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."
