The
following pages present the " Dedication" of
John Floyer,
Psukrolousia or
the history of cold - bathing both ancient and modern In Two Parts. To Which is Added, an Appendix by Dr. Edward Baynard.,
Publisher: William & John Innys,
London
1722,
the 5th edition of one of the
most important works about sea bathing.
Sir John Floyer,
1649-1734, in a series of
four letters, surveys the use of cold baths in ancient civilizations as well
as the views of Hippocrates on their efficacy. One letter addressed to
clergymen encourages them to reinstitute the practice of immersion in
baptism because it is of great benefit in curing many neonatal diseases and
preventing diseases of an hereditary nature. He includes a large number of
case histories which serve to support his basic thesis of the virtues of
hydrotherapy.
See Garrison-Morton 2029, Heirs of Hippocrates 669, Cushing
F210, Osler 2626, Waller 13282, and Welcome II, 34, citing various
editions. In addition to this classic
of balneology, Floyer
is notable for being the first to count the pulse with the aid of a watch
and to make regular observations on the pulse-rate, and the first to provide
clear descriptions of cases of bronchial asthma.
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