To those who are too weak for exercise, even the mildest, and in the best weather, the great relief is a flesh-brush; and the effects of this, when used with care and constancy, are more than can be imagined. We know what we expect from exercise; and in old men, the greatest of its advantages is the assisting circulation. The flesh-brush does this nearly in as great a degree, excepting only for the immediate time: but to have the full benefit, it must be regularly and frequently repeated. Another excellent succedaneum for exercise is washing the body with warm water, and then rubbing it very well with repeated dry cloths. This has many peculiar advantages: the warmth assists perspiration; the washing opens the pores; and the rubbing afterwards is nearly equal to the effect of the flesh-brush. The warmth and moisture join also in softening the skin, and rendering it supple: and this is a great point; for all are apt to grow hard and dry with age. Great care must be taken to avoid taking cold after this. The best time for it is therefore evening, in a warm bedchamber; and the bed should be ready immediately; that the person may go into it while he is yet hot. The hands and feet should have their full share in this washing and rubbing; for the circulation is weakest there; and the pores most liable to be stopped. The hot bath answers, in some degree, this purpose; and will be spoken of hereafter: but that is rather to be used as a remedy than a preservative; and we are here treating of aged men in health. CHAP. VIII. _Of a regulation of temper; and of the passions._ Without entering into the province of the moralist or preacher, we may affirm here, that the passions demand great regard in preserving the health of old men. The motion of the blood in circulation is greatly affected and altered by them: and the nerves may suffer yet more. The whole frame is disordered by violent passions: and I have often seen diseases; and sometimes immediate death has been the consequence of giving full scope to them. Nothing in this world is worth the trouble and distress men bring upon themselves by giving way to immoderate passions. Life is the greatest blessing; and health the next; and these both suffer by that fond indulgence. That the circulation is disordered by passions, we know from the true and certain indication of the pulse. In anger, it is violent and hard; in grief, faint, and slow; terrors make it irregular; and shame impedes its motions.