A manual of health science ... / by Andrew Wilson.

  • Wilson, Andrew, 1852-1912.
Date:
1890
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A manual of health science ... / by Andrew Wilson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    firstly possess an intelligent conception of the normal and natural process or functions through which his Hfe is main- tained. This constitutes the study of physiology. He must become acquainted with the study of foods ; the quantities of food necessary for the human body under varying circum- stances of life ; the scientific and economic preparation of foods, and the conditions necessary to be observed by way \ of ensuring their healthy digestion. He must know the com- position of the beverages he imbibes, and their effects on the frame. He must be acquainted with the composition and properties of air, and of the means most suitable for the renewal of fresh air, and for the expulsion of effete air from his vicinity. Health-science, as further applied to the indi- vidual, will teach him the principles on which clothing may be properly constructed and adapted for the varying ages and conditions of life. He will be taught, similarly, the share played by rest, sleep, and cleanliness in maintaining health ; and, by way of further education in health-know- ledge, he will naturally seek to know the elementary prin- ciples of medical and surgical science, and will acquire the knowledge which will fit him to render assistance to those who are in distress or danger, and who may demand his help in the absence of the physician or surgeon. Divided thus into its two great aspects of public health and personal healthy the science of hygiene is found to include every detail which can be shown to contribute towards the prevention of disease and the prolongation of life. The conditions for healthy living may be summed up in the statement that man requires pure food, pure air, a pure and sufficient water supply, a healthy home, well- ordered clothing, the exercise of cleanliness, and the power to aid himself and his fellows when in danger of disease or death. To this end, every civilised nation assists itself by legislation, and by the enactment of laws which deal with the questions of health and with the prevention of disease. Doubtless these laws are absolute necessities of