ABSTRACT
Life may be divided into three spans, —first, that of development; second, a longer or shorter period of physical stand-still; and finally a short one of degeneration and decline, —corresponding to childhood, middle age and old age. The expectation of life at birth is about ten years greater than it was thirty years ago. The roots of most degenerative conditions, and many of the infections, have their inception in the early years. In various ways, the first and last years of life may be among the most fruitful; if properly envisaged they are likewise the most interesting. At the beginning, the strong foundations for a sound, vigorous existence may be laid. History gives numerous instances where highly productive work was accomplished during advanced years. The evolution of the human body has been pretty fully accomplished; Professor Conklin says that for at least one hundred centuries there has been no notable progress in this respect.
