
THE ART OF PRESERVING HEALTH: A POEM.
BOOK I. AIR.
BOOK II. DIET.
BOOK III. EXERCISE.
BOOK IV. The PASSIONS.
Transcriber’s Notes
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.
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.

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.
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