJ tO 
tn 0 tn 0 tn 
WhmOQsOsOOO CO*4 Os Qs Os tn L'4-4*CLGJ4K)m-OCsOsOCO 00 4 Os Os 
Otn Otn 0 Ln Otn Otn 0 pi 0 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn Otn Otn Otn Qtn Otntn 
OStn tn 4- 4- L4 cc to bO 
OtnOtnOLnOtnO 
s'g 
sO 
sO sO so sO sO 
S0s©s0s©s©xo0s0s0s0s0s0s0 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCOCO 00 
•0 
v4 >q 
cn 
8S 
'S 
CO 00VJ Ox 
tn O tn 0 tn 
Os tn tn 4*- UJ CaJ tO tO w >-< 0 0 SO sO 00 Os Os tn 4n4-4-WWtOtJH«OQsO 
O tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 Ln 0 tn 0 tn 0 '-n 0 tn 0 tn O Ut 0 tn 0 Ui 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn O tn 0 tn 
so 00 Os Ostn Ln 
0 tn O Ln 0 Ln 0 Ln Q 
tn tn 
r 
W DtJ W W W W 
8 8 
sO SO so so 00 00 
tn tn Q 0 Ln tn 
00 *4 -M Os Os Qs Qstn t/i til t/> 4- -U 4- 4- W W CJ W K) W W w m - - 0 0 Q Q 
0 0 tn tn 0 Otntn 0 Otntn 0 Otntn 0 0 tn tn 0 0 tn tn 0 0 tn tn 0 0 tn Ln Q 0 
SO SO sO sO 00 CO 00 
tn tn 0 0 tn tn 0 0 Ln 
tn tn 4? 
0 0 tn 
W W W M 
0 tn tn 0 tn 
vq -xq «<4 sq xq vq OsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOs-'sOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsCsQs 
bOtOMMOOQsQxQsOOO 00 N *4 OsQ tnCn4-4-4-LJt4t>Jb0tCwM>_iOQQ 
0 0 <n 0 Ln tn 0 tn 0 0 tn 0 tn Ln 0 tn 0 0 tn 0 tn tn 0 Ln 0 0 Ln 0 tn tn Q tn 0 0 
tn tn tn tn Ln tn tn 
SO sO 00 00 *4 
Ln 0 Ln tn Q Ln 0 
tn tn 
0 tn 
*O 
000000000000000000000000000000000000 'J44'44444'44'4'4'4444x]4,4444 
Os Os Os Os Os Os Os 
Os Os 
O 
tn tn 
0 
Os Os tn tn 4* 
tn 0 tn 0 tn 
4- 4- U W M W H 0 0 Q SO OCO *4 Os Qstn tn4>-4«-tA>t>Jt>JWtO--<-OQQ 
0 0 Ln 0 t/1 0 tn 0 tn Ln 0 Ln 0 Ln 0 Ln 0 0 Ln 0 Ln 0 Ln 0 Ln tn 0 Ln 0 tn 0 tn 0 0 
so xC 00 Os 
tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 
Os Qs 
tn 0 
0 
p 
lf*> sO 
sO sO sO so sO sO 
sO so 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000 OOvq 
•M ■O "4 *4 *4 
-q 
0 
t, - 
Lo 
" It - ~ C 
0 0 SO C CO CO'-J Os Ostn Ln 4- LL U. (4 tL C - - C C C < CO 00 *4 ' ' ui Ui 
-4- 4- LU CL tO tO 1- 
►- O 
0 tn 
0 
tn 0 tn 0 tn 
0 Otn Otn Otn Otn Osn Otn Otn Otntn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn Otn Otn Otn 0 Ln 0 0 tn Otn 0 Ln Otn 
0 tn 
O O 
sO 
SO sO sO sO sO 
sOsOsOsOsOtOsOsOsO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO *4 
xq -<J *q «q *q 
'1 
er 
00 vq 
0 tn 
0 
Os Os tn tn -b 
tn 0 tn 0 tn 
4- C4 LL tO bO - -< 0 0 SO SO 00 00 Os Os tn O' 4- 4 W LJ bO tO - 0 Q sO sO 0000 
OtnOtnOLnOtnOtnOOtnOtnOLnOtnOUiOtnOtnOtnOtnOLnO 
N vi Cs Ostn tn 4- 
tn 0 tn Q Ln G Ln 
0 U» 
Q sO 
sOsOsOVOsOsOtDsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 
*4 *<» K4 ■O •<! «<1 
»q <J 
0 O 
0 tn 
'S 
00 00 *4 O' 
tn 0 tn 0 tn 
Os Ln Ln 4* 4* tetr' to tO m m 0 Q so sO 00 Os Ostn tn 4- t>J Ll tC t4 >-< <- 0 Q -O 
Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn 0 tn Otn Otn Otn 0 tn Otn Otn Otn Otn 0 tn Otn 
SO 00 00'1 Os OSLn Ln 
0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn Q Table for Grading Weights. 
