Production of vital force : a discourse delivered before the Massachusetts Medical Society at their annual meeting, May 30, 1849 / by Edward Jarvis.

  • Jarvis, Edward, 1803-1884.
Date:
1849
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Production of vital force : a discourse delivered before the Massachusetts Medical Society at their annual meeting, May 30, 1849 / by Edward Jarvis. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    plain that mankind fall very far short of that com- pleteness of life which it is supposed that they have the means of enjoying on earth. CAUSES OF THE DIFFERENCES OF VITALITY. It is, then, a matter of the utmost interest, to know, why mankind suffer these losses of life, and whether they are necessary conditions of their being here. Much of the difference of vitality is owing to dif- ference of organization — much to development — but much more to self-management. The last is certainly within the control of man himself; the second is within the control of his parents; and the first is more under the control of the world than they are now willing to admit. Why, then, does not man avail himself of these means of life,- and create for himself, or his children, the highest health] There is a general ignorance of the laws of vital- ity. Men do not understand the connection be- tween their conduct and vital force; and they feel but little responsibility for the maintenance of health. They lay their plans and carry on their operations, without much regard to the conditions of their existence. Life and its interests are not always paramount considerations; but- they are made subordinate to matters of inferior importance. They are sacrificed or made to yield to common conveni- ences and concerns: a man postpones his regular meal, or perhaps goes without it, for want of time