VITALITY SUPREME by Bernarr Macfadden

This 1915 book by Macfadden presents his core thoughts on exercise, nutrition, and health. Macfadden's prominence in the physical culture movement from the 1890s on undoubtedly had an influence on Alfred Lawson's own health practices and writings. At one point, Lawson asked Macfadden in private communications if Macfadden could include some Lawsonomy principles in Macfadden's own writings; Macfadden politely declined, claiming that Lawsonomy was "too deep for the people."

Macfadden is still occasionally referenced in contemporary writings on health practices, but with apologies for his archaic prose style. However, Macfadden's energetic phrasing perfectly reflects the inimitable personality of its author. It explains the zeal that Macfadden felt for his work and why it inspired a huge following. "Why not throb with superior vitality!" Indeed.

Entire ASCII text in one zip file. All accompanying illustrations in one zip file. See contents below for individual chapter files.

PREFACE

The war cry of to-day in peace no less than in war is for efficiency. We
need stronger, more capable men; healthier, superior women. Force is
supreme�-the king of all mankind. And it is force that stands back of
efficiency, for efficiency, first of all, means power. It comes from
power, and power either comes directly from inheritance or it is
developed by an intelligent application of the laws that control the
culture of the physique. The value of efficiency is everywhere
recognized. The great prizes of life come only to those who are
efficient. Those who desire capacities of this sort must recognize the
importance of a strong, enduring physique. The body must be developed
completely, splendidly. The buoyancy, vivacity, energy, enthusiasm and
ambition ordinarily associated with youth can be maintained through
middle age and in some cases even to old age. If your efforts are to be
crowned with the halo of success, they must be spurred on by the
pulsating throbbing powers that accompany physical excellence. These
truly extraordinary characteristics come without effort to but few of
us, but they can be developed, attained and maintained.

Why not throb with superior vitality! Why not possess the physical
energy of a young lion? For then you will compel success. You will stand
like a wall if need be, or rush with the force of a charging bison
towards the desired achievements. This book sends forth a message of
paramount importance to those who need added efficiency. Adherence to
the principles laid down herein will add to the characteristics that
insure splendid achievements. They will increase the power of your body
and mind and soul. They will help each human entity to become a live
personality. They will enable you to live fully, joyously. They will
help you to feel, enjoy, suffer, every moment of each day. It is only
when you are thus thrilled with the eternal force of life that you reach
the highest pinnacle of attainable capacities and powers. Hidden forces,
sometimes marvelous and mysterious, lie within nearly every human soul.
Develop, expand and bring out these latent powers. Make your body
splendid, your mind supreme; for then you become your real self, you
possess all your attainable powers. And men thus developed possess a
capital that can not be financially measured. It is worth infinitely
more than money. Within the pages of this volume the pathway leading to
these gratifying rewards is clearly described. Adhere to the principles
set forth and a munificent harvest of physical, mental and spiritual
attainments will surely be yours.

--Bernarr Macfadden

CONTENTS


PREFACE

I. VITALITY-WHAT IS IT?

II. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY--THE SECRET OF POWER

III. THE PROPER BODILY POSTURE (Images A  B )

IV. STIMULATING THE SOURCE OF STAMINA AND VITALITY (Images A  B  C  D  E  F  G )

V. STRAIGHTENING AND STRENGTHENING THE SPINE (Images A  B  C  D  E  F  G  )

VI. CLEANSING AND STIMULATING THE ALIMENTARY CANAL (Images  A  B  C  D  E  )

VII. EXERCISE FOR VITALITY BUILDING (Images  A  B  C  D  E  F  G  )

VIII. HOW TO BREATHE (Images  A  B  )

IX. OUTDOOR LIFE

X. STRENGTHENING THE STOMACH

XI. PRESERVING THE TEETH  (Images  A  B  C  D  E  )

XII. HOW TO EAT

XIII. WHAT TO EAT

XIV. FOODS IN THE CURE OF CONSTIPATION

XV. PRESSURE MOVEMENTS FOR BUILDING INNER STRENGTH (Images  A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  )

XVI. BLOOD PURIFICATION

XVII. HINTS ON BATHING

XVIII. SOME FACTS ABOUT CLOTHING

XIX. SUGGESTIONS ABOUT SLEEP (Images  A  )

XX. MIND-THE MASTER-FORCE FOR HEALTH OR DISEASE

XXI. THE LAUGH CURE  (Images  A  B  C  )

XXII. SINGING-THE GREAT TONIC

XXIII. THE DAILY REGIMEN