William Andrus Alcott (1798–1859) wrote many books on the topics of education and health. He was a physician and teacher, and the uncle of American novelist Louisa May Alcott (who lived 1832–1888). He had earned his M.D. degree by May 1836, when he wrote a letter to the editor of the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal titled "The Graham System" (May 4, p. 199-201); he signed it "M.D." The cause of greatest interest to Dr. Alcott througout his life was vegetarianism. In 1850 he wrote three long letters on vegetarianism to the editor of the New-York Tribune - at the request of the editor (Aug. 14, Nov. 6). Here he shows clearly that his preference was for a diet that used no animal products - what would today be called a vegan diet. Dr. Alcott wrote The Phisology of Marriage in 1856. He deplored free courtship manners. He specifically deplored "conversation which is too excitable", "presence of exciting books", "unnecessary heat", and many other courtship practices prevalent in 18th century America but steadily going out of fashion by 1856. He warned young people of the dangers of courtship. He is criticized by modern day feminists for his "rigidity". William Alcott was a founding member (in 1850) and the first president of the American Vegetarian Society.[1] He was also the author of The Vegetable Diet As Sanctioned by Medical Men and By Experience in All Ages. He also founded the The American Physiological Society in 1837, the world's first physiological society.[2] He died on March 29, 1859. Hyowitz, Carol; Weissman, Michaele: A History of Women In America