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"Grahamism" begins to emerge as a framework teaching physical "purity."

1840s

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Presbyterian preacher Sylvester Graham gives lectures on the prevention of cholera through proper bathing; breathing pure air; drinking clean water; abstaining from meat, alcohol, and tobacco; and eating whole grain bread. To support healthy whole grain eating, he develops the graham cracker. Graham is one of the first identified public figures to push for vegetarianism. His thinking on health is largely defined as "quackery" by the medical establishment.