CHAPTER XIV

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HEAVY WEIGHT-LIFTING.

It is not my purpose in this book to give anything beyond general directions for lifting heavy weights. You can become thoroughly strong and enjoy perfect health by means of the series of exercises already described. Heavy weight-lifting requires personal instruction; that instruction will be given to those who may desire it at my schools. Under qualified instructors it may be pursued without the risk of danger.

Generally, however, it may be observed that to lift heavy weights it is desirable first to see what weight can be used without undue strain. Slowly raise this weight from your shoulder over your head, or, if from the ground, raise it somewhat more quickly. See how many times you are able to raise the weight first selected, and when you can perform the exercise with comparative ease, raising it, say, ten times, up to 80 lbs., six times from 80 to 100, and afterwards three times, increase the weight for the next day’s exercise by five pounds. Continue this increase as you grow more capable, remembering always to bring the left hand into play as well as the right; at the same time, though it should not be neglected, avoid overtaxing the left side.

The great thing to remember is to go slowly. Avoid anything like spasmodic efforts, and endeavour before trying a lift to thoroughly think out the different movements. Weight-lifting should never be practised in a confined space or where the weight cannot be readily dropped. To attempt to hold on to a weight after the balance has been lost may result in serious strains and other injuries; the pupil should practice dropping a weight from any position safely and gracefully. If the pupil bear these few hints in mind he will come to no harm, but, as I have said, weight-lifting is best left alone until it can be practised under the personal supervision of an experienced instructor.

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A PLEASING TRIBUTE.

The following letter was written me by Colonel Fox, late Her Majesty’s Inspector of Army Gymnasia, a gentleman to whom I am very greatly indebted for the interest he has taken for years past in my work and for the zeal he has shown in getting the system introduced into the British Army:—

The Gymnasium. Aldershot. 29th July, 1893.

Dear Mr. Sandow,

I am in receipt of your letter from New York which reached me on the 23rd instant, and am very glad to hear of your success in America. The book you speak of as being about to be published should also be very successful, and ought to do much towards making your system of physical development widely known.[1] Since your last visit to us here my Staff Instructors and non-commissioned officers under training have been energetically practicing the light dumb-bell exercises you so kindly showed them.

I am convinced that your series of exercises are excellent and most carefully thought out, with a comprehensive view to the development of the body as a _whole_. Any man honestly following out your clear and simple instructions could not fail to enormously and rapidly improve his physique.

It is almost superfluous for me to add that you yourself, in _propria persona_, are the best possible advertisement of the merits of your system of training and developing of the human body.

Any individual gifted with a fair amount of determination, is absolutely certain to develop his physical powers at an extraordinarily rapid rate and with the most happy results to his general health and mental powers and activity, by following with intelligence your system. As you very rightly say, it is only by bringing the brain to bear upon our exercises that we can hope to produce the best results with the shortest possible expenditure of time.

The absence of expensive and cumbrous apparatus is no small recommendation of your system, and you are thoroughly in the right when you assert that lasting muscular development, and consequent strength, can be best produced by the constant and energetic use of light dumb-bells, employed in a sound and scientific manner.

Believe me, yours very truly, (Signed) G. M. Fox, Lieut.-Colonel, H.M. Inspector of Gymnasia in Great Britain.

Professor Eugen Sandow, New York, U.S.A.

[1] The book referred to is the large one which was published some years ago, and which is now out of print.

LETTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF PUPILS.

In the following pages will be found a selection from many thousands of letters which have been addressed to me by pupils who have already profited from my system of Physical Culture. Attention is specially directed to the measurements before and after training, showing the actual progress made in muscular development.

VACHWEN, MARLBOROUGH ROAD, WATFORD, _March 11th, 1899_.

MR. SANDOW. DEAR SIR,

_I have just completed a course of lessons at your “School of Physical Culture,” from which I have derived untold benefit. Through the greater part of last year I was so ill that for some time it was feared I might go into consumption. I was medically treated, and at length permitted by my doctor to try what your exercises would do._

_I entered your School with weak heart, weak lungs, digestion sadly impaired. After three lessons, with persistent home work, I began very slowly to gain strength and an appetite, and now, at the end of my course, I am quite a new creature--full of vitality and energy._

_The upper part of the lung, which was the chief cause of my trouble, is quite healed and healthy. I never know now what it is to feel pain and tightness in the bronchial tubes, from which I constantly suffered in the past. My digestive organs too are quite well._

I have gained in weight 7 lbs. ” ” round the neck 1 in. ” ” in the chest (contracted) 3½ ins. ” ” ” ” (expanded) 4 ins. ” ” ” forearm 2½ ins. ” ” ” upper arm 2½ ins. ” ” in lung capacity 100 cbc. ins.

