A. Borde, Introduction.
(From his Naturall & Artificial Directions
for health, 1602, p. 57-63.)
Declare vnto mee a dayly dyet, whereby I may liue in health, and not trouble my selfe in Physicke.
[(1)] I will: first of all in the morning when you are about to rise vp, stretch your self strongly: for thereby the animall heate is somewhat forced into the outward partes, the memorie is quickned, and the bodie strengthened.
[(2)] Secondarily, rub and chafe your body with the palmes of your hands, or with a course linnen cloth; the breast, back, and belly, gently: but the armes, thighes, and legges roughly, till they seem ruddy and warme.
[(3)] Euacuate your selfe.
[(4)] Put on your apparell: which in the summer time must be for the most part silke, or buffe, made of buckes skinne, for it resisteth venime and contagious ayres: in winter your vpper garment must be of cotton or friezeadow.
[(5)] When you have apparelled your selfe hansomely, combe your head softly and easily with an Iuorie combe: for nothing recreateth the memorie more.