This section is from "The Domestic Encyclopaedia Vol2", by A. F. M. Willich. Amazon: The Domestic Encyclopaedia.
Day, in general, signifies that space of time during which it continues to be light, in contradistinction to night, or the period of darkness, while the sun is illumining the other hemisphere. Hence, the rising and setting of the sun are usually considered as the extent of the day, and the time that elapses from its setting to its rising again, as the night.
In consequence of the unequal length of days, resulting from the peculiar revolution of the planets producing the different seasons, we are inclined to think that many sons, especially in the higher walks of life, avail themselves of this irregularity; insomuch, that by the law of fashion, in winter they convert the night into day; and in summer exchange the most agreeable mornings and forenoons, for damp, unwholesome evenings and nights. It would be a vain attempt to reprobate tins unnatural custom, in those circles where it is fancied to be equally vulgar to repair to bed in good time, and to rise early; - a practice instinctively followed even by the lower ani-mals.
To the industrious and more do-mestic members of society, we venture to recommend, while in a good state of health, the following division of the day: namely, in spring and autumn to rise with the first rays of the sun ; .in summer, one hour after ; and in winter, one hour before that luminary appears; to allot every day (Sundays ex-cepted), from 10 to 12 hours to useful occupations; from 6 to 7 hours to the various purposes of dressing, taking provisions, exer-cise, or amusements ; and also from 6 to 7, or 8 hours, to .repose, accordingly as they have been more or less fatigued the preceding day, either by mental or bodily exer-tions. - Such would be both a natural and judicious arrangement of. the day; and we make no doubt that -those who are disposed to devote their time and labour to the welfare of the community, will neither have reason to complain that the days are too long, or thenights too short, for useful purposes.—See Bed-time.
 
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