Letter on corpulence, addressed to the public

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LETTER

ON CORPULENCE,

^bk^sscAT ia ilje f uWtc:

Bt WILLIAM BANTING.

THIRD EDITION.

LONDON":

PUBLISHED BY HAERISON, 59, PALL MALT^
Bookseller to the Queen and H.R.H. the Prince of Wales.

1864.

\ UIUC

PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION.

The second edition of this pamphlet (consisting
of 1,500 copies) being exhausted, and the result
being very gratifying to my mind, in the large
amount of satisfaction and benefit which I am
able to report from evidence of others (beyond
my most sanguine expectations), considering
the hitherto limited circulation, I have felt
impelled to pubhsh, advertise, and sell this third
edition, at cost price, which I am informed
must be sixpence a copy. If this small charge,
however, should yield any profit, I shall devote
it to the Printers' Pension Society, or some
other benevolent institution ; but I have no
such expectation, or would very gladly reduce
the charge at starting.

The first and second editions were no very
serious expense to me, scarcely three pence a
copy, but the circulation of them, and the

IV

correspondence is v^olved, liave cost me far more ;
yet, I saw no way of securing my motives from
misconception except by gratuitously presenting
the pamphlet to the public.

The truthful tale has, however, made its way
into a large circle of sufferers with marvellous
effect; and I can now beheve the pubhc will
rather prefer to purchase the third edition at a
reasonable charge than be under obhgation to
me for a gratuitous supply. I therefore humbly
trust, and fully believe, that by this means the
useful knowledge will be distributed twenty-
fold to the benefit of suffering humanity, which,
indeed, is my sole object,

Kensington,

Decemher, 1S63.

This letter is respectfully dedicated to the Public
simply and entirely from an earnest dcsii'e to confer
a benefit on my fellow creatm-es.

W. B.

COEPULENCE.

Op all the parasites that affect humanity I do
not know of, nor can I imagine, any more
distressing than that of Obesity, and, having
just emerged from a very long probation in
this affliction, I am desirous of circulating my
himible knowledge and experience for the
benefit of my fellow man, with an earnest
hope it may lead to the same comfort and
happiness I now feel under the extraordi-
nary change, — which might almost be termed
miraculous had it not been accomplished by the
most simple common-sense means.

Obesity seems to me very little understood
or properly appreciated by the faculty and the
public generally, or the former would long ere

8

this have hit upon the cause for so lamentable
a disease, and applied effective remedies, whilst
the latter would have spared their injudicious
indulgence in remarks and sneers, frequently
painful in society, and which, even on the
strongest mind, have an unhappy tendency ;
bat I sincerely trust this humble effort at
exposition may lead to a more perfect ven-
tilation of the subject and a better feeling for
the afflicted.

It would afford me infinite pleasure and
satisfaction to name the author of my redemp-
tion from the calamity, as he is the only one
that I have been able to find (and my search
has not been sparing) who seems thoroughly up
in the question ; but such publicity might be
construed improperly, and I have, therefore,
only to offer my personal experience as the
stepping-stone to public investigation, and to
proceed with my narrative of facts, earnestly
hoping the reader will patiently peruse and
thoughtfully consider it, with forbearance for
any fault of style or diction, and for any
seeming presumption in publishing it.

I have felt some difficulty in deciding on

the proper and best course of action. At one
time I thought the Editor of the Lancet would
kindly publish a letter from me on the subject,
but further reflection led me to doubt whether
an insignificant indi\T.dual would be noticed
mthout some s^Decial introduction. In the April
number of the Conihill Magazine I read with
much interest an article on the subject — de-
fining tolerably well the effects, but ofiering no
tangible remedy, or even positive solution of the
problem — " What is the Cause of Obesity V I
was pleased with the article as a whole, but
objected to some portions, and had prepared a
letter to the Editor of that Magazine ofiering
my experience on the subject, but again it
struck me that an unknown individual like my-
self would have but little prospect of notice ; so
I finally resolved to publish and circulate this
Pamphlet, with no other reason, motive, or
expectation than an earnest desire to help
those who happen to be afflicted as I was,
for that corpulence is remediable I am well
convinced, and shall be delighted if I can in-
duce others to tliink so. The object I have in
\iew impels me to enter into minute particulars

10

as well as general observations, and to revert
to bygone years, in order to show that I have
spared no pains nor expense to accomplish the
great end of stopping and curing obesity.

I am now nearly 66 years of age, about
5 feet 5 inches in stature, and, in AugTist last
(1862), weighed 202 lbs., which I think it right
to name, because the article in the Cornhill
Magazine presumes that a certain stature and
age should bear ordinarily a certain weight, and
I am quite of that opinion. I now weigh
167 lbs., showing a diminution of something
like 1 lb. per week since August, and having
now very nearly attained the happy medium, I
have perfect confidence that a few more weeks
will fully accomplish the object for which I have
laboured for the last thirty years, in vain, until
it pleased Almighty Providence to direct me
into the right and proper channel — the " tram-
way," so to speak — of happy, comfortable exist-
ence.

