Having posed the question "was Darwin a hypochrondiac?" Paul Brandon replied with a flat "NO",but provided no references to back up his answer.However,a program on NPR aired last week claimed that Darwin exaggerated his symptoms which can viewed within the hypochrongiacal paradigm.His illness may not have been imaginary,but exaggerations and pre- occupations with one's health status can be viewed as signs of hypochrondiasis.Darwin apparently had a body image problem.His nose was of discomfort to him.As a matter of fact he almost did not make the trip on the HMS Beagle since the captain did not like his nose and he was sickly looking. Darwin was a vegetarian and this could have exaggerated his health problems.People need meat for protein and muscle especially as one ages.Beef is essential for overall health-beans and rice won't cut it.So Darwin's health problems could have been self-imposed. If we are to believe reports that he stuttered,this also suggest that some psychological conflicts was underlying his interpersonal communication.Since water treatments were standard medical practice at that time I am curious if he was water boarded.
As usual I stand corrected. Michael "omnicentric" Sylvester,PhD Daytona Beach,Florida --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: arch...@jab.org. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=132 or send a blank email to leave-132-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
