Early Life and Education:
– William Alcott was born in Wolcott, Connecticut to Obedience Alcox and Anna Andrus.
– He was a second cousin of Amos Bronson Alcott and had a close friendship with him.
– Alcott served as the superintendent of the Sunday School at the Allin Congregational Church in Dedham, Massachusetts.
– He began teaching at 18 and advocated for better school conditions.
– Alcott briefly studied medicine, obtained a license to practice in 1826, and practiced medicine alongside teaching until 1829.
Career and Contributions:
– Alcott collaborated with William Channing Woodbridge on the American Annals of Education And Instruction.
– He became the Editor of the journal in 1837 and wrote articles on school design and physical education.
– Alcott authored ‘The Young Man’s Guide’ and published a memoir of Woodbridge’s life.
– He continued working until the day before his death, residing in Newton, Massachusetts, and later Auburndale.
Literary Works and Vegetarianism Advocacy:
– Alcott’s book ‘Vegetable Diet’ was published in 1838, promoting a vegetarian diet.
– The book is considered America’s first vegetarian cookbook and included a cookbook and medical testimonies in its second edition.
– Alcott’s work has been included in the American Antiquarian Cookbook Collection.
– He contributed to various newspapers and authored several books advocating for vegetarianism.
Historical Impact and Significance:
– Alcott’s promotion of vegetarianism had a significant impact on medical literature in the nineteenth century.
– His book ‘Vegetable Diet’ contributed to the cultural meaning of medical knowledge.
– Alcott’s advocacy for vegetarianism aligned with social activism and influenced American cuisine development.
– His work is recognized in historical accounts of Oberlin College and studies on health reform movements.
Notable Figures and Literary References:
– Alcott is listed among notable figures in vegetarianism advocacy alongside Bertrand P. Allinson, Ernest Bell, Maximilian Bircher-Benner, Helen Nearing, and Ellen G. White.
– Literary works related to vegetarianism and advocacy include ‘Forty years in the wilderness of pills and powders’, ‘Shelleys Vegetarianism (1891)’, ‘Behind the Scenes in Slaughter-Houses (1892)’, ‘Why I Am a Vegetarian (1895)’, and ‘Figs or Pigs? by Carol J. Adams’.
William Andrus Alcott (August 6, 1798 – March 29, 1859), also known as William Alexander Alcott, was an American educator, educational reformer, physician, vegetarian and author of 108 books. His works, which include a wide range of topics including educational reform, physical education, school house design, family life, and diet, are still widely cited today.
William Alcott | |
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| Born | William Andrus Alcott August 6, 1798 Wolcott, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Died | March 29, 1859 (aged 60) |
| Other names | William Alexander Alcott |
| Education | Yale School of Medicine |
| Occupation(s) | Educator, physician, author |
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