The Marietta Journal

BENEFIT OF LAUGHTER

Probably there is not the remotest corner or little inlet of the minute blood-vessels of the body that does not feel some wavelet from the convulsions of hearty laughter. The blood moves more lively--probably its chemical, electric, or vital condition is distinctly modified-it conveys a different impression to all the organs of the body as it visits them on that particular mystic journey when we are laughing, from what it does at other times. And so, we doubt not, a good laugh may lengthen our lives, conveying a distinct stimulus to the vital forces. And the time may come when physicians, attending more closely than they are apt to do at present to the innumerable subtle influence which the soul exerts upon its tenement of clay. shall prescribe to a torpid patient, so many peals of laughter, to be undergone at such and such a time." just as they now do that far more objectionable prescription, a pill or an electric or galvanic shock; and shall study the best and most effective method of producing the required effect in each patient.---Herald of Health.