Summary
Plain Facts for Old and Young by John Harvey Kellogg is a 19th-century guidebook that offers detailed advice on sexual health, hygiene, and morality for readers of all ages.
Written by the physician and health reformer best known for his work at the Battle Creek Sanitarium and as a co-creator of corn flakes, this book reflects the Victorian-era views on morality, temperance, and the dangers of sexual excess.
Kellogg presents a comprehensive overview of human anatomy, puberty, reproductive health, and the physical and moral consequences of what he calls "sexual sin"—particularly masturbation, which he believed led to a host of physical and psychological disorders.
He advocates for strict self-control, abstinence outside marriage, and healthy lifestyle habits including a vegetarian diet, exercise, and avoidance of alcohol and stimulants.
The book is both medical and moralistic, intended as an instructional manual for parents, educators, and individuals concerned with upholding purity and health.
Though now outdated in its medical claims and moral tone, it provides a fascinating historical look into 19th-century American attitudes toward sexuality, gender roles, and personal discipline.