Sure and certain methods of attaining a long and healthful life: with means of correcting a bad constitution

Philadelphia: Reprinted for the Rev. M.L. Weems, by Parry Hall, 1793. FIRST AMERICAN EDITION. Contemporary calf, worn around edges and spine, spine label; interior mildly toned but overall a very good copy. First American edition. The author focuses not only on the basics of healthy living, but on the means of correcting bad habits, especially with respect to diet. Chapters include "Of a sober and regular life," "The method of correcting a bad constitution," and "The birth and death of man," among others. As a short appendix, the author includes certain maxims to be observed for the prolonging of life; these include such witticisms as "whoever eats or drinks too much will be sick;" "the distempers of repletion are cur'd by abstinence;" and "the more you feed foul bodies, the more you hurst your selves."

In his middle years, Cornaro (1467-1566), a Venetian nobleman, was in poor health due to excessive eating and drinking. He was, however, able to recover his health by following a rigorous and healthy diet, and succeeded in living to an age in excess of 90 years.