6 Grades 
1000 to 1250 lbs. 
tntntntntntntntntntntntntntntntn'_ntntntntntntnfjitntn 
Os Os Ostn bO KJ bO NJ ►-< m -■ « 0 0 Q 
tn 0 0 In In 0 0 tn tn 0 0 tn tn 0 0 tn tn 0 0 tn tn 0 0 tn tn Q 
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 
4- 4- W KJ bO to M M -< 0 Q O O O OOOO "M Os os Os tn tn 
tn 0 O tn 0 tn tn 0 tn O 0 tn 0 tn tn 0 tn 0 0 tn O tn tn 0 tn 0 
S0s0'0s0<0s0s©'0s0s0s0s0s0'0s0s0*©s0s0s0s0 OO 00 00 CO 00 
00 OO Os Os tn tn 4- 4*- 4*- to OJ tO KJ m - >■< 0 Q s£J s© 00 
tn 0 O tn Otn 0 tn O tn tn 0 tn 0 tn O tn O O tn 0 tn 0 tn 0 tn 
0 0 0 0 O 0 O O O 0 0 Q QsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsOsQsOsOsOsO 
tn tn tn -U 4- to to bO KJ m m 0 0 *O s© CO 'O Os Ostn tn 4- 4* 
tn 0 Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn 0 tn tn Otn Otn Otn 0 
**QOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOQQ'©sO'©s© 
0 Q 'OO 00 M Os Ostn tn 4- 4- to to to to m h 0 0 <O sO 0000 
tn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn 0 
mmhhhwOOQQOOOOOOOOOOOOOOQO 
MWhhOQOOCO Os Ostn tn4-4.totONJNJt-tH»0Q 
tn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn Otn 0 
Oj m 
0 in 
0 m o 
rt- xr- m 
0 m 0 
04 CM co 
HMM 
m o 
mo 1 
m c 
CO Tj- 
H H 
m o 
H M 
m 
m o 
b>00 I 
M H 
m o 
mo 
M H 
oo O' 8 
H H H CM 
JR M H M 
mom 
Ohm 
04 CM 04 
HMM 
mom 
00 O'O' 
M M M 
0 m o m o m 0 
cm cm co co '+■ m 
04 04 
8? 
04 04 
M M 
CM CM CM 04 04 
M M M M H 
O m o m 0 
m M 04 04 on 
04 CM 04 04 CM 
M M M M H 
in 0 
o 
M H 
m o 
H H 
0 m 
2 2 
0 m 0 
o o o 
m 0 m 0 
2 2 2* 
o' § 
2 
m m 
04 04 
'H Hf 
O m 0 
CO CO rj- 
H M M 
m 
m 0 m 0 m 
mo o bx 
M M M M H 
0 m 
ch O' 
Ch Ch 
§ s 2 
O 0 o 
m m 
2 2 
0 m 
04 04 
2 2 
0 m 
0 m 
0 o 
0 o 
2 2 
mom 
mo o 
0 0 O 
O m o mmo m 
oo oo O' O' 
O O 0 O 0 0 0 
M M H M M H M 
0 m m o tn o 0 in 0 mmo m 
m m mo o b<. r>.oo co co O' Ch 
oooooooooooooooooooooooooo 
0 0 m o m 
O'. O' Ch O' Ch 
m 0 
m CM 
Ch O' 
m 0 0 m 0 
O' O' O' O' O' 
m o 
in m 
0 m in o 0 mmo O 
oo oo oo O' O' 
mmmmmmmmm 
588 8 
m mo o 
m m o O m 
o o o o o 
m 0 0 m m 
M CM 04 CM 04 
o o o o o 
The table for four grades "below 250 lbs. is usually preferable, except for ex- 
tremely light weights, when the patient lifts only six times. In the heavier 
weights, the tables indicating the greater number of grades should be followed 
when the greatest accuracy and best possible results are desired. CONTENTS. 
