stiffness or cramp, especially in the case of elderly drivers, whose joints are less mobile and flexible than those of the young. The exhilaration which accompanies driving in a motor is particularly helpful to people who are somewhat enervated. I have known instances of ladies suffering from defective nerve power who have derived great benefit from the invigorating and refreshing effect of meeting a current of air caused by driving in an automobile. Veils of varying thickness, according to the temperature, should of course be worn by ladies, but much of the benefit to nervous patients is caused by the air blowing on the face. The facial nerves are acted upon with beneficial results well known to have a restorative influence on weak and so-called 'nervous' individuals.
Furthermore, the action of the air on the face, and the continual inspiration of fresh air, tend to promote sleep, and I should have no hesitation, speaking generally, in regarding daily exercise in a motor-car as aiding towards the prevention of insomnia.
To dwellers in cities the automobile is of great benefit, as it enables them in a short time to reach the fresher air of the country. It is difficult to exaggerate the necessity for those who live in the densely populated parts of cities and large towns to take every possible opportunity of breathing the purer air of the country. The air in towns is impregnated with carbon (smoke, i.e. particles of unburnt fuel). It is also, in dry weather, loaded with dust, a great part of which is composed of dried and pulverised horse manure. In wet weather, fluid manure from the same source is absorbed by and then exhaled from the road or wood pavement, with similarly injurious effects. These impurities are practically absent from the air of the country, and so access thereto is one of the great benefits which may be derived from the use of the automobile. I look forward to the day when Mr. Arthur Balfour's hope may be fulfilled—viz. when the perfected automobile will provide rapid and cheap transit for workers in cities to healthy homes in the country.
