From “Manly Health and Training, with Off-hand Hints Toward Their Conditions,” an article published by Walt Whitman in 1858 under the pseudonym Mose Velsor. It was reprinted by the Walt Whitman Quarterly Review in the Winter/Spring 2016 issue.

Usually breakfast, for a hearty man, might consist in a plate of fresh rare lean meat, without fat or gravy, a slice or chunk of bread, and, if desired, a cup of tea.

Dinner should consist of a good plate of fresh meat (rare lean beef, broiled or roast, is best), with as few outside condiments as possible.

In our view,…