1850-51 WATER-CURE. The Water-Cure Library - Rare Alternative Medicine, Vegetarianism, Tobacco, &c.

This rare set of four volumes was published as part of "The Water-Cure Library" by Fowler and Wells. Their hydropathy library was a significant 19th-century publishing project that synthesized books and pamphlets dedicated to hydropathy (water cure) and other alternative medicinal practices. Through this series, the publishers aimed to democratize health information, promote alternative medical approaches, and champion social reform. As part of the wider Fowler and Wells publishing empire, this series was crucial in shifting medical care from authoritative, drug-dependent, allopathic doctors toward individual self-care and natural therapies.

The library, along with its associated Water-Cure Journal, promoted the use of cold water for therapeutic purposes—including wet sheet packs, baths, and drinking—as a natural, safe alternative to the "poisonous" drugs and harmful bloodletting then common in traditional medicine.

In line with their phrenological work, Fowler and Wells presented the water cure as a form of self-improvement, advocating that readers could "wash and be healed" to take control of their physical, mental, and moral well-being. Additionally, the publications championed holistic health—including nutrition, hygiene, exercise, and "mental repose"—while simultaneously promoting social reforms such as temperance, vegetarianism, and dress reform (e.g., the condemnation of corsets).

The water-cure movement also provided unique avenues for female practitioners. It offered women, particularly in the realm of maternal health, more accessible and less painful medical choices, empowering them to prioritize their right to health.

Shew, Joel. Fowlers and Wells' Water-Cure Library. Volume 1. Hydropathy, or, the Water-Cure; its Principles, Processes, and Modes of Treatment. Compiled in Part from the Most Eminent Authors, Ancient and Modern, on the Subject: Together with an Account of the Latest Methods Adopted by Priessnitz. Illustrated with Numerous Cases of Cure. New York. Fowlers and Wells. 1851. 360pp.

[With]

Nichols, Thomas L. Fowlers and Wells' Water-Cure Library. Volume 2. An Introduction to the Water-Cure: A Concise Exposition of the Human Constitution; The Conditions of Health; The Nature and Causes of Disease; The Leading Systems of Medicine; And the Principles, Practice, Adaptations, and Results of Hydropathy or the Water-Cure; Showing it to be a Scientific and Comprehensive System for the Preservation and Restoration of Health; Founded in Nature, and Adapted to the Wants of Man. New York. Fowlers and Wells. 1851. 108pp

[Bound with]

Pendleton, Mrs. Hester. The Parents' Guide for the Transmission of Desired Qualities to Offspring, and Childbirth Made Easy. New York. Fowlers and Wells. 1851. 212pp

[With]

Lambe, William. Joel Shew [Notes and Additions]. Fowlers and Wells' Water-Cure Library. Volume 5. Water and Vegetable Diety in Consumption, Scrofula, Cancer, Asthma, and other Chronic Diseases. In which the Advantages of Pure Soft Water of that which is Hard are Particularly Considered; Together with a Great Variety of Facts and Arguments Showing the Superiority of the Farinacea and Fruits to Animal Food in the Preservation of Health. New York. Fowlers and Wells. 1851. 258pp

[Bound with]

Shew, Joel. Tobacco: Its History, Nature and Effects on the Body and Mind. With the Opinions of Rev. Dr. Nott, L. N. Fowler, Henry Ward Beecher, Hon. Horace Greeley, Dr. Jennings, O. S. Fowler, Dr. R. T. Trall, and Others. New York. Fowlers and Wells. 1851. 116pp.

[With]

Rausse, J. H. C. H. Meeker [Trans.] Fowlers and Wells' Water-Cure Library. Volume 6. The Water-Cure, Applied to Every Known Disease: A Complete Demonstration of the Advantages of the Hydropathic System of Curing Diseases: Showing, Also, the Fallacy of the Medicinal Method, and its Utter Inability to Effect a Permanent Cure. With an Appendix, Containing a Water Diet and Rules for Bathing. New York. Fowlers and Wells. 1851. 272pp

[Bound with]

Rausse, J. H. C. H. Meeker [Trans.] Errors of Physicians and Others in the Practice of the Water-Cure as a Remedial Agent in the Prevention and Cure of Diseases. With Instructions for its Application. New York. Fowlers and Wells. 1851. 91pp.

A good + group, each rather scarce. Aside from the stains [read while practicing the water-cure?] to the cloth, each very solid and well-preserved. Some scattered moderate foxing.