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Airs, Waters,
Places outlines environmental health as it was understood two and a half
thousand years ago. The relationship of environment, social conditions, and
behaviour to health and sickness is made explicit in the timeless advice of
the opening paragraph: "Whoever would study medicine must learn of the following. First, consider the effect of each of the seasons ... and the differences between them. ... Study the warm and cold winds ... and the effect of water on health ... When a physician comes to a district previously unknown to him he should consider its situation and its aspect to the winds ...and the nature of its water supply ... Whether the land be bare and waterless or thickly covered with vegetation and well-watered, whether in a hollow and stifling, or exposed and cold. Lastly, consider the life of the inhabitants - are they heavy drinkers and eaters and consequently unable to stand fatigue, or being fond of work and exercise, eat wisely but drink sparely". In short - environment and life style, very modern concepts. |