Fasting Girls: Their Physiology and Pathology

Fasting Girls: Their Physiology and Pathology, written by William A. Hammond in the late 19th century, examines the phenomenon of women who claim to survive without food for extended periods. Hammond analyzes historical cases, debunking myths and exploring the psychological and physiological implications of such claims. He highlights the societal tendency to accept extraordinary assertions without skepticism, linking these cases to issues of hysteria and delusion, and addressing the underlying mental health concerns. This work serves as a critical examination of the intersection between medicine and societal beliefs regarding fasting.