Tom_In_Cincy
05-20-2002, 08:54 PM
The classic book, MODERN BILLIARDS, states that it is a
"SCIENTIFIC AMUSEMENT". The first two paragraphs of the
INTRODUCTORY in the 1912 copyright by THE
BRUNSWICK-BALKE-COLLENDER CO. expresses it very eloquently:
"APART from its inviting to moderate and wholesome exercise, billiards, as popularly played, is pre-eminently a mental pastime. Nearly all its exponents of approved skill, whatever were the drawbacks of their youth, are intellectually quick and bright. This is due in some measure to the ready mathematical requirements of the play as a routine, but in a much greater degree to its taxing the eye, stimulating the fancy, and disciplining the mind by imposing watchfulness, invention, and analysis.
Slowness is costly, and hence, as an early habit, an
eager alertness of vision, alacrity of step, and promptitude of decision."
"Regarding billiards as a spectacle, its physical requisites to perfection are keen sight, level head and steady hand; but they are by no means essential to enjoyment of it as a leisure-hour diversion en amateur. In this sense, its charm lies altogether in participation, which is all the more agreeable and healthful because never needing to be exhausting."
"SCIENTIFIC AMUSEMENT". The first two paragraphs of the
INTRODUCTORY in the 1912 copyright by THE
BRUNSWICK-BALKE-COLLENDER CO. expresses it very eloquently:
"APART from its inviting to moderate and wholesome exercise, billiards, as popularly played, is pre-eminently a mental pastime. Nearly all its exponents of approved skill, whatever were the drawbacks of their youth, are intellectually quick and bright. This is due in some measure to the ready mathematical requirements of the play as a routine, but in a much greater degree to its taxing the eye, stimulating the fancy, and disciplining the mind by imposing watchfulness, invention, and analysis.
Slowness is costly, and hence, as an early habit, an
eager alertness of vision, alacrity of step, and promptitude of decision."
"Regarding billiards as a spectacle, its physical requisites to perfection are keen sight, level head and steady hand; but they are by no means essential to enjoyment of it as a leisure-hour diversion en amateur. In this sense, its charm lies altogether in participation, which is all the more agreeable and healthful because never needing to be exhausting."