Primitive Physic

John Wesley believed that everyone should have access to information about looking after their health. In 1747 he published a medical handbook entitled, Primitive Physic, Or an Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most Diseases. For many the expense of being seen by a good doctor was beyond what they could afford. This medical handbook allowed the masses to treat themselves at home in very practical, affordable ways. He listed ailments alphabetically, giving a brief description of symptoms and suggested a range of treatments. Some of the treatments listed are more likely to kill you than cure you, but many are still a healthy part of medical practices today, such as keeping a healthy diet and taking regular exercise.

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