THE STARVATION CURE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 19, 17 October 1907, Page 4

THE STARVATION CURE.

tASTONISHING CASE IN WANGANUI. MAN FASTS FOR OVER TWENTY-FIVE DAYS. A COMPLETE CURE. Some time ago a roprosentativo of The Dominion*, learnt from Mr. J. M. Clark just as well-known throughout the colony as a warehouseman aa he is popular as an elocutionist of ;a marvellous recovery through the direct agency of the starvation cure that had been made by his brother, Mr. S. B. Clark, of Vvanganui, from a very serious illness in the nature., of a nervous breakdown. Most readers of newspapers have heard of tno starvation • cure, and doubtless a good many have smiled at the curative possibilities claimed for the treatment known to science as the starvation or rest cure. .In Mr. Clark's case wo havo the best of evidence that there are more things in heaven and earth than, are > ureamt of in our philosophy, that the sicb under certain circumstances may bo cured by: absolutely refraining from all those foods that we - deem to ba moro or less nourishing and necossary for the sustenance of life itself. The circumstances of Mr. Clark's cure are briefly as follows: —He was suffering from a general run-down, and in his weakness his nervous ' system had become ! seriously af:fected,: so seriously that he was advised by his medical' men to cease work immediately and travel for a year. This procedure was out of -the-question with a busy mau, such : as Mr. Clark, and he became wretchedly miserable atj, the knowledge of his incapacity to take advantage of what seemed the only hope .of a, cure. Every sick man is ever ready to, read of medical treatment of any kind—the. patent medicine companies thrive on the ,weakness—and, in glancing one lucky day at'a-medical work, he read of the starvation cure. It fascinated him—tho more he road of it the better ho thought of the idea. Finally he decided to test it. He commenced fasting on January 17 at 6 p.m., and he refrained from eating any food until 1 p.m. 'on February . 12—a period. of twentyfive days'uinoteen hours. Conscious that the "euro" was an experiment, but an intensely interesting., one, tho suiferer decided to keep a diary, describing his condition from day to Jay, and Mr. Clark was not inclined to pose ■ before tbo as "a case" or to blazon forth the entirely successful experiment ho had made, but in view of the fact that thero wag no suggestion of quackery in such unique treatment,' and that tho truth might bring relief; to many sufferers like himself (a recent telegram from Wanganui stated tho success that was following a similar trial by a lady resident) he.. was at length persuaded to allow his.notes to bo publishod. Mr. Clark's Notes. Thursday' (January 17, 1907)— Commenced a fast." Not knowing how long it would continue) decided to go by my feelings as each day came along. , Friday (January .18)— Did not feel at all uncomfortable, with tho exception of a feeling'that I had missed something—my stomach was wondering what was tho matter. I Water was.my only drink. Saturday (January 19) —Arose at 7 o'clock, had cold plunge. Lemon water. Felt slight depression early in the day. It increased as tho day wore on, but towards ovening it wore away; Wanted to eat, but did not feel hungry;' -Went to bod feeling uncertain as to whatjthe morrow Would bring forth. Sunday (January 20) —Had a good night's sleep, the best- for 'a long time.'. Arose feeling brighter and determined to put in another; day. , Was out tho whole day walking or bicycling right up till tea-timo, and in evening : walked out with Mrs. Clark. Felt a change for the better coming over me, and finished the. day moro satisfactorily than tho first or. sebond. v - Monday (January 21)—Slopt well and folt no'ill effects from provious day's efforts, in 'fact I was quite fresh and vigorous, and determined, to: go on.' Showed no signs of fatigue diiriiig tho day. Also folt a change for the good after each meal of lemon water, and water plain. Wrote and read up till 10.30. 