s District have
rendered an appropriate tribute of respect for the memory of
their venerated associate, the late Dr. E.A. HOLYOKE, by
publishing an elegant little volume, containing a memoir of
the deceased, prepared by a Committee of the Society, and a
few of his writings. We have selected from the latter the
following articles, which will interest the reader. The
first is an account of Dr. Holyoke's habits of life, diet,
&c., furnished by him in a letter to one of his friends; the
others are a historical memorandum and a fragment of the
Doctor's poetical effusions.
_To ---- ---- ---- Williamsville, Person County, North
Carolina._
SALEM, Oct'r--1828.
SIR,--I received yours of the 20th ult. on ye 30th, wherein
you wish me to give you some Account of my Mode of Life,
&c.--In answer to which I would first mention that I was
providentially blessed with an excellent Constitution--that
I never injured this constitution by Intemperance of any
kind--but invigorated it by constant Exercise, having from
my 30th to my 80th Year walked on foot (in the Practice of
my Profession)--probably as many as 5 or 6 miles every day,
amounting to more than a _million_[A] of miles, and tho'
sometimes much fatigued, the next Night's refreshing Sleep,
always completely restored me. In early life, between 20 and
30, I used to ride on Horse back, but being often pestered
by my Horses slipping their Bridles I found it more
convenient to walk.
As to my Diet, having been taught to eat of any thing that
was provided for me, and having always a good Appetite, I am
never anxious about my food, and I do not recollect any
thing, that is commonly eaten, that does not agree with my
Stomach, except fresh roasted Pork, which tho' very
agreeable to my Palate, almost always disagrees with me; for
which however I have a remedy, in the Spirit of Sal Amoniac.
Eight or Ten drops of Aqua Ammonia pura in a wine glass of
Water, gives me relief after Pork, and indeed after anything
else which offends my stomach. As to the Quantity, I am no
great Eater, and I find my appetite sooner satisfied now
than formerly;--there is one peculiarity in my Diet which as
it may perhaps have contributed to Health I would mention; I
am fond of Fruit, and have this 30 or more
|