Few men have led a more active life —
bodily or mentally — from a constitutional
anxiety for regularity, precision, and order,
during fifty years' business career, from which I

11

have now retired, so that my corpulence and
Gubsequent obesity was not through neglect of
necessary bodily activity, nor from excessive
eating, drinkuig, or self-indulgence of any kind,
except that I partook of the simple aliments
of bread, milk, butter, beer, sugar, and potatoes
more freely than my aged nature required, and
hence, as I believe, the generation of the para-
site, detrimental to comfort if not really to
health.

I will not presume to descant on the bodily
structural tissues, so fally canvassed in the
Cornhill Magazine, nor how they are sup--
ported and renovated, having no mind or power
to enter into those questions, w^hich properly
belong to the wise heads of the faculty. None
of my family on the side of either parent had
any tendency to corpulence, and from my
earliest years I had an inexpressible dread of
such a calamity, so, when I Vv^as between tliirty
and forty years of age, finding a tendency to it
creeping upon me, I consulted an eminent sur-
geon, now long deceased, — a kind personal
friend, — who recommended increased bodily
exertion before my ordinaiy daily labours began,

12

and thought rowing an excellent plan. I had
the command of a good, heavy, safe boat, lived
near the river, and adopted it for a couple of
horn's in the early morning. It is true I gained
muscular vigour, but with it a prodigious appe-
tite, which I was compelled to indulge, and con-
sequently increased in weight, until my kmd
old friend advised me to forsake the exercise.

He soon afterwards died, and, as the ten-
dency to corpulence remained, I consulted other
high orthodox authorities (never any inferior
adviser), but all in vain. I have tried sea air and
bathing m various localities, with much walking-
exercise ; taken gallons of physic and hquor
potassse, advisedly and abundantly ; riding on
horseback ; the waters and climate of Leaming-
ton many times, as well as those of Cheltenham
and Harrogate frequently ; have lived upon
sixpence a-day, so to speak, and earned it, if
bodily labour may be so construed ; and have
spared no trouble nor expense in consultations
with the best authorities in the land, giving
each and all a fan- time for e^xperiment, without
any permanent remedy, as the evil still gradu-
ally increased.

13

I am under obligations to most of those
advisers for the pains and interest they took
in my case ; but only to one for an eftectual
remedy.

When a corpalent man eats, drinks, and
sleeps well, has no pain to complain of, and no
particular organic disease, the judgment of able
men seems paralyzed, — for I have been generally
informed th^-t corpulence is one of the natural
results of increasing years ; indeed, one of the
ablest authorities as a physician in the land told
me he had gained 1 lb. in weight every year
since he attained manhood, and was not sur-
prised at my condition, but advised more bodily
exercise — vapour-baths and shampooing, in ad-
dition to the medicine given. Yet the evil still
increased, and, like the parasite of barnacles on
a sliip, if it did not destroy the structure, it
obstructed its fair, comfortable progress in the
path of life.

I have been in dock, perhaps twenty times
in as many years, for the reduction of this dis-
ease, and with little good effect — none lasting.
Any one so afflicted is often subject to public
remark, and though in conscience he may care

14

little about it, I am confident no man labouring
under obesity can be quite insensible to the
sneers and remarks of the cruel and injudicious
in public assembhes, public vehicles, or the
ordinary street traffic ; nor to the annoyance of
findmg no adequate space in a pubhc assembly
if he should seek amusement or need refresh-
ment, and therefore he naturally keeps away as
much as possible from places where he is likely
to be made the object of the taunts and remarks
of others. I am as regardless of public remark
as most men, but 1 have felt these difficulties
and therefore avoided such circumscribed accom-
modation and notice, and by that means have
been deprived of many advantages to health
and comfort.

Although no very great size or weight, still
I could not stoop to tie my shoe, so to speak,
nor attend to the httle offices humanity requires
without considerable pain and difficulty, which
only the corpulent can understand ; I have been
compelled to go down stairs slowly backwards,
to save the jarr of increased weight upon the
ancle and knee joints, and been obhged to
puff and blow with every slight exertion, par-

IS

ticiilarly that of going up stairs. I have spared
no pains to remedy this by low living {modera-
tion and light food was generally prescribed,
but I had no direct bill of fare to know what
was really intended), and that, consequently,
brought the system into a low impoverished
state, without decreasing corpulence, caused
many obnoxious boils to appear, and two rather
formidable carbuncles, for which I was ably
operated upon and fed into increased obesity.

