Directions for Invigorating and Prolonging Life or, The Invalid's Oracle

Kitchiner, William, MD

Published by J. and J. Harper, New Yoek, 1831

About this Item

This is the first America edition , based on the sixth British edition, of this treatise on health, intended for the layman. Although it dates from 1831, some of the advice sounds very familiar - get plenty of sleep, exercise, eat nourishing foods in moderation. However, the author's most perfect foods seem to be beef and freshly made beer, and he devotes several pages, in the chapter on Peptic Precepts, to Peristaltic Persuaders (laxatives), which he believes is one of the keys to good health, even in small children. There are chapters on Clothes, Bathing (by the American editor, who is opposed to bathing every day), Wine (yes, put not Port), and in case all else fails, how to make your Will. The hardcover book is in G+ condition, securely bound. The pastedowns may have been repaired by gluing down free endpapers, both front and back and it looks like a couple of free endpapers in the back have been cut out, but no text pages are missing. Great example of how medical advice changes over the years! ; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; 252 pages. Seller Inventory # 17211

Bibliographic Details

Title: Directions for Invigorating and Prolonging ...

Publisher: J. and J. Harper, New Yoek

Publication Date: 1831

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Good+

Edition: First American Edition; First Printing.