(ἀλτήρες), in the gymnastic exercises of the Greeks and Romans, were certain masses of lead, iron, or stone, held in the hands in leaping, to give impetus to the body; or swung to and fro in much the same manner as our dumbbells. Galen (*De Tuend. Valetud.*, lib. i., v., and vi.) recommends this kind of exercise for purifying the humours of the body.