Yawn And Laugh Often

It is not so very long ago since a foreigii scieutist discoursed on the beuefits of yawning. This act, whioh is generally regarded as partaking of the nature of a tired condition, or symptoni of such a conditiou, of the respiration and of the need for fresh air, is said to be of great service in clearing the eustachian tubes of the ears. These tubes lead from the back of the mouth to the inner side of the ear drum, and a yawning is looked upon in this light as a hygienic exercise which benefits the structures in question. Another scientist has no diffictilty in showing that when we laugh we increase the play of tensión in our lungs. One result of this increased tensión is to arrest the blood flow in Lh& lungs and to induce the taking oí deep inspirations. These latter are healthful things, for inany parts of our lungs are not called into active use in ordinary breathing. The apex, or top of the lung, is notably a part which does not actively particípate in the rnoveruents of breathing, and as this is the special seat of consumption attack we inay reasonably hold that the law of disuse explains the greater liability of this portion of the organ to the onset of disease. The free and active use of a part, strengthening and toning it, as it were, is an essential condition for health; henee laughter, by bringing into play the whole of the lungs, or at least by favoring an increase of lung work, is te be reckoned an admirable exercise. Besides this physical effect of laughter we have also to take into account its mental side. There is a certain brain stimulus to be noted, a psychic result, in addition to the physical effect, and it is pretty certain the mental phase oí a good, hearty laugh is, in its way, as healthful as is its physical aspect. Singing is also praised as an excellent lung exercise, and public speaking is as effective a lung tonic as one may wish for. The only drawback to the work oi the speaker is the foul condition of the atmosphere in which he has often to de his