Fasting Girls - Their Physiology and Pathology

Fasting Girls: Their Physiology and Pathology by William Alexander Hammond is a seminal work first published in 1879 that delves into the mysterious phenomenon of young women who claimed to survive for extended periods without food. Drawing from his expertise as a neurologist and physician, Hammond investigates the historical, medical, and psychological aspects of these so-called fasting girls, whose cases captivated public attention in the nineteenth century. The book meticulously examines documented instances from various countries, analyzing the authenticity of the claims and the social, religious, and cultural factors that contributed to the widespread fascination and credulity surrounding these cases. Hammond explores the physiological limits of human endurance, the potential for deception and self-delusion, and the role of hysteria and other psychological conditions in the manifestation of prolonged fasting. He scrutinizes the methods used to observe and verify the fasting, often exposing the inadequacies and biases of contemporary investigations. The author also discusses the broader implications for the medical profession, emphasizing the importance of scientific rigor and skepticism in evaluating extraordinary claims. Throughout the book, Hammond combines clinical observation with historical narrative, offering insights into the intersection of medicine, society, and belief. He challenges prevailing notions of female frailty and spiritual purity, suggesting that many cases of fasting girls were rooted in psychological disturbances rather than supernatural or miraculous causes. Fasting Girls: Their Physiology and Pathology remains a thought-provoking exploration of a curious chapter in medical history, shedding light on the complexities of human behavior, the power of suggestion, and the enduring allure of the inexplicable.