_I should be quite pleased to be of use to you at any time in recommending to weak ones, who may be timid to commence the work, the immense benefit to be derived from it, by my own personal experience. I should like also to mention the very kind and careful treatment I have received both from your Manager, Mr. Clease, and the Class Instructor. They give the weak ones their particular attention, so that in working one is never over-worked._

_I remain, Yours gratefully_, MARY E. S. ADAMS.

EBURY STREET SCHOOL.

COPY OF MEASUREMENT SHEET.

_Name_:—MISS ADAMS.

_Address_:--Marlborough Road, Watford.

_Result of Medical Examination_:—“Very Bad.”

_Nature of Illness_:—“The doctors say consumption.”

_Remarks_:—“This is the weakest case I have ever had to treat.”

Before After After Training. 6 weeks. 3 months. Increases. Neck 11 11¾ 12 1 Chest Contracted 28 30½ 31½ 3½ ” Expanded 30 33 35 5 Upper Arm, Right 8½ 10 11 2½ ” Left 8 10 10½ 2½ Fore Arm, Right 8¼ 9½ 10¾ 2½ ” Left 8¼ 9½ 10¼ 2 Waist 22 23 23 1 Thigh, Right 16 17½ 18½ 2½ ” Left 16 17½ 18½ 2½ Calf, Right 10¾ 11¼ 11¾ 1 ” Left 10¾ 11¼ 11¾ 1 Height 5ft. 6in. 5ft. 6½in. 5ft. 7in. 1in. Weight 7st. 2lb. 7st. 8lb. 7st. 9lb. 7lb. Lung Capacity 100 170 200 100 Chest Expansion 2 2½ 3½ 1½

57, GLOUCESTER TERRACE, W.,

_March 12th, 1899_.

DEAR SIR,

_I am glad to take this opportunity of saying how very much my health has benefited in every way from your system of Physical Culture. It always gives me great pleasure to recommend the same to my friends._

_I am_,

_Yours faithfully_,

JULIA F. M. JOHNSTON.

E. SANDOW, ESQ.

EBURY STREET SCHOOL.

COPY OF MEASUREMENT SHEET.

_Name_:—MISS J. F. M. JOHNSTON.

_Address_:--57, Gloucester Terrace, W.

Before After After Training. 6 weeks. 3 months. Increases. Neck 12⅜ 13 13¼ ⅞ Chest Contracted 29½ 31 31½ 2 ” Expanded 32 36½ 37 5 Upper Arm, Right 10 12 12½ 2½ ” Left 10⅛ 12 12½ 2⅜ Fore Arm, Right 9½ 10¼ 10½ 1 ” Left 8¾ 10¼ 10½ 1¾ Waist 24 24 24½ ½ Thigh, Right 18½ 19½ 19¾ 1¼ ” Left 18½ 19½ 19¾ 1¼ Calf, Right 12 13 13¼ 1¼ ” Left 12 13 13¼ 1¼ Height 5ft. 4⅜in. 5ft. 4¾in. — ⅜ Weight 8st. 3lb. 8st. 4lb. 8st. 6lb. 3lb. Lung Capacity 200 219 222 22 Chest Expansion 2½ 5½ 5½ 3

[Illustration: THOS. A. FOX.]

23, CHURCH ROW, LIMEHOUSE, E., _December 3rd_.

MR. E. SANDOW,

DEAR SIR,

_I write these few lines to convey to you my thanks and gratitude for the boon you have given me and the public at large. I refer to your excellent book on how to gain health, muscle, and strength._

_I procured one about two years ago, and have studied and practised the drills incessantly since. The result is far beyond my expectations. I am nineteen years of age and small of stature, being only five feet in height and seven stone in weight, yet, without exaggeration, I can say that my strength and muscular development would do credit to a man six feet high._

_I have gained this solely by your system and cannot praise it too highly._

_Another great advantage over other systems is the small outlay required, as I have obtained for a few shillings all that is necessary to train with, whereas if I had trained under another system I should have had to have made a much larger outlay for apparatus._

_I enclose a list stating what I have gained in strength and muscle since I started training._

_It will always be a great pleasure to me to answer any questions concerning your system, likewise interview anyone who might be desirous of seeing me._

_I remain, Yours truly_, THOS. A. FOX.

