The Necessity for a Knowledge of Physiology by Elsie A. Brown

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 9, 1908

The Necessity for a Knowledge of Physiology

By Elsie A. Brown

“The people need to see the bearing of health principles upon their well-being, both for this life and for the life to come.”

“They need to be awakened to their responsibility for the human habitation, fitted up by their Creator as his dwelling-place, and over which he desires them to be faithful stewards.”

That the need for this is imperative, is evidenced to us in the death of a million people every year in the United States alone. It is believed that of this number a large proportion might be saved. The spirit of prophecy tells us that “ignorance of physiology and neglect to observe the laws of health, have brought many to the grave, who might have lived, to labor and study intelligently.”—“Healthful Living,” page 14.

It is stated that one half of the children born die before they are five years old. About one infant in every six dies before it reaches the first anniversary of its birth. There is not a doubt but that the larger portion of these deaths might be prevented by proper care.

The eminent physician, Dr. Pryor, is authority for the statement that consumption alone sweeps off the earth annually one million ninety-five thousand people. He says that New York City alone yields up nine thousand yearly to this dread disease.

Other diseases are increasing correspondingly. For instance, statistics show that insanity, imbecility, and epilepsy have increased three hundred per cent in the last fifty years.

Have we need of further evidence that it is our duty as well as privilege to acquaint ourselves with physiology, and the laws that relate to our physical well-being? When the spirit of prophecy tells us that “it is therefore of the highest importance that among studies selected for childhood, physiology should occupy the first place,” shall we not say, Amen?

In “Healthful Living,” page 145, we are told that the first education that children should receive from their mother in infancy should be in regard to their physical health.

From “Ministry of Healing” we read that too much importance can not be placed upon the early training of children. The lessons learned, the habits formed, during the years of infancy and childhood have more to do with the formation of the character, and the direction of the life, than have all the instruction and training of after years. Parents need to consider this. They should become acquainted with the organism of the human body. They need to understand the function of the various organs, and their relation and dependence. They should study the relation of the mental to the physical powers, and the conditions required for the healthy action of each.

This precious volume, “Ministry of Healing,” tells us that to assume the responsibilities of parenthood without such preparation, is a sin. There, too, we learn that we are to “lead the people to study that marvelous organism, the human body, and the laws by which it is governed. Those who perceive the evidence of God’s love, who understand something of the wisdom and beneficence of his laws, and the results of obedience, will come to regard their duties and obligations from an altogether different point of view.” “Instead of looking upon an observance of the laws of health as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, they will regard it as it really is, an inestimable blessing.” How can it be regarded in any other light, since through this observance, very largely, we are to acquire the fitness that will enable us to stand in the day when “a thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand”? How great a blessing these laws have been to us we shall never fully realize until we become citizens of that country whose inhabitant shall not say, I am sick.

ELSIE A. BROWN.