The Art of Lengthening Human Life (Die Kunst, das menshliche Leben zu verlängern) Late 19th and Early 20th Century German Diet Theories Seeking to Extend the Human Life Span

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Sabine Merta

Abstract

In Germany at the end of the 19th century health guides were written giving hints on how to lengthen the human life span. At first this kind of literature was written for the upper strata seeking methods to return to a more healthy and natural lifestyle as opposed to a dissipated life of luxury. Obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other health problems became popular topics and were interpreted as consequences of civilization. Wise sayings from Greek physicians like “More humans are killed by food than by the sword” provided a topic for discussion.

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Research Essays, Notes, & Queries