_Name_:—T. A. FOX.

_Address_:--23, CHURCH ROW, LIMEHOUSE, E.

MEASUREMENTS.

BEFORE TRAINING. AFTER TRAINING.

Chest 29 inches 32½ inches Chest (expanded) 30 ” 34 ” Biceps 10 ” 13 ” Forearm 9½ ” 12 ” Thigh 16½ ” 20 ” Calf 11 ” 13 ” Waist 26 ” 26 ”

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HEAVY WEIGHT-LIFTING.

BEFORE TRAINING.

{Right hand 56lb dumb-bell. From ground above {Left hand 46lb ” head {Both hands 84lb bar.

Holding at arm’s length} Right hand 22lb weight. straight from shoulder } Left hand 20lb ”

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After two years’ training under your system.

{Right hand 100lb dumb-bell. From ground above {Left hand 80lb ” head {Both hands 130lb ”

Holding at arm’s length } Right hand 40lb weight. straight from shoulder } Left hand 30lb ”

[Illustration: JOHN P. PETERS. (Before Training.)]

[Illustration: JOHN P. PETERS. (After Training.)]

MON REPOS, 66A, HERNE HILL, LONDON, S.E.,

_March 6th_.

MANAGER CLEASE,

DEAR SIR,

_It is just over three years since I started to improve my physical power by means of the Sandow system, and I take this opportunity of forwarding some photographs taken at different periods. In what measure I have succeeded can best be seen by comparison of my original efforts and my present attainments, of which I also forward a list. Although they are as yet nothing to boast about or sufficiently great to be handed down to posterity, they are the result of close application to the system Mr. Sandow originated, and by means of which, in a few years, I hope to attain the culmination of human strength, and, if possible, to rival that of Sandow himself, for I am a firm believer in starting with an almost unattainable ideal, then gradually coming within measurable distance of it, and eventually, perhaps, to reach it. To do this will require the exercise of many mental qualities, determination, perseverance, and endurance. I suppose there are many young men like myself in whom Mr. Sandow has awakened a latent ambition to muscular prowess, and in doing so I state without any hesitation that he alone has done as much good for the country as any man of the present century._

_I can only conclude with expressing my deep gratitude to Mr. Sandow for the splendid facilities he has offered to those who wish to be classed as nature’s men (which is indeed the duty of man), and in doing so I am but echoing the sentiments of many of his pupils._

_I have the honour to be, Faithfully yours_,

JOHN D. PETERS.

EBURY STREET SCHOOL.

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COPY OF MEASUREMENT SHEET.

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_Name_:—JOHN PETERS.

_Address_:--66a, Herne Hill, S.E.

Before After Training. Course. Increase.

Neck 16 18½ 2½ Chest, contracted 38 40 2 ” expanded 44 47 3 Upper Arm, Right 15¾ 17½ 1¾ ” Left 15 17 2 Forearm, Right 13 15 2 ” Left 12¼ 14½ 2¼ Waist 30 30 — Thigh, Right 23½ 24½ 1 ” Left 23¾ 24¼ ½ Calf, Right 15½ 16½ 1 ” Left 15½ 16 ½ Height 5ft. 11in. 6ft. ⅜in. 1¼ Weight 13 st. 13st. 6lb 6 Lung Capacity 276 320 44 Chest Expansion 6 7 1

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Mr. Peters is a fine weight-lifter, having accomplished the splendid feat of raising 210lb from the floor to arms’ length above the head, _using one hand only_. This is probably the amateur record. As he is only 23 years old there is yet plenty of time for him to far eclipse even this striking feat.

30, GUILDFORD STREET, RUSSELL SQUARE, W.C.,

_13th March_.

DEAR SIR,

_It affords me much pleasure in stating that since I commenced taking your course of instruction I have greatly increased in strength and physical development--my biceps having increased two inches, and my other muscles proportionately. I am convinced that a course of your instruction would prove beneficial to any one, whether naturally muscular or otherwise. Your system is one of such gradual progression that it cannot fail to strengthen the constitution of a person even in a delicate state of health. I shall have much pleasure in recommending your School of Physical Culture to my friends._

_Yours sincerely_,

LESLIE HOOD.

EUGEN SANDOW, ESQ.

[Illustration: LESLIE HOOD.]

EBURY STREET SCHOOL.

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COPY OF MEASUREMENT SHEET.

