Since publishing the third edition of my pamphlet, I have earnestly
pressed my medical adviser to explain the reasons for so remarkable
a result as I and others have experienced from the dietary system he
prescribed, and I hope he may find time to do so shortly, as I believe
it would be highly interesting to the Faculty and the public generally.
He has promised this at his leisure.
Numerous applications having been made to me on points to which I had
not alluded, in which my correspondents felt some doubt and interest,
I take this opportunity of making some few corrections in my published
dietary:--
I ought, “it seems,” to have excepted veal, owing to its indigestible
quality, as well as pork for its fattening character; also herrings
and eels (owing to their oily nature), being as injurious as salmon.
In respect to vegetables, not only should potatoes be prohibited,
but parsnips, beetroot, turnips, and carrots. The truth is, I seldom
or ever partook of these objectionable articles myself, and did not
reflect that others might do so, or that they were forbidden. Green
vegetables are considered very beneficial, and I believe should be
adopted at all times. I am indebted to the “Cornhill Magazine” and
other journals for drawing my attention to these dietetic points. I
can now also state that eggs, if not hard boiled, are unexceptionable,
that cheese, if sparingly used, and plain boiled rice seem harmless.
Some doubts have been expressed in regard to the vanishing point of
such a descending scale, but it is a remarkable fact that the great and
most palpable diminution in weight and bulk occurs within the first
forty-eight hours, the descent is then more gradual. My own experience,
and that of others, assures me (if medical authority be first consulted
as to the complaint) that with such slight extraneous aid as medicine
can afford, nature will do her duty, and only her duty: firstly, by
relieving herself of immediate pressure she will be enabled to move
more freely in her own beautiful way, and secondly, by pursuing the
same course to work speedy amelioration and final cure. The vanishing
point is only when the disease is stopped and the parasite annihilated.
It may interest my readers to know that I have now apparently attained
the standard natural at my age (10 stone 10, or 150 lbs.), as my weight
now varies only to the extent of 1 lb., more or less in the course of a
month. According to Dr. Hutchinson’s tables I ought to lose still more,
but cannot do so without resorting to medicine; and, feeling in sound
vigorous health, I am perfectly content to wait upon nature for any
further change.
In my humble judgment the dietary is the principal point in the
treatment of Corpulence, and it appears to me, moreover, that if
properly regulated it becomes in a certain sense a medicine. The system
seems to me to attack only the superfluous deposit of fat, and, as my
medical friend informs me, purges the blood, rendering it more pure and
healthy, strengthens the muscles and bodily viscera, and I feel quite
convinced sweetens life if it does not prolong it.
It is truly gratifying to me to be able now to add that many other of
the most exalted members of the Faculty have honoured my movement in
the question with their approbation.
I consider it a public duty further to state, that Mr. Harvey, whom
I have named on the 24th page as my kind medical adviser in the cure
of Corpulence, is not Dr. John Harvey, who has published a Pamphlet
on Corpulence assimilating with some of the features and the general
aspect of mine, and which has been considered (as I learn from
correspondents who have obtained it) the work of my medical friend. It
is not.
I am glad, therefore, to repeat that my medical adviser was, and is
still, Mr. WILLIAM HARVEY, F.R.C.S., No. 2, Soho Square, London, W.