PAGE. 
To the Reader 3 
Introductory 5 
Philosophy of the Lifting Exercise 6 
Adaptability to the Bony Structure 10 
Action on the External Muscles 13 
Effect on the Viscera 15 
Effect on the Circulation 17 
Effect on the Brain, the Nervous System, and the Mind 21 
Physical Changes resulting from the Lifting Exercise 24 
Curative Effects .. 28 
Apparatus of The Health Lift 31 
The Standard Iron Machine 31 
The Wooden Machine 33 
The Spring Machine 34 
The Combination Machine 36 
Price of Apparatus 37 
Conditions of Sale 38 
Method of Lifting by the Centre-Lift 38 
Number of Lifts 39 
Importance of Rest 39 
Frequency of Exercise 39 
Time for Exercise 40 
The Side-Lift, Compared with the Centre-Lift 41 
Spring Action 45 
Directions for adjusting Spring Machine 46 
Tables for Spring Machine 47, 48 
Tables for Gradation of Weights49, 50, 51 
Index 53 
Advertisement 
INDEX TO CUTS. 
Frontispiece-National Park Bank Building-Principal Office of 
The Health Lift. 
page. 
Fig. i. Best Iron Machine 31 
" a. Wooden Machine 33 
" " Position, Front view, Weight at Rest 33 
" 3. Wooden Machine 33 
" " Position, Front View, Weight Raised 33 
" 4. Spring Machine 34 
" 5. Correct Position, Centre-Lift, Side View 42 
" 6. Side-Lift, so-called Correct Position 42 
" 7. Side-Lift, Attempt to Centralize the Line of Traction 43 
" 8. Side-Lift, Shoulders out of Line.... 43 INDEX. 
PAGE. 
Action on the External Muscles 15 
Adaptability to the Bony Structure 10 
Apparatus of The Health Lift 31 
Apparatus, Price of 37 
Bony Structure, Adaptability to 10 
Brain, Effect upon 21 
Centre-Lift, Compared with Side-Lift 41 
" Method of Lifting by 38 
Changes, Physical, resulting from Lifting Exercise 24 
Circulation, Effect on the 17 
Combination Machine 36 
Conditions of Sale 38 
Curative Effects 28 
Directions for using Spring Machine 46 
Effect on the Brain 21 
" " Circulation.... 17 
" " Mind 2i 
" " Nervous System 21 
" " Viscera 15 
Effects, Curative 28 
Exercise, Frequency of. 
" The Lifting, Philosophy of. 6 
" " Physical Results 24 
" Time for 40 
External Muscles, Action on 13 
Frequency of Exercise 39 
Gradation of Weights, Table for49, 50, 51 
Health Lift, Apparatus of 31 
Importance of Rest 39 
Introductory 5 
Iron Machine, The Standard 31 54 
INDEX. 
PAGE. 
Lift, Centre, Compared with Side 41 
" " Method of Lifting by 38 
Lifts, number of 39 
Lifting Exercise, Philosophy of. 6 
" " Physical Changes by 24 
Machine, The Combination 36 
" The Spring 34 
" " Tables for 47> 48 
" The Standard Iron . 31 
" The Wooden 33 
Method of Lifting by Centre-Lift 38 
Mind, Effect on ax 
Nervous System, Effect on 21 
Number of Lifts 39 
Philosophy of the Lifting Exercise 6 
Physical Changes resulting from Lifting Exercise 24 
Price of Apparatus 37 
Rest, Importance of 39 
Sale, Conditions of. 38 
Side-Lift, Compared with Centre-Lift 41 
Spring Action 45 
Spring Machine ■ ■ • 34 
" " Directions for using 46 
" " Tables for 47,48 
Standard Iron Machine 31 
Table A, for adjusting Springs on Spring Machine 47 
Table B, " " " " " 48 
Table for Gradation of Weights 49, 50, 51 
Time for Exercise 4° 
To the Reader 3 
Viscera, Effect on T5 
Weights, Table for Gradation of 49, 5°, 51 
Wopden Machine 33