1 Tuesday (January 22)— Visited Caledonian sports during the afternoon. Canio homo feel,ing. a bit ; weary with the strain of watching, together With the hot dusty wind blowing. Felt much better after a drink of cold water. Went' for a' walk in the evening. , Bod 10 o'clock. ■■"•.' Wednesday, (January 23)—Aroso feeling in first-class condition, had usual cold plunge. Drank water. Always feel -better after the plungo. Want to work with brain, ..feeling very active and keen on work. This feeling I experienced throughout tho day and right up till bed-time. Cold water with orange juice and plain water was my diot throughout tho day. ~ One Week Gone. : Thursday- (January 124)— This is ■ the end of first weok'3 fast and.niy eighth day. For the first time during tho fast felt depressed on rising from-bed, but not hungry. Hud great, battle'to overcomo the feeling. Had one cup- of cold water and one of hot. Depression' passed away considerably. ' Got . through''.ray ivork in first-class condition. Had my-usual tea of water. Friday (January 25) —Had a very busy morning with clients right up to dinner-timo. Spent the afternoon -with client, walking over sand-hills up to 6 o'clock, and was very busy tho whole of the evening and did not go to hod until 11 o'clock, feeling fit for another two hours' graft. i Saturday (Janilary 2G) —Arose «as usual very fresh, and was kept going tho wholo of the day-right up to bod-timc, my only diet consisting of lemon water and plain water. My drink averages five or six cups of water a day. .' ■' Sunday (January 27)—Folt A 1 on rising. Had a visit from Mr. J talked about two hours, andUofo're dinner walked over St. John's Hill (about 1), hours' walk). Returned and had two cups of water only. Fought an- , other battle with depression in tho afternoon. Won,' and walked out in tho evening until bed-time. Am finding that continuous work and keeping tho mind in action is the best thing'for me. I find my brain getting stronger, my eyes keoncr, and my memory improving. , This I have noticed right from the, beginning of tho fast, which has oncouraged me to go on with it. , -Monday (January 28) —This has been one of my very best days—in ovcry way satisfactory'; aiid am determined to go on until I feel the, pangs of hunger. Above all I feel my brain working moro smoothly. I nn do my business with greater satisfaction to myself and I do not in the least feel weak from the.oxperionce. My diet for tho day was the usual i lomon water and water plaiu. Everybody is telling me how well 1 look,' littlo knowing what is going on. My sleep right throughout•tho fast so far has 'been moro restful .and,peaceful. Previously I was a very bad "sleeper, but I always sleep soundly now. ; . / Tuesday (January 29) —lloso as usual about 1 o'clock. Another fit of depression which '.had to be, .ind was, . overmastered. These 'fits of'depression arc like a man being ' tempted but must not givo way if lie wishes ' to Itcap"control of himsolf. If I had given Way" ihy fast would havo been brought to "an '.cnd'i'at once, aud regret would have ensued, but master it and you' feel all the stronger afterwards to continue on. Went through'"my usual performances of bath and . drink,.'aiid:by dinner-time I was on tho smooth; road again, and the day ended satis-' factorily. and with determination to continue. In no way do I feci luck of energy, but on tlio other hand ani feeling'moro vigorous , In no way havo 1 any fear :as .to what' tho futuro results will bo. Wednesday (January 30)— Can confidently I; say■ when*l aroso from bed that this was my

