BALNEARIA

History of Sea Bathing and Seaside Resort Tourism

Ancient Books

Floyer, John, Sir, 1649-1734
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

5th edition,

contemporary panelled calf, 8vo

In a series of four letters, Floyer 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 becasue it is of great benefit in curing many neonatal diseaes 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 Wellcome 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.