They also had much better nutrition if they lived in the country and grew their own food. According to some studies of food nutrition, the pumped up, fast grown vegetables we eat today have only 1/5 the nutrition that they had 50 years ago. Having no processed food was also a bonus, because they got no preservatives, hormones, artificial flavours and chemicals. The proof was that several Whitneys did indeed live to a ripe old age. Bill W. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Miles Fowler" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 11:05 AM Subject: [WHITNEY-L] longevity and health > Which was dirtier, the 17th or 19th century? > > Depends on how you look at it. Both had horse and ox pollution but the 19th had more coal dust in the air. On the other hand, the average workingman was more likely to own an extra pair of pants in the 19th century than earlier, thanks in large part to the industrial revolution in textiles (cheaper clothing). Being able to change clothes more often led to washing them more often, and that alone improved hygiene almost more than any deliberately taken public health measures. > > Miles Fowler > > > > > ________________________________________________________________ > Sent via the WebMail system at mail.nexet.net > > > > > >