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_Name_:—L. HOOD.[2]

_Address_:--30, Guildford St., W.C.

Before After Increases. Training. 3 months.

Neck 15 16 1 Chest Contracted 35½ 36 ½ ” Expanded 38⅝ 42 3⅜ Upper Arm, Right 13⅞ 15¼ 1⅜ ” ” Left 13⅞ 14¾ ⅞ Fore Arm, Right 12 13¼ 1¼ ” ” Left 11⅞ 13 1⅛ Waist 28½ 29½ 1 Thigh, Right 22 22¾ ¾ ” Left 21¾ 22½ ¾ Calf, Right 14¾ 15 ⅜ ” Left 14⅛ 14½ ⅜ Height 5ft. 7¼in. — — Weight 10st. 8lbs 10st.9lbs. 1 Lung Capacity 281 — — Chest Expansion 3⅛ 6 2⅞

[2] This pupil had been working three months before joining this school, hence the increases are not so marked as in the case of a beginner.

[Illustration: ROLAND HASTINGS]

34, DUKE STREET, ST. JAMES’S, S.W., _March 4th, 1899_.

DEAR MR. SANDOW,

_Not often is it given to us in this life to sow our seed and gather in the full fruits of the same. Therefore it is with more than ordinary pleasure that I write this letter to say that with your system of Physical Culture this extremely satisfactory result is to be obtained._

_When first I joined your school some four or five months ago I was a very fair average specimen of a young Englishman (and our national thews and sinews are by no means to be despised), but owing, in a great measure, I suppose, to my city life, I had run a little to seed, and more than once had required the aid of doctors and tonics. The advice of the former invariably ended with the same formula, “take more exercise.”_

_I was quite ready to agree with them, as during my holidays in the country, when I was exercising in one form or another nearly the whole day, I felt quite a different man and as fit as possible._

_But work in the city is a little difficult to reconcile with plenty of exercise. Some time previously Mr. Sandow had opened his school for Physical Culture, and having often admired him and his feats from afar, I resolved to go to him._

_I am a business man, and from a business point of view I never did a better stroke of business in my life._

_I am a mortal being, and speaking from a human point of view I never in my life came to a happier conclusion than when I resolved to become a pupil of the School of Physical Culture. I have increased in girth and weight without scarcely a superfluous ounce of flesh._

_My working capabilities and staying powers are all doubled, and what before was an effort has now become a pleasure. Indigestion, torpid lassitudes, rasped nerves, and jaded appetite, are to me now unknown quantities._

_With splendid appetite, long peaceful nights, and wondrous powers of vigour and vitality, I can face the world and with a deep sense of gratitude say, this is what Mr. Sandow and his system of Physical Culture have done for me._

_Yours sincerely_, ROLAND HASTINGS.

_P.S.--I may add I am a pupil at the St. James’s Street School._

ST. JAMES’S STREET SCHOOL.

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COPY OF MEASUREMENT SHEET.

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_Name_:—ROLAND HASTINGS.

_Address_:--Southsea House, Threadneedle St., E.C.

Before After Increases Training. 3 Months.

Neck 14½ 16¾ 2¼ Chest Contracted 34½ 36 1½ ” Expanded 36½ 43¼ 6¾ Upper Arm, Right 11¾ 15 3¼ ” Left 11⅝⅝ 15 3⅜ Fore Arm, Right 11⅞ 14 2⅛ ” Left 11⅞ 14 2⅛ Waist 29¼ 30¾ 1½ Thigh, Right 20½ 22½ 2 ” Left 20½ 22½ 2 Calf, Right 13½ 14¼ ¾ ” Left 13⅝ 14¼ ⅝ Height 5ft. 7½in 5ft. 7½in — Weight 10st. 4lbs 11st. 4lbs 1st. Lung Capacity 255 — — Chest Expansion 2 7¼ 5¼

[Illustration: A. FOULKES.]

18, ST. STEPHEN’S ROAD, BAYSWATER, W., _March 10th, 1899_.

DEAR SIR,

_Your system has certainly done me a lot of good and freshened me up, although I can hardly claim to have tested it fairly, as I must plead guilty to having done none of the exercises out of the school during the three months’ course that I have just concluded there._

_Attending the school obviates three defects in working by yourself_:—

(_i._) _You learn--not merely the exercises--but the way to do them._

(_ii._) _You get an instructor who knows his work, and keeps you at yours._

(_iii._) _You are stimulated by seeing others working in the same room._

_The only disadvantage I can see in the system is that, if rigidly followed, you would soon be driven to patronise a fresh tailor._

_I was warned not to get muscle-bound by taking the course; I now cannot see how this can happen, unless you neglect some of the exercises entirely. I hope, at some future date, you will receive a better account of your system with regard to measurements and developments from_

_Yours truly_, ARTHUR FOULKES.

