File:Henry Samuel Tanner (1831-1918) obituary in the Brooklyn Eagle.jpg

Famous Faster Dr. Tanner Dies. Went Without Food for 40 Days in 1880. Lived to Be 91 Years Old. San Diego, California; December 31, 1918. Dr. Henry S. Tanner, proponent of fasting for longevity, 91 years old, died Saturday at the county hospital after an illness of nearly a year. Dr. Tanneries practical application of the theory that health and long life de-pended on long periods of fasting, attracted attention a number of years ago. No relatives of the doctor have been found. Prior to coming to San Diego. about ten years ago, he lived in Los Angeles and In former years made his home in Litchfield, Ohio. For several weeks in the summer of 1880, Dr. Henry S. Tanner was the most talked about man in America, if not in the world. This came about through his fast of forty days, con-ducted at New York, under strict medical and scientific supervision, hu being the first person of modern times to voluntarily undergo such an ordeal. Dr. Tanner first came into notice in 1877 at Minneapolis, Minnesota, through his determination to abstain from food as an expedient of relief from asthma-rheumatism and an ailment of the heart. A ten day period was fixed upon, that being then considered about the limit of human endurance. Finding himself benefitted from the first, according to the conviction which he held to until the end of his life, ho continued the fast for forty-two days. Owing to widespread doubt, especially in medical circles, as to the genuineness of Tanner's exploit, he offered to repeat the performance under any conditions which might be named. After long negotiations, it was arranged that the test should he made under the supervision of a prominent medical college of New York, and it commenced at noon, June 28, 1880. Tanner won the test, abstaining from food for an even forty days. Physicians in all parts of the world telegraphed warnings an to the manner of his breaking fast and it was freely predicted that he would not long survive the first food. The subject disregarded all advice, first partaking of a peach and then a large slice of watermelon. No ill effects followed. Tanner was born in England, February 7, 1831. Previous to his first fast his health was so precarious that he anticipated an early death. Thirty-seven years later, at the age of 88, he announced that since the incidents mentioned his health had been invariably excellent.

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