The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Chapter
Treatment of Pleurisy explained
Gandhi describes his struggle with pleurisy and his commitment to treating it through dietetic changes rather than medicine, consulting Dr.
What happens
Gandhi describes his struggle with pleurisy and his commitment to treating it through dietetic changes rather than medicine, consulting Dr. Allinson. He adheres to a strict vegetarian diet, avoids milk due to a vow, and tries various remedies. Lady Cecilia Roberts attempts to help but accidentally gives him malted milk, which he stops upon discovering it contains milk. Dr. Allinson later relaxes restrictions, but Gandhi remains uncured. Mr. Roberts advises him to return to India for recovery, which he accepts.
Themes in this chapter
Vegetarianism and Dietary Discipline
Gandhi's strict avoidance of milk and reliance on a vegetarian diet as part of his treatment and vows.
Self-Discipline and Simplicity
Gandhi's adherence to dietary restrictions and acceptance of simple remedies like open windows and oil massage.
Truth and Self-Experimentation
Gandhi's experimental approach to healing through diet and his honest reaction to accidentally consuming milk.
Characters to notice
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Suffers from pleurisy, adheres to dietary vows, and follows Dr. Allinson's advice.
- Dr. Allinson
Vegetarian doctor who treats Gandhi with dietetic modifications, advising raw vegetables and open-air exposure.
- Lady Cecilia Roberts
Visits Gandhi, tries to persuade him to take milk, and unknowingly provides malted milk.
- Dr. P. J. Mehta
Occasionally examines Gandhi and offers to cure him if he follows his advice.
- Mr. Chamberlain
Not present in this chapter.
Key passages
“The persistence of the pleurisy caused some anxiety, but I knew that the cure lay not in taking medicine internally but in dietetic changes assisted by external remedies.”
Gandhi was worried about his ongoing pleurisy, but he believed healing required dietary adjustments and external treatments rather than medication.
Gandhi's philosophy of natural healing and diet-based treatment.
“I dissolved the powder in water and took it only to find that it tasted just like milk. I read the label on the bottle, to find, only too late, that it was a preparation of milk. So I gave it up.”
After mixing and drinking the powder, Gandhi realized it tasted like milk and discovered from the label it contained milk, so he stopped using it.
Gandhi's accidental consumption of milk and his immediate cessation upon discovery.