ST. JAMES’S STREET SCHOOL.

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COPY OF MEASUREMENT SHEET.

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_Name_:—A. FOULKES.

ADDRESS:--18, St. Stephen’s Road, Bayswater.

Before After Training. 3 Months. Increases

Neck 14⅞ 17¼ 2⅜ Chest Contracted 34½ 33½ — ” Expanded 38½ 42¼ 3¾ Upper Arm, Right 12½ 14½ 2 ” Left 11¾ 14¼ 2½ Fore Arm, Right 11¾ 13 1¼ ” Left 11¾ 13 1¼ Waist 30¼ 31½ 1¼ Thigh, Right 22½ 24 1½ ” Left 22½ 24 1½ Calf, Right 14⅜ 14¾ ⅜ ” Left 14¼ 14¾ ½ Height 6ft. 6ft. — Weight 12st. 1½lb. 12st. 7lbs. 5½ Lung Capacity 320 340 20 Chest Expansion 4 8¾ 4¾

3, BURLINGTON ROAD, BAYSWATER, W., _March 10th, 1899_.

F. A. HANSARD, ESQ.

DEAR SIR,

_With regard to my opinion of Mr. Sandow’s system I cannot speak too highly of it._

_I commenced the three months’ course when in poor health, brought about by malarial fever, but after attending Mr. Sandow’s school for two months I felt better than I had ever done previously._

_The increase in measurements which you have recorded is the result of two hours’ conscientious work a week only._

_It would be fair to mention that when only 6 lessons remained before the completion of the course, my exercises were interrupted owing to a broken collar-bone. With better luck, these increases would possibly have been greater._

_I am, Sir_, _Yours truly_, C. FOULKES.

[Illustration: C. FOULKES.]

ST. JAMES’S STREET SCHOOL.

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COPY OF MEASUREMENT SHEET.

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_Name_:—C. FOULKES.

_Address_:--War Office, Pall Mall.

Before After Training. 3 Months. Increases.

Neck 15 16¾ 1¾ Chest Contracted 33 35 2 ” Expanded 38 43 5 Upper Arm, Right 12⅝ 14½ 1⅞ ” Left 12¼ 14 1¾ Fore Arm, Right 11½ 13½ 2 ” Left 11 13⅛ 2⅛ Waist 30½ 31 ½ Thigh, Right 21 23 2 ” Left 21 23 2 Calf, Right 14¼ 14¾ ½ ” Left 14¼ 14¾ ½ Height 5ft. 9½in. 5ft. 9½in. — Weight 11st. 1½lbs. 11st. 4lbs. 2½ Lung Capacity 310 373 63 Chest Expansion 5 8 3

[Illustration: J. A. SINCLAIR.]

YORK PLACE, MANCHESTER, _February, 1899_.

MR. E. SANDOW.

DEAR SIR,

_I have much pleasure in enclosing a copy of my measurements taken at the end of last December. I am a pupil attending your Manchester School, and cannot speak too highly of your system, or the manner in which it is taught by your instructors._

_Wishing you every success_, _Believe me_, _Yours very sincerely_, J. A. SINCLAIR.

OXFORD STREET SCHOOL (MANCHESTER).

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COPY OF MEASUREMENT SHEET.

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_Name_:—J. A. SINCLAIR.

_Address_:--York Place, Manchester.

After Before 3 Months’ Increases. Training. Course. Sept. 18th, Dec. 28th, 1898. 1898.

Neck 14½ 15⅞ 1⅜ Chest Contracted[3] 35½ 35 ½ ” Expanded 37 41¼ 4¼ Upper Arm, Right 14 16⅜ 2⅜ ” Left 14 16¼ 2¼ Fore Arm, Right 11⅞ 14 2⅛ ” Left 11⅝ 13¾ 2⅛ Waist 31 31 — Thigh, Right 22¼ 24¾ 2½ ” Left 21¾ 24¼ 2½ Calf, Right 14 14⅞ ⅞ ” Left 13¾ 14¾ 1 Height 5ft. 5¼in. 5ft. 5½in. ⅜ Weight 11st. 6½lbs. 12st. 0lbs. 7½ Lung Capacity 240 275 35 Chest Expansion 1½ 6¼ 4¾

[3] It will be noted that the size of the Chest when contracted is slightly smaller than before training; this is not unusual, and denotes that more control has been obtained over the muscles of the chest, and consequently its walls can be drawn closer together.

