Victorian doctors were well aware that good health begins at home. If one's home is not "healthy," the occupants will not be healthy either. Hence, many health articles stressed the importance of fresh and clean air, ventilation, proper sanitation, and general cleanliness. One also senses a certain moral element to some of these articles. For instance, the "girl" who makes the effort to maintain a clean, pleasant environment for herself and her loved ones is more likely to be the sort of diligent, hard-working, unselfish young lady who will enjoy better health because of her attitude toward life. Conversely, someone who is too lazy to dust her room or air the linens is unlikely to enjoy robust health. Today, we wouldn't dare imply that a person is unhealthy because of laziness or "bad attitude" - but Victorian doctors felt no such constraints!

How to Build Cities of Health (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1877)

On the need to improve light, ventilation, drainage, and water quality in Britain's cities

On Warmth and Sunshine and Light (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1881)

The Girl's Own Room, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1882)

The Air We Breathe In-doors (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1883)

Pure Air: What It Can Do, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1883)

The Secret of Home Happiness and Wealth, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1883)

What a House Ought to Be to Be Healthy, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1883)

Things that Every Girl Should Learn to Do, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1884)

Climate, and Its Influence on Health (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1886)

Ventilation and Health (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1888)

Hints About Housekeeping, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1889)

Fresh Air as a Medicine (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1894)

*"Medicus" was the pen-name of Gordon Stables, M.D., R.N., health columnist for The Girl's Own Paper. Read the complete collection of Medicus Columns from 1881-1902 in chronological order.