At this juncture (about three years back)
Turkish baths became the fashion, and I was
advised to adopt them as a remedy. With the
first few I found immense benefit in power and
elasticity for walking exercise ; so, believing I
had found the " pliilosopher's stone," pursued
them three times a-week till I had taken fifty,
then less frequently (as I began to fancy, with
some reason, that so many weakened my con-
stitution) till I had taken ninety, but never suc-
ceeded in losing more than 6 lbs. weight during
the whole course, and I gave up the plan aa
worthless ; though I have full belief in their
cleansing properties, and their value in colds,
rheumatism, and many other ailments.

16

I then fancied increasing obesity materially
affected a slight umbilical rapture, if it did not
cause it, and that another bodily ailment to which
I had been subject was also augmented. This
led me to other medical advisers, to whom I am
also indebted for much kind consideration,
though, unfortunately, they failed in reheving
me. At last finding my sight failing and my
hearing greatly impaired, I consulted in August
last an eminent aural surgeon, who made
light of the case, looked into my ears, sponged
them internally, and blistered the outside, with-
out the slightest benefit, neither inquiring into
any of my bodily ailments, which he probably
thought unnecessary, nor affording me even
time to name them.

I was not at all satisfied, but on the contrary-
was in a worse plight than when I went to liim ;
however he soon after left town for his annual
holiday, which proved the greatest possible
blessing to me, because it compelled me to seek
other assistance, and, happily, I found the right
man, who unhesitatingly said he believed my ail-
ments were caused principally by corj^ulence, and
prescribed a certain diet, — no medicme, beyond a

17

morning cordial as a corrective, — with immense
effect and advantage both to my hearing and
the decrease of my corpulency.

For the sake of argument and illustration I
will presume that certain articles of ordinary
diet, however beneficial in youth, are prejudicial
in advanced Hfe, like beans to a horse, whose
common ordhiary food is hay and corn. It may
be useful food occasionally, under pecuhar cir-
cumstar.ces, but detrimental as a constancy.
I will, therefore, adopt the analogy, and call
such food human beans. The items from which
I was advised to abstain as much as possible
were : — Bread, butter, milk, sugar, beer, and
potatoes, which had been the main (and, I
thought, innocent) elements of my existence, or
at all events they had for many years been
adopted freely.

These, said my excellent adviser, contain
starch and saccharine matter, tending to create
fat, and should be avoided altogether. At the
first blush it seemed to me that I had Httle left
to live upon, but my kind friend soon showed
me there was ample, and I was only too happy
to give the plan a fair trial, and, within a very

B

18

few days, found immense benefit from it.
It may better elucidate the dietary plan if I
describe generally what I have sanction to take,
aJid that man must be an extraordinary person
who would desire a better table : —

For breakfast, I take four or five ounces of
beef, mutton, kidneys, broiled fish, bacon,
or cold meat of any kuid except pork ;
a large cup of tea (without milk or
sugar), a fit tie biscuit, or one ounce of
dry toast.
For dinner. Five or six ounces of any fish
except salmon, any meat except pork,
a.ny vegetable except potato, one ounce
of dry toast, fruit out of a pudding, any
kind of poultry or game, and two or
three glasses of good claret, sherry, or
iMadeu^a — Champagne, Port and Beer
forbidden.
For tea. Two or three ounces of fruit, a rusk
or two, and a cup of tea without milli or
sugar.
For supper. Three or four oimces of meat or
fish, shnilar to dinner, with a glass or
two of claret.

19

For irglitcap, if required, A tumbler of grog
- — (gin, whisky, or brandy, without sugar)
— or a glass or two of claret or sherry.

This plan leads to an excellent night's rest,
with from six to eight hours' sound sleejD. The
dry toast or rusk may have a table spoonful of
spuit to soften it, which will prove accept-
able. Perhaps I did not wholly escape starchy
or saccharine matter, but scrupulously avoided
those beans, such as milk, sugar, beer, butter,
&c., which were known to contain them.

On rising in the morning I take a table
spoonful of a special corrective cordial, which
may be called the Balm of life, in a wine-glass
of water, a most grateful drauglit, as it seems to
carry away all the di'egs left in the stomach after
digestion, but is not aperient; then I take about
5 or 6 ounces solid and 8 of liquid for breakfast ;
8 ounces of sohd and 8 of liquid for dimier ; 3
ounces of solid and 8 of liquid for tea ; 4 ounces
of solid and 6 of liqviid for supper, and the grog
afterwards, if I please. I am not, however,
strictly limited to any quantity at either meal, so
that the nature of the food is rigidly adhered to.