best morning since fast began. Felt quite young and strong, and was ablo to do my exercise without the slightest feeling of fatiguo. After my plungo made my usual moal on water and went to business quite cheerful and vigorous, and during tho whole day's effort no sign of weakness or fatigue was in evidence. Am quito confident that I am on tho right track. Worked on ,till 6 o'clock, and could have continued further without any sign of weariness. Walker read and wrote till 10 o'clock, and retired to bod feeling refreshed and vigorous. Could havo worked on indefinitely. Feeling as Light as Air. Thursday (January 31) —Up usual time feeling lighter and fresher than any other' morning since fast began—health and spirits seem to improve as the days advance. Had usual bath, exercise, and breakfast on water. Was in splendid spirits throughout tho day. No tired feeling; no craving for food; brain active and clear; limbs elastic and am feeling as light as air. Mot a friend in tho Avenue, who remarked as wo shook hands, " Ono would think that you wore the only man in Wellington making money." Since the List began I have lost 211b. in fourteen days, or perhaps I should say twolve days, it being two days since 1 weighed. Ido not trouble about my weight. I am well and improving every day, which is sufficient for lite. My friend, Mr. L. J , is the only man besides my family who knows 1 ain fasting—no one over tells nic that I look as if a few moals would do 1110 good. Eveo'ono is in ignorance of mv doings—it is best so, as the wholo crowd would think mo mad. I am going on until natural hunger comes, unless I think it wise to stop. Am lotting each day take care of itself', and whilst I feel that I am gotting younger and feel strong, am prepared to go through with it. It will bo a .grand object-lesson to the workman, as well as to those who arc in bad health, and thoso who wish to obtain perfect health. Worked on till six o'clock, rode home on a. bicycle, and at sevon o'clock did a twelve-mile ride, on the same, arriving homo at nine o'clock. Saw. a friend and chatted for three-quarters of an liour, and camo home fresh as. a lark, and wrote for an hour, and then to bed at. half-tpast ten. . Friday (February 1). —1 slept soundly, greatly refreshed when rising, no " livory " feeling, as was my wont; feeling keen tor business. Find a cold bath a great tonic, and experience no feeling of coldness after the same. No breakfast; lemon water. Felt a bit woary after a' hard morning's worlc about dinner-time —all right again aftor half an hour's rest and two cups of water. More than satisfied with result to-day, feel quito jubilant at futuro outlook-for tho preservation of health. Do not feel it an exortion in the slightest to bo at work —in fact, work ber comes a pleasure and a necessity as ono really wants to work undor the treatment —thero is something within that pushes 0110 011. Brain and eye still keeping clear and bright. Day finished up most satisfactorily in all respects, ■ determined to continuo. Saturday (February 2). —Roso as usual fooling strong and refreshed after a good night's rest—had a cold plunge and breakfasted 011 lemon water, jiept going continually until bed-timo—in fact, one seoms to want to bo going all the time, tho diet seems to oxpel all feelings of laziness. Am a little concerned as to how I .will get on during the coming week —am starting out with new season samples, and my work now commences iu earnest; am determined to battle througl. to tho ond. • - Sunday (February 3) —Up at 7 o'clock — plungo bath and water for breakfast. Walked up St. John's Hill and thenco out to Alma Road 011 bicycle. Homo at 1 o'clock, back at 2.30 at Alma Road, and afterwards inspected the wholo of Durie Hill, walking the wholo of the afternoon. 1 found tho hillclimbing.tell 011 my musclo; after a rest the feeling disappeared.' Back at 5.30, usual tea on lemon water, passed tho ovening writing, etc. The day was one ot tho best —i.ll fact, havo boon very fortunate during tho whole of tho fast up to the present date 111 having beautiful weather, fine and warm. My wifo is anxious that I should finish up, but, having gono so far satisfactorily, am determined to go on until natural liungor conies. My .wife tolls me that I look hotter than when I first started, only .that I look thin in the faco, and others tell me tho.same thing., Am feeling that I.would like company on this long journey to always futuro good health. ■ Working the Wholo Day. Monday (February 4)— Finished my eighteenth day at 6 o'clock to-night. Aftor a sound sleep, rose, feeling well and refreshed —was a bit anxious as