Letter on corpulence : addressed to the public / by William Banting.

  • Banting, William, 1797-1878.
Date:
1869
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Letter on corpulence : addressed to the public / by William Banting. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Leeds Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Leeds Library.

    12/148 (page 10)
    system. 1 am, therefore, glad of this opportunity to state pubhcly (what hmidreds of my friends can attest) that I do not know what gout or a headache is, that I have always ate, drank, and slept well, have had no carbuncles, boils, or any real illness whatever, since I began the system recom- mended by Mr. Harvey; indeed, the only ailment which I have had, was a little additional eruption in my hands in 1867, a discomfort by which I had been more or less troubled for years, but from which I was soon reheved, doubtless, by the continued pursuit of the dietary system. I have, therefore, offered no nostrum or quack remedy, but have simply stated the results of my following professional advice, and have only claimed for it a thorough examination by the public, and our highly intelligent medical professors; indeed, I recom- mended all to consult their medical advisers before adopting what I individually considered a perfectly harmless system. I knew nothing of causes, physiological or chemical, for the wondrous effects produced by a generous, in exchange for a meagre, dietary; but believed, as I still believe, that it is a simple remedy to reduce and destroy su]3er£luous fat; that it may be an alleviation, if not a cm-e, of gout; that it prevents or eradicates carbuncles, boils, and the elements of dyspepsia; makes advanced life more enjoyable, and promotes longevity. I consider my general health extra- ordinary ; indeed, I meet with few men at 72 years of age who have so little cause to complain. I trust, therefore, that if any future adverse reports of my health and condition should arise, they may be communicated to me through the Post-office, that I may be able at once to contradict, if possible, such silly rumom^s. I cannot, now, retract any- thmg I have written on the subject, and hence the pub- lication of a fourth edition, condensed, with such observations as five years' subsequent experience enables me to offer in verification of its general honesty and truth. I have no doubt there is already a considerable reduction in the number of my corpulent and otherwise afflicted