Notices respecting A^eiv Books. 181 



larly observed, are of infinite importance. Rules, with re- 

 spect to these particukirs, he was at considerable pains to 

 collect from a number of intelligent individuals now living, 

 or lately deceased, as well as from personal observation. He 

 considers them to be a valuable part of the intended publica- 

 tion, as several of them are not to be met with in any work 

 hitherto printed. Had they been known to him thirty years 

 ago, his own health would not have suffered as it did, and 

 many irksome hours would have been avoided. By the ob- 

 servance of these rules, he is persuaded that men, instead of 

 living recluse, or weighing their food, measuring their drink, 

 and the like niceties, may, with moderation and prudence 

 for their caides, mingle in the usual train of civilized or ar- 

 tificial society, without suffering in their health, or shorten- 

 ing the period of their existence." 



Chapter I. details the Requisites for Long Life, derived 

 chieflv from nature, a very interesting chapter. Chapter If. 

 relates to the Mind, and the Regulation of the Passions. 

 Chapter III. is on the Climate and Place where a Person 

 resides. Chapter IV. On the Nature of Air, and of its Im- 

 portance to Health. Chapter V. Of liquid Food. Chap- 

 ter VI. Of solid Food. Chapter VII. On Digestion and the 

 Effects thereof. Chapter VIll. On EKcrcise. Chapter IX. 

 On Sleep. 



It is but justice to Dr. Thornton to state, that in his Phi- 

 losophy of Medicine the very same titles appear; and our 

 first obligations are therefore to that physician. The plan 

 also of this kind of performance was derived from bin), and 

 the merit of such a work rests entirely on the judgment of 

 the selection, and combinatiori of the knowledge, so as to 

 form a satisfactory performance. 



The public arc much indelncd to Dr. Thornton, who first 

 chalked out this perfection of literature, which has been imi- 

 tated by twt) such men as sir John Sinclair in his Code of 

 Health, and Dr. Darwin in his Phylologia. It is but justice 

 to Fay, that each have their respective merits ; and, us Dr. 

 Thornton's P:lxlracts are designed chiefly for students, that 

 he has been less elaborate in detail ; and what renders liis 

 Medical and Botanical Extracts of most value is, the many. 

 M 3 nccur lie. 