to now I should get on during the trip through tho country—was" determined to do my best until the end. My tonguo feels dry and rough, liko a rasp. 1 find it necessary to take sips of water all through the clay, but not in largo quantities. I am°going on till I'get', a clean tonguo. Have been on the go tho whole day, opening cases and interviewing custoinors, and taking orders. This work is trying, and demonstrates what can be dono on a diet of water. I havo got right on to plain water now. Clients tell mo that lam looking well—got a better colour and eyes brighter, but that i am thinner. That Ido not mind so long as I retain my, strength. I scaled on Saturday ni"ht 9st. 101b. —to-day on a different machine lOst. lib. As tho days go by it seems marvellous, and tho experience is most satisfactory. lam all atone—no one knows what lam doing. 1 have no daily letter to encourage me from the head of affaus, nUr .^ r 1 in the way of oncouragement, but am battling through on my own. I have' ac fear, and feel confident that 1 havo a liapp? future beforo mo, because 1 know the way to good health. 1 havo letters to writo before retiring to bed, and it is now 9.30. I havo entered tho nineteenth day, and no doubt will see the. twenty-niso, and perhaps will go on if I continue as I am. Having gone so far, 1 feel as though I must go on—something is pushing mo forward, and forward I must go, thoroughly bolievmg that 1 am doing the right thing. Tuesday (February s)—The nineteenth day passed in every way satisfactorily; was hard at it with clients from 9 o'clock in the morning till 10.30 in the evening. Found it easier thin usual to do business—had no feeling or weariness whatsoever, and my only drink throughout the day was water—am anxiously looking forward to the time .when it will como to an* end. Tho'results aro so satisfactory that I am going on, as I feel moro sure than evor that the after results will ho worth tho effacing of food for some time: Tho temptations aro very great at times, but overcoming them seems to strengthen you to overcome bigger ones as you go through this ordeal. ■ , , Wednesday (February 6)— This day was a repetition of the previous day: plenty of hard graft, talk,'and walking• about and worry of all sorts,- existing still on plain water, which is most satisfactory, strange to say; foel confident, havo no fear whatever, and am moro determined than ever to go on. Others have fasted forty-five days and 1 more, and why can't I follow and repeat the great boon that they havo received in perfect health. Aly business keeps me well occupied all day aiid night, and tho days flit by very quickly. Am just about to finish ,up three weeks. I tell no one, and everyone tells mo I am looking thin but well, which is oncouraging. Isleop very Well, but am wide awako much earlier than boforo I cominonced tho fast. A Hard Struggle. Thursday (February^?)—Tho day passes rapidly—every day wnon travelling for a largo warohouso is much the same, talking, wafidng, booking orders, etc., opening your samples, and closing usually about 10 or 11 o'clock. This day was one of tho hardest L have passed, and oh, tho temptation to end the fast I I feel weak and dono up —my brain was active, but my lower.region and limbs were fighting against common sense, and I was feeling urged to break away. No ono knows tho fight, that took placo within, and 1 had 110 one to advise what to do. I battled through tho day, and got to bed at 10 o'clock, and slept well. Friday (February 8) —tfoso refreshed and !liad a feeling that tho day would pass all right. Had my usual breakfast, of wntor, and went to keep ail engagement with a cliont at 8 o'clock. The day passed, and now at tho ond of it 1 feel a now man. I never tclt bettor in my life. I was at poaco within and without, and this has strengthened me, and I feel sure that I will see it through until natural liungor comcs and J. got tho coating off my tonguo. I have nover oxporionced such a solf-satisfied day in my lifo. I was happy and contented, and.work was not a bit of trouble; in fact, 1 revelled in it.

