
In this thoughtful exploration of mortality, the author asks the fundamental questions that haunt every life: why do we die, and what truly shortens our years? Drawing on early‑twentieth‑century medical knowledge, the book critiques the lingering “medicine man” attitude that hides ignorance behind confidence, urging a new era of openness and honesty between doctors and patients. It argues that genuine progress comes not only from scientific advances but from mutual trust, where patients’ subjective experiences become as vital as clinical data.
Beyond a clinical lens, the work weaves philosophy and social observation, suggesting that cooperation—not isolation—is the key to a longer, more fulfilling existence. By demystifying complex terminology with a clear glossary, the author invites readers of any background to engage with the ideas and consider how personal habits, modern sanitation, and a collaborative approach to health might extend life well beyond the expectations of earlier generations.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (148K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United Kingdom: T. Fisher Unwin Ltd., 1921.
Credits
Thiers Halliwell, Susan Skinner and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)
Release date
2023-04-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
A British doctor and early 20th-century health writer, he explored aging, disease, and the causes of death in clear, questioning prose. His work reflects a time when medicine was changing quickly and public health ideas were being debated with new urgency.
View all books