An example of health education in the early 17th century: Naturall and artificial Directions for Health by William Vaughan

Abstract

In 1600, William Vaughan, a Doctor of Civil Laws, published the first edition of his health education manual entitled Naturall and artificial Directions for Health. In all, seven editions appeared over the next 33 years. Changes were made to the title and contents, but the same six general areas were covered in each, i.e. (1) Air, fire and water, (2) Food and drink, (3) Sleep and early rising, (4) Evacuations, (5) Infirmities and death, and (6) Restoration of health. Although Vaughan was writing before the scientific revolution, and had to base his advice on the current theories of the four humours, miasma, stars and the supernatural, research over the intervening four centuries has proven many of his messages to be correct, e.g. clean air and water, a balanced diet, olive oil, low animal fat, red wine, fibre, exercise, and avoiding tobacco use, to mention but a few. In Vaughan's day, these messages were new to many readers and the method of health education used was simply to present the information for people to act on. Behavioural research carried out in the last century has changed the approach to health education by involving decision-making processes, self-efficacy building and social support. © The Author 2005. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.