Wie man sich kleidet … Die äußere Körperhülle als Gesundheitsfaktor

Abstract

First, some characteristics of the so-called alternative medicine are outlined to aid comprehension of the subsequent article concerning the Wool Regime developed and promoted by Gustav Jaeger in the 1870s/1880s. Since the age of enlightenment physicians, bearing in mind the medical interest, observed the unhealthy aspects of clothing, in particular womenʼs fashion. It was not until the middle of the 19 th century that the textiles used to make clothing were taken into consideration by hygienists. Within this setting, Gustav Jaeger-who had studied medicine and then worked as a zoologist-established his "System" proclaiming nothing but wool should be used for clothing. He attributed his development with the capacity not only to heal many diseases but also to prevent them by immunising the body against diseases via using this specific clothing. Analysing the way he advanced his theory, and especially his argumentation for this really radical position, it becomes apparent that Jaeger's system is at most based on pseudo-scientific values. Instead, he refers to traditional meanings and common experiences to provide conclusive proof. Jaegers's Wool Regime marks an ambivalent position between contemporary natural science research standards and lay-mens' sciolism and belief. In combination with clever marketing strategies, the Jaeger-System and primarily his woollen undervest gained great acceptance.