First published in Melbourne in l892, this amazing book by John Hern contained wide ranging and often unusual health advice of eminent doctors and professors in America and the Continent .
CURED BY A CANNON- BALL
One of many items that stands out has the above heading and tells how " a celebrated German physician " - orders his dyspeptic and constipated patients to roll a five-pound cannon-ball over the abdomen for fifteen minutes day and night . It goes on to say this is done while the patient lies on his back (could be some nasty , painful repercussions, one would think , if the cannon ball got out of control. )
If no cannon ball was available, an abdominal massage roller could be used. The text goes on to say that while treatment with a five pound cannon ball "seems rather heroic", it was more appropriate for a nation of soldiers, like the Germans , than for "peaceful Australians ."
This blog's copy of Advanced Hygiene, 330 pp, is not in the best of health- insected, covers missing, loose pages , but great , sometimes painfully funny reading . More entertaining words of advice including how to marry and live well on a shilling a day will be posted for our economically struggling, some married , others dateless and desperate, unhealthy readers.
NOTE : John Hern also produced a monthly magazine in Melbourne promoting health and longevity .
