The Health Reformer

At the General Conference session in mid-May 1866, a resolution called for Dr. H. L. Lay to furnish a series of articles through the Review on the subject of health reform. In the days following the conference, plans were quickly laid and implemented to publish a monthly health journal, which Dr. Lay would edit. The Review of June 5, 1866, carried this notice:WV 108.2

Prospectus of the Health Reformer: The first number of a monthly periodical, with the above title, sixteen pages, magazine form, with cover, will be issued at the Western Health Reform Institute, Battle Creek, Michigan, August 1, 1866....WV 108.3

It will advocate the cure of diseases by use of nature's own remedies, air, light, heat, exercise, food, sleep, recreation, et cetera.... Price $1.00 per volume of twelve numbers (The Review and Herald, June 5, 1866).WV 108.4

In his editorial in the first number, published in August, Dr. Lay restated the aims and objects of the Health Reformer. He added that “its contributors will be persons of experience and of high mental and moral attainments. Its selections will be of the choicest kind.”WV 108.5

Shortly after the launching of the journal, Ellen White wrote:WV 108.6

The Health Reformer is the medium through which rays of light are to shine upon the people. It should be the very best health journal in our country. It must be adapted to the wants of the common people, ready to answer all proper questions and fully explain the first principles of the laws of life and how to obey them and preserve health (Testimonies for the Church, 1:552, 553).WV 108.7