Heroic Medicine and Health Myths

This chapter examines the historical practice of heroic medicine, which relied on toxic treatments to combat disease and contrasts it with sectarian medicine focused on natural remedies. It explores archaic beliefs about sexuality and health, particularly those propagated by figures like S.A. Tissot and John Harvey Kellogg, revealing the absurd connections between morality, disease, and dietary restrictions. Through humor and sarcasm, the chapter critiques outdated medical practices and highlights how some beliefs continue to influence modern societal views on health and bodily autonomy.