Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1831 edition. Excerpt: ... should be less active, and carry lighter weights. In other countries, heat is considered a sufficient cause for the reduction of labour; while in England, operatives employ all their strength, as well in a temperature equal to that of the tropics, as in the open air of our winters. 2. The drinking lemonade, or other diluent during the time of labour, rather than the noxious compound called ale. 3. The use of stimulants with the food, after labour. 4. The reduction of the period of labour. Having thus examined the effects of the principal occupations of the labouring classes, we proceed to the second great class, II. Dealers. These are chiefly Shopkeepers, who live in a confined atmosphere, and whose employments are a compound of the active and sedentary, with generally, however, more of the latter than the former. The character of their occupation is modified by the articles in which they deal; but, with some slight exceptions, they are subjected to no deleterious effluvium. They are, however much too confined. Standing behind the counter all day, or sitting in a small back parlour, with eyes directed through an inner window, to watch for customers, --taking their meals at broken times, --all day on the move, yet never in exercise, --closing their shutters at 9, and afterwards sorting and replacing their goods till 11 or 12, they present a sad picture of an unnatural life--a life which sinks alike mental and corporeal energies. To them, the elements and seasons are indifferent, except so far as bad weather diminishes the number of their visiters. Intent on their occupations, they neglect the care of health. Week after week passes, without affording them one pure inspiration. Often, also, they have not exercise even in the open air of the