Saturday (February 9).—Was up early this morning and wrote up part of the orders before 7 o'clock, and started the day feeling stronger and better than ever. I seem to have taken a new lease of life and health, and am now going forward, for goodness knows how long—the time, I fool, has not yet arrived to break the fast and on I go. i had a long railway journey to finish up the day from Hall-past three till 9 o'clock, and this did not tire me in the slightest, iSvcry place of eating along the route wonders why I am olf them, but I do not speakthere are too many Job's comforters about who would ridicule the whole experience, and perhaps turn me olf. I can better fight the battle on my own account, and. am determined to do it, and when it is over I .will tell what has passed, and then 1 won't be believed. All hotelkeepers know that I havo only paid for my bed in each town, but perlraps that will not bo sufficient—however, 1 am out on my own and am going to get up to the top rung of the ladder, and then i will bo able to speak pretty effectively. I have now passed the 23rd day and am in the 24th. When 1 look back 1 can hardly believe it possible, and yet am feeling so strong .and able to go with more confidence than ever, and without any fear of the future. 1 might say that my drink during the past two days_ was one' inch of milk' to a long glass of hot water —lemon and water, the usual, drink, I found it hard to procure in country back-block towns. To-morrow being ounday l hope to spend it entirely, in the fresh air, finishing up at six' o'clock, my day, and now once more to good old bed, from , whence we receive all our strength after a night's refreshing sleep.. Sunaay (February 10; —Have entered tho 25th day of fast —was up at 7 o'clock writing until 9.30. Then for a ten-mile bicycle ride, and with some walking put in the time till 1 o'clock. Usual breakfast and dinner of water and lemon only. Back in town again at 2.30. Walked up Durio Hill steps with hardly a stop, and no hard beats' of the heart. I have been up these steps several times, but never beforo did I manage them .vith so much ease, and the whole of tho afternoon was spent with several gentlemen looking over 25 acres of ground that were about to be. put into the market lor sale. Home at 5.30. Tea (lemon and water) and the evening spent in writing. 1 can confidently and honestly say that never have 1 worked harder in my life than since uhe fast was commenced.. Have felt in good nealth and strong throughout the day, and .(•hen these gentlemen know that this was my 24th day sinco 1 had a bite, they will bo astonished. I might say that now and ■again I have indulged in two or three lollies, but so far only three, times. .' Last, ircck I lost four pounds in all. My' weight' is now 9st. Si lb.——nearly two stones less than usual. I fancy I have lost more than I should, and this is the only thing that concerns me, otherwise I have no fear and am still going to see what each day brings forth. 1 havo no desire for food so far, and my tonguo is still coated. I want to'see it cleaned before 1 retire from this ordeal. If a Dewey or Haskill were here to givo' counsel, I bcliove I could go 45 days judging .from present experience, but am now counting the days when this will come to an end. Tomorrow I leave for Wellington to put in a few arduous days of .work at head-quarters of this branch. Hearing the End. Monday (February 11) — Am now. in my 26th day. At G o'clock this ovening 25 days havo transpired, and after 150 miles of train travelling with my usual drink of cold water, I can confidently speak ' of my satisfaction as to the grand experience I am going through. My mind is clear and reposed. I oxpcrionce no feelings of weariness beyond the ordinary. A good deal of my time during the train journey was spent in writing. Tho morning-was taken up in preparation | for my visit to Wellington oil business matters which always take place at the very beginning of each season, and is always hard work. .. , Tuesday (February 12) —At 1 o'clock this day the fast was brought to a close after an interval of 25 days, 119 hours/from, food of all sorts. Tho cause of giving up so abruptly was on account of the great strain that ensued on a' visit of' this kind. At mid-day, after mature consideration, I had my first meal consisting- of brown bread andraspberries and cream—not because of hunger, for ho hunger was there. Another week or two could easily have been added to'the fast, had I been able to abstain from work. When one reaches 25 days he begins to look thin, 'and in tho writer's case it was observed by overybody, and it would have been better could he have finished up away and from business. My tea consisted of half 1 a dozen orauges and two bananas. My day's work finished at 9 o'clock in tho evoning. ■ Wednesday (February 13) — Started the morning with no breakfast. Dinner—brown bread and raspberries. ,Tca —oyster soup aiid steak, two peaches. Being away from homo could not sccuro the diet preferred. '■Worked on till 9 o'clock, and now feel quite elated in having gono through the fast. My healtn has never been hotter. Tho fast has weaned me ,of strong drink and tobaccosmoking. I look upon these things as rank poison, and do not think 1 will ever again .allow them to enter my sytem. Although fasting for so long do not feel at all ravenous lor food. Intend to live very simply ,I'or the next two or thrco weeks. As far as my present feelings are concerned they aro such that one only wonders what causes the exhilaration' that seoms to pass through tho whole body—every organ seems to work harmoniously, etc.