Philosophy of health : natural principles of health and cure; or, health and cure without drugs. Also, the moral bearings of erroneous appetites

Front matter

TIIE K n L SOCIET

Oi HEALTH

Founded 1876

Preface To Thirty-seventh Edition

A former treatise on this general subject, of smaller size, was written as an experiment, to prove whether the people in general were willing to be informed on the science of right living ; and whether they would appreciate truth in its warfare against their much-loved and destructive appetites and habits. In proof of the success of that experiment, it may suffice to say, that the work has, in six years, passed into Thirty-seven Editions, and the demand for it still continues. It has, therefore, been thought best to revise and enlarge it, so that it may contain much more instruction upon matters of such vital importance in practical life.

It was originally written, and is now re-written, under the most hearty sympathy with the sufferings of humanity. The recollections of great ill health in early life, have ever called forth and kept alive that sympathy to the present hour. Hence, from the time of entering the medical profession, nearly 30 years since, much attention ha3 been given to the study of facts relating to the laws of life and health, and the destructive nature of various popular appetites and practices which are working ruin to the physical intellectual, and moral welfare of this generation.

IV

Preface

These facts, compared and associated with other facts which have been developed by the researches of other men, are here set forth in a plain and simple style, to be adapted to the reading of all classes of people, and the benefit of every one who wishes to be informed upon that which belongs to his highest earthly good.

There is no cause of human suffering so great as the want of intelligence among the people on this subject. There are comparatively few who have even read the first word on this important matter; and therefore few who know any more about the structure and functions of their own bodies, or the natural laws which govern their healthy condition and the prevention of disease, than they know about the inhabitants of the moon. Those who think themselves wise on this subject, without reading, are of all persons the most ignorant of it.

How, without reading, can any one tell how his blood is formed — how it circulates, or by what process his bread becomes bis flesh and bones ? How can he know wherefore he respires through his lungs and his skin, and how diseases of those organs are engendered ? How can he know the seat and circulation o! his electric forces in the brain and nerves, which form the bond of union between his soul and body ?. Let every individual wake up on this matter, and avail him self of Nature’s health-insurance policy, — for Nature always goes for health and long life.

The Author.

Boston, September, 1854.

Contents

Page

Vital Organs, 9

The Nervous System, 9