1806 – Means of Preserving Health | First Edition – Early American Hygiene by Ricketson

Means of Preserving Health, and Preventing Diseases by Shadrach Ricketson is one of the earliest American guides on preventative health. This book describes food, sleep, clothing, mental health, and natural body functions. The broader focus is on hygiene and cleanliness, bathing, and the misuse of medicines, all intended to help the reader live a healthier life.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Means of Preserving Health, and Preventing Diseases: Founded Principally on an Attention to Air and Climate, Drink, Food, Sleep, Exercise, Clothing, Passions of the Mind, and Retentions and Excretions
• Author(s): Shadrach Ricketson
• Publisher: New-York, Printed by Collins & Perkins
• Edition: First Edition, 1806
• Binding: Hardcover
• Format: (16mo), single volume
• Size:  6.75 in x 4.25 in (17 cm x 10.5 cm)
• Collation: [2], x, 298, [2] pp.
• Illustrations:
• Contents Include:
  • Observations on bathing and ventilation
  • Cleanliness and the passions of the mind
  • Remarks on medical electricity
  • Glossary of technical terms
• Reference(s): Shaw & Shoemaker 11158

Condition:

Very Good. Bound in contemporary calf, corners and joints moderately worn, surface rubbing visible. Spine shows abrasion with title compartment partially faded. Text block sound.

Why Collect This?

• First edition issued in early republican New York
• Rare American preventive health
• Addresses hygiene, emotional balance, and air quality

Item Number: #29776