[Illustration: HAROLD L. BUTLER.]

HIGH LAWN, BOLTON-LE-MOORS, _March 16th, 1899_.

DEAR MR. SANDOW,

_After six months training as a pupil at your School of Physical Culture (Manchester), I now feel qualified to judge as to the merits of your system._

_For the perfect and symmetrical development of the human form I can conceive of nothing which rivals the dumb-bell and rubber exercises as taught and practised in your gymnasia._

_For the promotion of lost health, due to bodily neglect; as a cure for insomnia, and many abdominal disorders, it needs no recommendation._

_Concerning my personal improvement, little need be said, sufficient to say I never felt better in my life, and recent weight-lifting tests have proved me to be possessed of nearly double my former strength._

_Nor has my speed or activity suffered in the least (which so many, erroneously, consider to be the inevitable result of such training). On the contrary, I feel as capable of doing my 10⅖ for the 100 as ever I did._

_Believe me_, _Yours very truly_, HAROLD L. BUTLER.

CASTELUAN, WIMBLEDON HILL, S.W., _March 8th, 1899_.

DEAR SIR,

_Having been under your system for a little over a year, I should like to add a few words in praise of your system generally. I hardly think that actual figures as to measurements and weight-lifting, give any adequate idea of the general benefits received by anyone who takes up Physical Culture thoroughly and puts his back into it._

_If figures are any guide to you, however, I may quote the following, which were all taken at your School in Ebury Street._

_My lung capacity has increased from 283 to 417 cubic inches, my chest expansion from 39½ to 42¼, thigh from 20½ to 22⅝, and calf from 13⅞ to 15¼._

_In weight-lifting I can raise 125 lbs. from the ground with my right hand above head by means of the body-press, instead of 60 lbs. With two hands I can jerk 165 lbs. instead of 85 lbs., and I can hold out at arm’s length with my right hand 45 lbs. instead of 20 lbs._

_Your system has so generally benefited my whole physique, however, that I consider my health has improved to an extent far beyond any actual increase in figures._

_One of the grandest benefits of Physical Culture is, to my mind, the increase of will power and general concentration, which can never be measured in any actual way, but which is bound to appear in after life, in short becomes an integral part of his character._

_Yours truly_, CLAUDE BARTON.

26, GORDON MANSIONS, W.C., _March 21st, 1899_.

DEAR MR. SANDOW,

_I am glad to be able to say a few words about your system of Physical Culture. I write feelingly, for I can scarcely express how grateful I am for what it has done for me. A few years back I became unpleasantly conscious that a careless disregard for my health was beginning to unfavourably affect my work before the British public. Notwithstanding the indulgence shown me by audiences in all the musical centres, I could not disguise from myself the unpalatable fact that, as a result of neglecting a cold and getting generally “run down,” my singing voice was becoming seriously impaired. And so it remained until chance led me to your school of Physical Culture, and to renew the active bodily exercise which I had dropped for so long. The result was eminently satisfactory; I was soon once more able to fulfil my public engagements with reasonable satisfaction to myself and, I trust, some pleasure to my audiences. I entirely attribute the return of my powers to the course I went through on your system._

_Actors and singers do not need great muscular strength, but they do most emphatically require health, and, of course, health and reasonable development go together. No man is such a slave to his physical condition as the actor or lyric artist. However great his talent, he cannot give expression to it if the machine be out of repair; his physical health is obviously his most valuable asset. For this reason alone I am sure that every member of my profession would be well advised to get into the way of devoting a few minutes every day to your exercises. The lyric artist especially would find his voice improve, his spirits be more exuberant, and his general vitality at a very much higher level. In addition he would in most cases discover in a very short time that his figure and limbs were so much improved that his former expenditure upon lambs-wool tights, padding, &c., would be entirely obviated._

_I am_, _Yours very faithfully_, ALEC MARSH.

[Illustration: MARTINUS SIEVEKING.]

## PART II.

INCIDENTS OF MY PROFESSIONAL CAREER.

[Illustration: Sandow at the age of ten.]

INCIDENTS OF MY PROFESSIONAL CAREER.

##