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THE FOURTH EDITION.

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THE favourite object of my life, densing useful knowledge into a moderate compass," is likely now to make considerable progress. "A Code of Health and Longevity," and "A Code of Agriculture," are completed; and some progress has been made, in drawing up "A Code of Statistical Philosophy," founded on the minute and extensive information contained in the Statistical Account of Scotland. In that intended Publication, the basis of Political Economy, and the principles of a patriotic and beneficent Government, will be explained.

For the purpose of rendering these Works more generally accessible, it is proposed, that each subject shall be treated of in one volume, to be sold at a Guinea, unless when any copies are printed, on paper of a larger size, and superior quality. Thus, each branch of science will be brought within so small a compass, that it will not require, either much expence to purchase, or much time to peruse.

To this Edition of The Code of Health and Longevity, reduced in price, so as to assimilate to the other Publications of the same description, there is annexed, Engravings of several Persons, distinguished for great age; also, some information on the cure of the Rheumatism; an object of such peculiar importance to the lower orders of society, who are so often disabled from labour, and reduced to indigence, by that grievous malady.

Ormly Lodge, Ham Common, Surrey,

10th October, 1817.

JOHN SINCLAIR.

INTRODUCTION.

..SECT. I.

Preliminary Observations.

THE experience of ages sufficiently demonstrates, that the human frame is, from its nature, calculated merely for temporary existence. Indeed though man is a being of a higher order, he is at his birth more helpless than even the inferior animals, and is afterwards equally liable to decay. During the first years of his life, he is entirely dependent on the care and exertions of others, for food, for raiment, and for protection. Gradually he acquires a considerable proportion of bodily strength, and reaches a high degree of intellectual capacity: but, after possessing these faculties for some time, his strength at length decays, his sagacity diminishes, his body loses its vigour, the powers of his nature give way, and he ceases to live. This is the fate even of those who are the most fortunate, the most healthy, and the most robust.

But though all must die, yet the duration of life is uncertain; and while many perish during infancy, youth, or manhood, the existence of a few is prolonged to extreme old age.

Nay while men continue in existence, their situation as to health differs considerably. Some

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enjoy the possession of their mental and corporeal powers, almost unimpaired; while others are occasionally, and in some cases perpetually, in a sickly state, the victims of disease, which, by the early application of proper means, might, in numerous instances, have been prevented.

Many persons, also, by means of various remedies which experience has pointed out, have either had their complaints mitigated, or have recovered from those disorders with which they had been afflicted, and from the effects of any personal accidents by which they had unfortunately suffered, and have regained their former health and strength.

Hence arises the threefold division of the general subject of Life and Health; namely, into the means, 1. OF PROLONGING LIFE; 2. OF PRESERVING HEALTH; and, 3. OF CURING AND ALLEVIATING DISEASE.

The means by which persons are relieved from the various disorders and accidents to which they are liable, more especially those which are attended with any difficulty or danger, it is not the purport of the following pages to discuss, Of the other objects, however, the means of Prolonging Life, and Preserving a state of Health, not as distinct propositions, but as being, when properly understood, so intimately blended together, that they can hardly be separated, it is the intention of the Author to treat. What enquiry can be more important? If health be one of the greatest blessings of life, and if disease render man miserable, what can be more desirable than to ascertain the means of preserving the advantages of the one, and of counteracting the ravages of the other? If by prolonging our existence also, we can be of more service to