SUMMARY (Bryn Skibo, edited Deborah Madsen):

The Introduction explains that the author is building upon the rules “hastily sketched by Mr. Graham” (5) to treat a variety of illnesses and discomfort that she argues are alien to someone like “the New Zealander, who has followed nature’s simple course” (6) and does not drink alcohol. Common ailments of the day are, she argues, the fault of the clergy, parents, and physicians, all of whom are ignorant and need to go back to “first principles,” to the diet set out by God in the Garden of Eden. Notably, she says, God provided plants and seeds in the Garden and “it shall be for meat,” but this word did not refer to the animals, and God did not even say it was necessary to eat meat (6-7). The Fall is, in part, dietary as Man has suffered ever since due, in part, to eating meat and drinking strong drinks (7). Nicholson argues that the vegetarian diet would be beneficial to everyone, but especially to those in “lunatic asylums,” whose minds would be quieted by unstimulating food and fresh air and cold water as much as by plenty of rest (10).

“Rules and Regulations of the Temperance Boarding-House in the City of New York” sets out the management of a boarding house, covering a wide variety of issues from various alarms (rising, meals, and bedtime) to what food can be served: at breakfast and supper, no meat at all; during dinner (lunch), only one kind and never “veal, young pork, geese, and ducks” (21); the guest should know that meat is neither good nor necessary. Butter is allowed, but sparingly, and warm breads and drinks are discouraged.

“Explanations” cover the reasons behind the rules above: basically, simple, vegetarian food is better for one’s health (mental, physical, emotional). Feather beds are never allowed because they are too comfortable and promote indulgence (24). Exercise should be taken daily before breakfast to prepare the body for food. The exercise of the human body is recommended for the same reasons that animals -- "bird, lamb, kitten, fawn, fish, Leviathan" -- exercise: for joy and health (38).

“Receipts” presents the recipes for various dishes and in the “Appendix” Nicholson explains the merits of bread.