Every season brought its own health issues in Victorian times. Winter was the worst culprit. Outdoors, the world was cold and damp, with winds that would bring a chill through the warmest clothing. Indoors, one was at risk of spending too much time in poorly ventilated rooms, exposed to the smoke of coal or wood fires. Summer, on the other hand, could bring excessive heat, which could be particularly hazardous to a Victorian lady swathed in layers of petticoats and cramped into a corset. Spring and autumn had their hazards as well. This section looks at some of the ailments associated with the seasons, and ways to prevent or resolve them.

Spring

Seasonable Advice for the Spring Months (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1877)

On Some Ailments Incidental to the Spring Time (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1879)

How to Be Healthy in Springtime, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1882)

It Is This Dreadful Weather (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1883)

When the Wind Is From the East (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1888)

On health and fresh air in April.

"Something Wrong with the Lamp", by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1893)

Some seasonal health tips, primarily about winter and spring.

How to Be Merry in May, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1895)

The Health in Springtime, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1896)

When Bud and Burgeon Come Again, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1897)

Quiet Hints for Spring and Early Summer, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1897)

From March Till May, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1898)

Spring Is Nigh, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1900)

Summer

Summer Is Coming, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1894)

In the Joy of June, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1898)

Healthy and Happy in July, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1898)

Sunshine: A Summer Sermon, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1899)

Hints About Health for June, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1900)

Some Words in Season, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1900)

See also Health Benefits of a Holiday

Fall

On Some Ailments Incidental to Autumn (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1879)

In the "Fall" of the Year, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1883)

In Chill November, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1897)

Winter

How to Get Rid of a Winter Cough (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1876)

Winter Clothing and Winter Comfort (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1876)

Preparing to Face the Winter (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1888)

Preparing to Face the Winter, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1895)

What Girls Might Do in December, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1897)

How to Be Happy in Winter, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1897)

Health Hints for Winter Months, by "Medicus"* (Girl's Own Paper, 1901)

Our Climate, by "The New Doctor" (Girl's Own Paper, 1898)

"Foreigners, especially Americans, are always maligning our weather." Too true! This article addresses how to combat Britain's weather's "pernicious effects."

*"Medicus" was the pen-name of Gordon Stables, M.D., R.N., health columnist for The Girl's Own Paper. Read the complete collection of Medicus Columns from 1881-1902 in chronological order.