Fasting Girls: Their Physiology and Pathology

The author surveys reported instances of young women claiming prolonged abstinence from food, from medieval religious fasts to contemporary episodes, and scrutinizes a notable Brooklyn case. He considers the role of hysteria, deception, and social or clerical reinforcement, describes the phenomenon of stigmatization, and outlines the physiological and pathological effects of inanition. Combining historical accounts, medical observation, and practical counsel, the book argues for skeptical scrutiny and clinical explanation of miracles attributed to supernatural causes while offering guidance for diagnosis, prevention, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.