the regulation of diet, and, in a more general sense, of all the non-naturals, with a view to preserve or restore health. See Abstinence, Aliment, Food, Diet, Drink, and Medicine.

The vicissitude of exercise and rest forms also a necessary part of regimen. See Exercise.

It is beneficial to be at rest now and then, but more so frequently to use exercise; because inaction renders the body weak and listless, and labour strengthens it. But a medium is to be observed in all things, and too much fatigue is to be avoided; for frequent and violent exercise overpowers the natural strength, and wastes the body; but moderate exercise ought always to be used before meals. Now, of all kinds of exercise, riding on horseback is the most convenient; or if the person be too weak to bear it, riding in a coach, or at least in a litter; next follow fencing, playing at ball, running, walking. But it is one of the inconveniences of old age, that there is seldom sufficient strength for using bodily exercise, though it be extremely requisite for health; wherefore frictions with the flesh-brush are necessary at this time of life; which should be performed by the person himself, if possible; if not, by his servants.

Sleep is the sweet soother of cares, and restorer of strength; as it repairs and replaces the wastes that are made by the labours and exercises of the day. But excessive sleep has its inconveniences; for it blunts the senses, and renders them less fit for the duties of life. The proper time for sleep is the night, when darkness and silence invite and bring it on; day-sleep is less refreshing; which rule if it be proper for the multitude, to observe, much more is the observance of it necessary for persons addicted to literary studies, whose minds and bodies are more susceptible of injuries.

in grammar, that part of syntax, or construction, which regulates the dependency of words, and the alterations which one occasions in another.