Experience has taught me to beheve that

B 2

20

these human beans are the most insidions enemies
man, with a tendency to corpulence in advanced
life, can possess, though eminently friendly to
youth. He may very prudently mount guard
against such an enemy if he is not a fool to
himself, and I fervently hope this truthful un-
varnished tale may lead him to make a trial of
my plan, which I sincerely recommend to public
notice, — not with any ambitious motive, but in
sincere good faith to help my fellow-creatures to
obtain the marvellous blessings I have found
within the short period of a few months.

I do not recommend every corpulent man
to rush headlong into such a change of diet,
{certainly not), but to act advisedly and after
full consultation with a physician.

My former dietary table was bread and milk
for breakfast, or a pint of tea with plenty of
milk and sugar, and buttered toast ; meat, beer,
much bread (of which I was always very fond)
and pastry for dinner, the meal of tea sunilar to
that of breakfast, and generally a fruit tart or
bread and milk for supper. I had little com-
fort and far less sound sleep.

It certainly appears to me that my present

21

dietary table is far superior to the former — more
luxurious and liberal, independent of its blessed
effect — but when it is proved to be more health-
ful, comparisons are simply ridiculous, and I can
hardly imagine any man, even in sound health,
would choose the former, even if it were not an
enemy ; but, when it is shown to be, as in my
case, inimical both to health and comfort, I
can hardly conceive there is any man who
would not willingly avoid it. I can conscien-
tiously assert I never lived so well as under
the new plan of dietary, which I should have
formerly thought a dangerous extravagant
trespass upon health ; I am very much better,
bodily and mentally, and pleased to beheve that
I hold the reins of health and comfort in my
own hands, and, though at sixty-five years of
age, I cannot expect to remain free from some
commg natural infirmity that all flesh is heir
to, I cannot at the present time comjDlain of
one. It is simply miraculous, and I am
thankful to Almighty Providence for directing
me, tlurough an extraordinary chance, to the
care of a man who could work such a change
in so short a time.

22

Oh ! that the faculty would look deeper into
and make themselves better acquamted with
the crying evil of obesity — that dreadful tor-
menting parasite on health and comfort. Their
fellow men might not descend into early prema-
ture graves, as I believe many do, from what
is termed apoplexy, and certainly would not,
during their sojourn on earth, endure so much
bodily and consequently mental infirmity.

Corpulence, though giving no actual paiu, as
it appears to me, must naturally press with
undue violence upon the bodily viscera, driving
one part upon another, and stoppmg the free
action of all. I am sure it did in my par-
ticular case, and the result of my experience is
briefly as follows : —

I have not felt so well as now for the last

twenty years.
Have sufiered no inconvenience whatever m

the probational remedy.
Am reduced many inches in bulk, and 3 5 lbs.

in weight in thirty-eight weeks.
Come down stairs forward naturally, mth

perfect ease.

23

Go up stairs and take ordinary exercise
freely, without tlie slightest inconve-
nience.

Can perform every necessary office for my-
seE

The umbilical rupture is greatly ameliorated,
and gives me no anxiety.

My sight is restored — my hearing improved.

My other bodily ailments are amehorated ;
indeed, almost past into matter of his-
tory.

I have placed a thank-offering of £50 in
the hands of my kiad medical adviser for dis-
tribution amongst his favomite hospitals, after
gladly paying his usual fees, and still remain
under overwhelming obhgations for liis care
and attention, wliich I can never hope to repay.
Most thankful to Almighty Providence for
mercies received, and deteimmed to press the
case into public notice as a token of gratitude.

I have the pleasine to afford, in conclusion,
a satisfactory confirmation of my report, in
stating that a corpulent friend of mine, who,
hke myself, is possessed of a generally sound
constitution, was labouring under frequent

24

palpitations of the heart and sensations of
fainting, was, at my instigation, induced to
place himself in the hands of my medical
adviser, -with the same gradual beneficial
results. He is at present imder the same
ordeal, and in eight weeks has profited even
more largely than I did in that short period ;
he has lost the palpitations, and is becoming, so
to speak, a new made man — thankful to me
for advising, and grateful to the eminent coun-
sellor to whom I referred him — and he looks
forward with good hope to a perfect cure.

I am fully persuaded that hundreds, if not
thousands, of our fellow men might profit
equally by a similar course ; but, constitutions
not being all alike, a different course of treat-
ment may be advisable for the removal of so
tormenting an afiliction.'

;My kind and valued medical adviser is not a
doctor for obesity, but stands on the puinacle of
fame in the treatment of another malady, which,
as he well knows, is frequently induced by the
disease of which I am speaking, and I most
sincerely trust most of my corpulent fiiends
(and there are thousands of corpulent- people

25

wliom I dare not so rank) may Le led into
my tramroad. To any such I am prepared
to offer the further key of knowledge by naming
the man. It might seem invidious to do so
now, but I shall only be too happy, if apphed to
by letter in good faith, or if any doubt should
exist as to the correctness of tliis statement.

