THE OXYGENISED BOXER.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIII, 5 April 1909, Page 3

THE OXYGENISED BOXER.

In proof of his statements as to the value of oxygen for sustaining pum poses (says tho "Daily Telegraph), Dr Leonard Erskine Hill, lecturer oa physiology at the London Hospital, produced two students at the London Institution, and set them to box. One was a novice, and the other was : an experienced pugilist Clad in light attire. They boxed in brink, fashion until at the end of the second round the novice was completely "blown." He then inhaled oxygen from a bag, and, returning to tho amphitheatre with a fresh sripply of energy, forced the pace for the concluding round, and, in the words of his opponent, "stayed much better Jhan in the preceding rounds."

Dr. Hill mentioned that he and ar. other doctor had induced Mr Just and Mr Holding, two of the runners who competed at the Olyinp'c Gajnoa, lo submit themselves to experiments at Stamfor£»bridge. Mj .lust was given oxygen, and then ran half a mile unpaced, breaking his own record. Mr Holding ran more quickly than lie had ever run in his life after tnlrng oxygen, and both declared that thr-.v felt in such good condition that they could race again without tho least faiig'.-". Mr Holding did. run another 110 y:.r.l ■ inside his own record.

"There is no doubt," said Dr. 11 .,1. "that the taking of oxygen before an athletic event would result in the breaking pf records. We have tried it in hockey and football teams, and in every case oxygen has a good effect: All these athletes are exhnusing their hearts by using up oxygen more qujck Iy than they can inhale it, and their hearto are damaged by a want of oxygen. If they took oxygen before during, and after a game the heir! would be restored, and thpy wnn'rl n-' differ from the ill-eTest-- ■:? t !:.■'• -::i

haustion." The lecturer added that he did not bellr-ve that the n-cnt of Mount Everest would ever he accomplished withn-t ihe aid of oxygen, for the carrying „f wh'ch he had Invented an apparatus.