The art of preserving health: A poem

audiobook

The art of preserving health: A poem

by John Armstrong

EN·~1 hours·6 chapters

Chapters

6 total
1

THE ART OF PRESERVING HEALTH: A POEM.

0:12
2

BOOK I. AIR.

15:32
3

BOOK II. DIET.

25:09
4

BOOK III. EXERCISE.

29:00
5

BOOK IV. The PASSIONS.

23:32
6

Transcriber’s Notes

0:16

Description

A sweeping verse that intertwines poetry with a timeless meditation on well‑being, this work opens by invoking Hygeia, the ancient goddess of health, and her gentle guardian of the air. The poet summons fresh breezes, sun‑lit hills and crystal streams as allies against disease, painting a world where clean atmosphere revives both body and spirit. Rich in classical allusion yet vivid in its description of modern urban blight, the opening sets a hopeful tone for anyone seeking a lyrical roadmap to vitality.

From there the poem guides listeners through imagined walks in rural groves, along the Thames and through Richmond’s green retreats, urging a retreat from polluted city fumes toward nature’s restorative breath. It blends observations of humidity, smoke and toxic fumes with gentle counsel on choosing wholesome environments, suggesting that simple shifts in where we breathe can safeguard health. The rhythmic language invites both contemplation and practical insight, making the piece a meditative companion for those who wish to nurture a healthier mind and body.

Collections

Browse all

Details

Language

en

Duration

~1 hours (89K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Original publisher

United Kingdom: A. Millar, 1744.

Credits

Tim Lindell, Krista Zaleski and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)

Release date

2023-03-20

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

John Armstrong

John Armstrong

1709–1779

A Scottish physician who turned health advice into poetry, he is best remembered for The Art of Preserving Health, a lively 1744 poem that brought him lasting fame. His writing mixes wit, learning, and the polished style of the eighteenth century.

View all books

You may also like

Essays on Taste

Essays on Taste

by John Gilbert Cooper, John Armstrong

Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star

Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star

by Order of the Eastern Star. General Grand Chapter

On Love

On Love

by Stendhal

Seraphita

Seraphita

by Honoré de Balzac