WILLIAM BANTING, Sen.,

Late of No. 27, St. James s Street, Piccadilly,
Now of No. A, The Terrace, Kensington.

Maij, 18G3.

ADDENDA.

Having exhausted the first Edition (1,000
copies) of the foregoing Pamphlet; and a period
of one year having elapsed since connnencing the
admirable course of diet wliich has led to such
inestimably beneficial results, and, *'as I expected,
and desired,^' having quite succeeded in attaining
the happy medium of weight and bulk I had so
loDg inefiectually sought, which appears neces-
sary to health at my age and stature — 1 feel
impelled by a sense of pubhc duty, to ofier the
result of my experience in a second Edition.
It has been suggested that I should have sold
the Pamphlet, devoting any profit to Charity as
more agreeable and useful ; and I had intended
to adopt such a course, but on reflection feared
my motives might be mistaken ; I, therefore,
respectfully present this (Hke the first Edition)
to the Public gratuitously, earnestly hopmg the
subject may be taken up by medical men and
thoroughly ventilated.

28

It may (and I hope Avill) be, as satisfactoi^
to the pubhc to hear, as it is for me to state, that
the first Edition has been attended with very
comforting results to other sufferers from CorjDu-
lence, as the remedial system therein described
was to me under that terrible disease, which
was my main object in pubHshing my convic-
tions on the subject. It has moreover attained
a success, produced flattering compliments, and
an amount of attention I could hardly have
imagined possible. Tlie pleasure and satisfac-
tion this has afforded me, is ample compensa-
tion for the trouble and expense I have incurred,
and I most sincerely trust, ** as I verily believe,"
this second Edition will be accompanied by
similar satisfiictory results from a more extensive
cii'culation. If so, it will inspirit me to ckculate
further Editions, whilst a corpulent person
exists, requniog, as I tliink, this system of diet,
or so long as my motives cannot be mistaken,
and are thankfully appreciated.

My weight is reduced 46 lbs., and as the vei^
gradual reductions which I am able to show may
be interesting to many, I have great pleasiire in
stating them, belie vmg they serve to demonstrate
farther the merit of the system pursued.

29

My weight on 26tli August, 1862, was 202 lbs.

lbs.

lbs.

On Vih. September, it was 200, having lost 2

27th

»*

197

3

more

19 th October

w

193

4

>»

9 th November

;j

190

)»

3rd December

»

187

»

24th

>5

184

3

»>

14th Jan.. 1863

)>

182

'»

4 th February

J>

180

'J

25th „

•»

178

2

)t

18th March

Jl

176

>>

8th April

55

173

3

.,

29th „

J»

170

3

>j

20th ]\Iay

5?

167

3

'»

10th June

»

164

3

5»

1st July

»>

161

3

5>

22nd „

J>

159

o

5J ^

J>

12th August

it

157

5>

26th

S>

156

1

>»

12th September

of ^

156

weight . .

0

>»

Total loss

.. 46

lbs.

My girth is reduced round the waist, in tailor
phraseology, 12 j inches, which extent was hardly
conceivable even by my own friends, or my
respected medical adviser, until I put on my
former clothing, over what I now wear, wliich

was a tliorouglily convincmg proof of the remark-
able cliange. These important desiderata have
been attained by the most easy and comforta,ble
means, with but little medicine, and almost
entii'ely by a system of diet, that formerly I
should have thought dangerously generous. I
am told by all who know me that my personal
appearance is greatly improved, and that I seem
to bear the stamp of good health ; this may be
a matter of opinion or friendly remark, but I can
honestly assert that I feel restored in health,
"bodily and mentally," appear to have more
muscular power and vigour, eat and drink with
a good appetite, and sleep well. All sjTuptoms
of acidity, indigestion, and heartburn (with
which I was frequently tormented) have vanished.
I have left off using boot hooks, and other
such aids which were indisjoensable, but being
now able to stoop with ease and freedom,
are unnecessary. I have lost the feeling of
occasional faintness, and what I think a remark-
able blessing and comfort is that I have been
able safely to leave off knee bandages, w^hich I
had worn necessarihj for 20 past years, and given
up a truss almost entirely; indeed I believe I
might wholly discard it mth safety, but am

31

advised to wear it at least occasionally for the
present.

Since publisliing my Pamphlet, I have felt
constrained to send a copy of it to my former
medical advisers, and to ascertain their opinions
on the subject. They did not dispute or ques-
tion the propriety of the system, but cither
dared not venture its practice upon a man of
my age, or thought it too great a sacrifice of
personal comfort to be generally advised or
adopted, and I fancy none of them appeared
to feel the fact of the misery of corpulence.
One eminent physician, as I before stated, assured
me that increasing weight was a necessary result
of advancing years ; another equally eminent to
whom I had been directed by a very friendly
third, who had most kindly but ineffectually
failed in a remedy, added to my weight in a few
weeks instead of abating the evil. These facts
lead me to believe the question is not sufficiently
observed or even regarded.

