One of those popular beliefs, long current among the people and long discredited by physicians, but at length conceded by all, is the influence which the mind exerts in changing the color and affecting the growth of the hair. Whether it be that the hair is planted so near the brain, or whether it be that it is so intimately dependent on the nervous system, we do not know, but certain it is that great anxieties, trouble, violent emotions, especially of a dismal character, discolor or debilitate the hair.
This is not extraordinary. Not the hair only, but every part of our system is preserved by serenity of mind, freedom from sorrow, avoidance of passion, absence of care, strong desire, or fear. It is not so much time as trouble that
"Doth transfix the flourish set on youth,
And delves the parallels in Beauty's brow."
Would you learn the composition of the real elixir of life? Seek it not in the volumes of medical or alchemical lore, but in serenity, cheerfulness, and content.
Fontenelle, who lived a hundred years, and was Secretary of the Academy of Sciences for more than half that period, owed his longevity to such a disposition. He even carried it to the extent of impassiveness. One day he spoke to Madame Tencin in a very calm manner about some occurrence, which he averred touched him to the heart.
