Diocletian Lewis

Diocletian Lewis (March 3, 1823 – December 21, 1886), also known as Dr. Dio Lewis, was an influential figure in the physical education and health reform movements of the 19th century. He is best known for popularizing a system of exercise known as the New Gymnastics and for his advocacy of temperance and women's rights.

Early life and education

Lewis was born in Auburn, New York to a family of Baptist ministers. He attended the University of New York and later studied medicine at the Harvard Medical School. He did not complete his medical degree, but was later awarded an honorary degree by the University of New York.

Career

In 1851, Lewis opened the Boston Normal Institute for Physical Education, where he taught his system of exercise, the New Gymnastics. This system emphasized light, rhythmic exercises performed with dumbbells, wands, and other apparatus. It was particularly popular among women, who were largely excluded from traditional forms of physical education at the time.

Lewis was also a vocal advocate for temperance and women's rights. He wrote several books on these topics, including New Gymnastics for Men, Women, and Children and Talks on Man's Nature. His work in these areas helped to shape public opinion and contributed to the passage of the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which established Prohibition.

Legacy

Lewis's contributions to physical education and health reform have had a lasting impact. His New Gymnastics system was widely adopted in schools and other institutions, and his advocacy for temperance and women's rights helped to bring about significant social change.

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  Diocletian 'Dio' Lewis, physician and gymnastics instructor

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  Helen Cecelia Clarke Lewis

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  Bust of Dr. Dio Lewis by Edmonia Lewis