The great charm and comfort of the system
is, that its effects are palpable within a week of
trial, wliich creates a natural stunulus to persevere
for a few weeks more, when the fact becomes
established beyond question.

32

I only intreat all persons gufferlng frona cor-
pulence to make a fair trial for just one clear
month, as I am well convinced, they will after-
wards pursue a course which yields sucli extra-
ordinary benefit, till entirely and effectually
relieved, and be it remembered, by the sacrifice
merely of simple, for the advantage of more
generous and comforting food. The simple dietary
evidently adds fuel to fire, whereas the superior
and. liberal seems to extinguish it.

I am delighted to be able to assert that I
have proved the great merit and advantage of
the system by its result in several other cases,
similar to my own, and have full confidence that
within the next twelve months I shall know of
many more cases restored from the disease
of corpulence, for I have received the kindest
possible letters from many afflicted strangers and
friends, as well as similar personal observations
from others whom I have conversed with, and
assurances from most of them tliat they will
kindly mform me the result for my own private
satisfaction. Many are practising the diet after
consultation with their o^vn medical advisers ;
some few have gone to mine, and others are
practising upon their own convictions of the

I

I

33

advantages detailed in the PampKlet, though I
recommend all to act ad\HLsedly, in case their
constitutions should differ. I am, however, so
perfectly satisfied of the great unerring benefits
of this system of diet, that I shall spare no
trouble to circulate my humble experience. The
amount and character of my correspondence on
the subject has been strange and sing-ular, but
most satisfactory to my mind and feehngs.

I am now in that happy comfortable state
that I should not hesitate to indulge in any
fancy in regard to diet, but if I did so should
watch the consequences, and not continue any
course which might add to weight or bulk and
consequent discomfort.

Is not the system suggestive to artists and
men of sedentary employment who cannot spare
time for exercise, consequently become corpu-
lent, and clog the little muscular action with a
superabundance of fat, thus easily avoided ?

Pure genuine biead may be the staff of
life as it is termed. It is so, particularly in
youth, but I feel certain it is more vvdiolesome ir.
advanced Hfe if thoroughly toasted, as I take it.
My impression is, that any starchy or saccharine
matter tends to the disease of corpulence hi

34

advanced life, and whether it be swallowed in
that form or generated in the stomach, that aU
things tending to these elements should be
avoided, of course always under sound medical
authority.

WILLIAM BANTING.

CONCLUDING ADDENDA.

It is very satisfactory to me to be able to
state, that I remained at the same standard of
bulk and weight for several weeks after the
26th August, when I attained the happy
natural medium, since which time I have varied
in weight from two to three pounds, more or
less. I have seldom taken the morning draught
since that time, and have frequently indulged
my fancy, experimentally, in using milk, sugar,
butter, and potatoes — indeed, I may say all the
forbidden articles except heer, in moderation,
with impunity, but always as an exception, not
as a rule. This deviation, however, convinces me
that I hold the power of maintaining the happy
medium in my own hands.

A kind friend has lately furnished me with
a tabular statement in regard to weight as pro-
portioned to stature, which, under present cir-

o 2

36

cumstances and tlie new movement, may be
interesting and useful to corpulent readers : —

STATURE. WEIGHT.

5 feet 1 should be 8 stone 8 or 120 lbs.

5

>5

2

9

0

3>

126

5

>»

3

9

H

i

5>

133

5

»

4

9

10

5}

136

5

J5

5

10

2

3)

142

5

>»

6

10

5

»

145

5

J>

^

10

»

8

3J

148

5

J»

8

11

1

>J

155

5

J>

9

11

jj

8

5J

162

5

5>

10

12

„

1

J)

169

5

»

11

12

»»

6

>J

174

6

>J

0

12

j>

10

;j

178

Tliis tabular statement, taken from a mean
average of 2,648 healthy men, was formed and
arranged for an Insurance Company by the late
Dr. John Hutchinson. It answered as a pretty
good standard, and insurances were regulated
upon it. His calculations were made upon the
volume of air passing in and out of the lung9»
and tliis was his guide as to how far the various
organs of the body were in health, and the
' lungs in particular. It may be viewed as some

Eort of probable rule, yet only as an average,—
some in health weighing more by many pounds
than others. It must not be looked upon as
infaUible, but only as a sort of general reason-
able guide to Nature's great and mighty work.

