Gybe

A sneer. See GIBE. Gyb'ing, n. ( Naut ) In sailing, the act of going about when the wind is astern or abaft the beam. It consists Gymnastically, adv . In the manner of a gymnast. Gymnastics. A term applied to those exercises of the body and limbs which tend to invigorate and develop their power. Gymnastic games are of very ancient origin. They are mentioned in the second book of the Iliad , where playing at quoits and javelin-hurling are mentioned; and in the 23d book, where Achilles is represented as instituting games in honor of Patroclus, in which the sports were chariot-racing, boxing, wrestling, quoit-throwing, . Later on, games of this kind were dedicated to the gods, and the rewards being called athla , gave origin to the name athletes , applied to those who contended for them. Shortly before the time of Hippo crates, gymnastics were made a part of medicine, and gradually they were reduced into a complete system. Public buildings, called gymnasia , were erected for the purpose, and officers for their superintendence were appointed by the state. The Romans erected gymnasia on a magnificent scale; and on account of the extensive baths which were attached to them, they were latterly called thermæ . Among the exercises practised in these gymnasia, were dancing, wrestling, boxing, running, leaping, quoit-throwing, and hurling. Besides these, which formed the regular busine of the gymnasium, were riding, driving, swimming, rowing, climbing ropes, swinging, mock fights of various kinds, . Various causes in later times have combined to cause G. to go out of use as a part of education and a method of maintaining health. Modern warfare depends so much on military science and a knowledge of gunnery, and so little on physical strength, that military G. has been much overlooked. It is only since the commencement of the present century that gymnastic exercises have been revived as a science. In 1806, the revival began in Pru ia, where gymnasia were opened, and the science became so popular that it rapidly attracted attention. Sweden imitated Pru ia; and from that time the practice of G. has formed a leading feature in the course of education in both countries. As the gymnasia in Pru ia began to be the scenes of political meetings of a kind offensive to the government, they were abolished in 1818. The practice of G. was, however, kept up by the troops, and with such evident succe that a similar course of training was adopted in the French army in 1844. The gymnastic exercises adopted by the pugilists and wrestlers of the present day in their course of training are not able to produce on the mind or body any desirable effect; and the same was observed in the condition of the athlete of old. But gymnastic exercises, practised under proper control, must act beneficially, both mentally and physically. As Montaigne observes, "It is a soul, not a body only, which we educate; it is a man, of whom we must not make two; we must not train the one without the other, but must guide and lead them like a pair of horses harne ed to one shaft." G. act upon the courage, and produce independence and presence of mind. Besides being a suitable interruption to mental labor, and the best recreation after it, they produce cheerfulne , and restrict the fancy and imagination to reasonable limits. "If you wish to develop the mind of a pupil," says Rou eau, "develop the power which that mind has to govern; exercise his body; make him healthy and strong, that you may make him prudent and reasonable." In ordinary gymnasia, the principal apparatus employed consists of the horizontal pole, the parallel bars, the masts or poles , the ropes , the triangle and trapeze, the ladder, the wooden horse, the inclined plane, and the flying - course , or giant's stride. The horizontal pole is used in order to develop the strength of the hands and arms, though many other exercises are performed on it. The parallel bars are mostly about 8 feet long, and fixed about 2 feet apart, at a height of 3 or 4 feet from the ground. The exercises upon them, which are of great variety, tend to strengthen the arms and chest, and to render the body pliant. The masts and poles, which vary in their inclination, are used for climbing purposes. The triangle and trapeze afford more amusement than any other instrument used in modern gymnasia, as the lightne of their construction, and their being constantly in motion, make the evolutions performed on them appear easy and graceful. The wooden ladder and the rope-ladder are used generally to render the body supple. The wooden horse, which can be lowered or raised on its stand when required, is for exercise in vaulting and leaping. The inclined plane, usually a deal plank between 20 and 30 feet in length and 2 feet in breadth, is used for a variety of exercises, tending to strengthen the hands, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, and feet. The flying-course, or giant's stride, is an amusing exercise, but is not superior to any of the others in its effects. In all cases, gymnastic exercises of every kind should be practised with caution and moderation. Although the dangers connected with the practice of G. are often exaggerated, neverthele muscles may become strained through exce , and ruptures and other serious accidents occur.