On a general view of the question I tliink it
may be conceded that a frame of lovv^ stature
v/as hardly intended to bear very heavy weight.
Judgmg from this tabular statement I ought to
be considerably lighter than I am at present :
I shall not, however, covet or aim at such a
result, nor, on the other hand, feel alarmed if I
decrease a httle more in weis^ht and bulk.

I am certainly more sensitive to cold since
I have lost the superabundant fat, but this
is remediable by another garment, far more
agreeable and satisfactory. Many of my friends
have said, " Oh 1 you have done well so far, but
take care you don't go too far." I fancy such a
circumstance, with such a dietary, very unHkely,
if not impossible ; but feeling that I have now
nearly attained the right standard of bulk and
weight proportional to my stature and age
(between 10 and 11 stone), I should not
hesitate to partake of a fattening dietary occa-
sionally, to preserve that happy standard, if

38

necessary ; indeed, I am allowed to do so by
my medical adviser but I shall always- observe
a careful watcli upon myself to discover the
effect, and act accordingly, so that, if I choose to
spend a day or two with Dives, so to speak,
I must not forget to devote the next to
Lazarus.

The remedy may be as old as the hills, as I
have since been told, but its application is of
very recent date ; and it astonishes me that
such a light should have remained so long
unnoticed and hidden, as not to afford a
glimmer to my anxious mind in a search for it
during the last twenty years, even in direc-
tions where it might have been expected to
be known. I w^ould rather presume it is a
new light, than that it was purposely hidden
merely because the disease of obesity was not
immediately dangerous to existence, nor thought
to be worthy of serious consideration. Little do
the faculty imagine the misery and bitterness
to life through the parasite of corpulence or
obesity.

I can now confidently say that quantity of
diet may be safely left to the natural appetite ;
and that it is the quality only, wliich is essential

39

to abate and cure corpulence. I stated the
quantities of my own dietary, because it was
part of a truthful report, but some correspon-
dents have doubted whether it should be more or
less in their own cases, a doubt which would be
better solved by their own appetite, or medical
adviser. I have heard a graphic remark b}"
a corpulent man, which may not be inappro-
priately stated here, that big houses were vot
formed with scanty materials. This, however, is
a poor excuse for self indulgence in improper
food, or for not consulting medical authority.

The approach of corpulence is so gradual
that, until it is far advanced, persons rarely
become objects of attention. Many may have
even congratulated themselves on their comely
appearance, and have not sought advice or a
remedy for what they did not consider an evil,
for an evil I can say most truly it is, when in
much excess, to which pomt it must, in my
opinion arrive, unless obviated by proper means.

Many have wished to know (as future readers
may) the nature of the morning draught, or
where it could be obtained, but believing it
would have been highly imprudent on my part
to have presumed that what was proper for my

40

constitution was applicable to all indiscrimi-
nately, I could only refer them to a medical
adviser for any aid beyond tbe dietary ; assuring
them, however, it was not a dram but of an
alkaline character.

Some, I believe, would T\TlIingly submit to
even a violent remedy, so that an immediate
benefit could be produced ; this is not the object
of the treatment, as it cannot but be dangerous,
in my humble opinion, to reduce a disease of
this nature suddenly ; they are probably then
too prone to despair of success, and consider it
as unalterably connected with their constitution.
Many under this feeling doubtless return to
their former habits, encouraged so to act by the
ill-judged advice of friends who, I am persuaded
(from the correspondence I have had on this
most interestmg subject) become unthinking
accomplices in the destruction of those whom
they regard and esteem.

The question of four meals a-day, and the
night cap, has been abundantly and amusingly
criticized. I ought perhaps to have stated as
an excuse for such liberality of diet, that I
breakfast between eight and nine o'clock, dine
between one and two, take my slight tea meai

41

between five and sbr, sup at nine, and only
take the night cap when inclination directs.
My object in naming it at all was, that, as a
part of a whole system, it should be known,
and to show it is not forbidden to those who
are advised that they need such a luxury ;
nor was it injurious in my case. Some have
inquired whether "^smoking was prohibited. It
was not.

It has also been remarked that such a dietary
as mine was too good and expensive for a poor
man, and that I had wholly lost sight of that
class ; but a very poor corpulent man is not so
frequently m.et with, inasmuch as the poor cannot
afford the simple inexpensive means for creating
fat ; but when the tendency does exist in that
class, I have no doubt it can be remedied by
abstinence from the forbidden articles, and a
moderate indulgence in such cheap stimulants
as may be recommended by a medical adviser,
whom they have ample chances of consulting
gratuitously.

I have a very strong feeling .that gout (another
terrible parasite upon humanity) might be
greatly relieved, if not cured entirely, by this
proper natural dietary, and sincerely hope some

42

person so afflicted may be induced to practice
the harmless plan for three months (as I cer-
tainly would if the case were my o^^ti) to prove
it ; but not without advice.

My impression from the experiments I have
tried on myself of late is, that saccharine matter
is the great moving cause of fatty corpulence.
I know that it produces in my individual case
increased weight and a large amount of flatulence,
and believe, that not only sugar, but all elements
tending to create saccharine matter in the
process of digestion, should be avoided. I
apprehend it wlU be found in bread, butter,
milk, beer, Port wine, and Champagne ; I have
not found starchy matter so troublesome as the
saccharine, which, I think, largely increases
acidity as well as fat, but, with ordinary care
and observation, people will soon find what food
rests easiest in the stomach, and avoid that
which does not, during the probationary trial
of the proposed dietary. Vegetables and ripe
or stewed fruit I have found ample aperients.
Failing this, medical advice should be sought.

The word *' parasite" has been much com-
mented upoD, as inappropriate to any but a living
creeping thiQg (of course I use the word iu n.

43

figurative sense, as a burden to the flesh), but if
fat is not an insidious creeping enemy, I do not
know what is. I should have equally applied
the word to gout, rheumatism, dropsy, and many
other diseases.

Whereas hitherto the appeals to me to know
the name of my medical adviser have been very
numerous, I may say hundreds, which I have
gladly answered, though forming no small item
of the expense incurred, and whereas the very
extensive circulation expected of the third
edition is likely to lead to some thousands of
similar applications, I feel bound, in self-defence,
to state that the medical gentleman to whom I
am so deeply indebted is Mr. Harvey, Soho
Square, London, whom I consulted for deafness.
In tne first and second editions, I thought that
to give liis name would appear like a puff, which
I know he abhors ; indeed, I should prefer
not to do so now, but cannot, in justice to
myself, incur further probable expense (which I
fancy inevitable) besides the personal trouble,
for which I cannot afford time, and, therefore, feel
no hesitation to refer to him as my guarantee for
the truth of the pamphlet.

One material point I should be glad to

44

impre?.;s on my corpulent readers — it is, to get
accurately weighed at starting upon the fresh
system, and contiQue to do so weekly or
monthly, for the change will be so truly palpable
by this course of examination, that it wall arm
tliem with perfect confidence in the merit
and ultimate success of the plan. I deeply
regret not having secured a photographic
portrait of my original figure in 1862, to place
in juxta position with one of my present form.
It might have amused some, but certainly
would have been very convincing to others, and
astonishing to all that such an effect should
have been so readily and speedily produced by
the simple natiu'al cause of exchanging a meagre
for a generous dietary under proper advice.

I shall ever esteem it a great favour if persons
relieved and cured, as I have been, will kindly
let me know of it ; the information will be truly
gratifying to my mind. That the system is a
great success, I have not a shadow of doubt from
the numerous reports sent with thanks by
strangers as well as friends from all parts of the
kingdom ; and I am truly thankful to have been
the himible instrument of disseminating the
blessing and experience I have attained through

I

45

able counsel and natural causes by proper
perseverance.

I have now finklied my task, and trust my
humble efforts may prove to be good seed well
sown, that will fructify and jDroduce a large
harvest of benefit to my fellow creatures. I
also hope the faculty generally may be led more
extensively to ventilate this question of corpu-
lence or obesity, so that, instead of one, two, or
three able practitioners, there may be as many
hundreds distributed in the various parts of the
United Kingdom. In such case, I am persuaded,
that those diseases, hke Reverence and Golden
Pippins, will be very rare.

f^

APPENDIX.

Since publishing the third edition of my
Pamplilet, 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 higlily interesting to the Faculty and
the pubhc generally. He has promised this at
his leisure.

Numerous applications having been made to
me on points to which 1 had not alluded, in
which my correspondents felt some doubt and
interest, I take this opportunity of making some
few corrections in my published dietaiy : —

I ought, " it seems," to have excepted veal,
owing to its indigestible quality, as well as pork
for its fattening character ; also herrmgs and
eels (owing to their oUy nature), being as in-
jurious as salmon. In respect to vegetables, not
only should potatoes be prohibited, but parsnips,

48

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.

49

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 anniliilated.

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 lib.,
more or less, in the course of a month. Accord-
ing 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 deporjit of fat, and, as my
medical friend mforms 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.

50

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 in the
43rd page as my kind medical adviser in the
cure of Corpulence, is not Dr. John Harvey, who
has pubHshed a Pamphlet on Corpulence assimi-
lating with some of the features and the general
aspect of mme, and wliich has been considered
(as I learn from correspondents who have ob-
tamed 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 Wiijltj m Harvey,
F.R.C.S., No. 2, Soho Square, London, W.

WILLIAM BANTING.

4pn7, 1864.

PBINTKD BY HARRISON AND SONS, ST. MARTIN'S LANE, LONDON.

a;*

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