The New Science of Controlled Breathing, Vol. 2 (of 2): The Secret of Strength, Energy and Beauty—Through Breath Control

In Short

This volume serves as a practical manual for a system of "controlled breathing," presented as a scientific method to enhance health, beauty, and physical strength. Drawing on the author’s background as a professional opera singer, the text moves beyond vague theories to offer specific, step-by-step gymnastic exercises designed to clear the lungs and optimize oxygen intake. It remains a fascinating historical artifact of early 20th-century wellness culture, reflecting a time when physical education and respiratory hygiene were viewed as the primary solutions to widespread public health crises.

The Story

The narrative begins with a critique of existing health literature, which the author argues has been too philosophical and insufficiently practical. The central premise is that because air is "ridiculously cheap," modern society ignores its supreme value. By framing the lungs as the most important organs for vitality, the book posits that the high death rate from pulmonary diseases is a preventable tragedy. The argument unfolds with a sense of urgency, moving from the philosophical necessity of air to the specific physiological mechanics of the human frame.

The progression is methodical. Once the reader is convinced of the "why," the focus shifts entirely to the "how." The author explains that the body must be prepared through proper posture and the removal of restrictive clothing—specifically noting the need to discard corsets—to allow the diaphragm and abdominal muscles full freedom of movement. The exercises themselves follow a strict hierarchy of difficulty. Every session must begin and end with "The Cleansing Breath," a technique involving rapid exhalation and sudden relaxation, intended to purge the "residual air" that the author identifies as a source of self-poisoning.

As the program intensifies, the reader is introduced to "The Short Controlled Breath," which emphasizes diaphragm control while keeping the chest high, and eventually to "The Climax Breath," a strenuous exercise intended only for those who have mastered the earlier foundations. The author provides cautionary advice throughout, insisting that these movements are not mere calisthenics but a precise science of muscle tension and release.

The scope then widens to address the environment. The author advocates for the rigorous use of open windows and the necessity of nasal breathing, citing the nose’s role as a biological filter and temperature regulator. For those struggling with mouth-breathing during sleep, the text even suggests the unconventional remedy of using adhesive tape to keep the lips sealed. The arc concludes with the promise that these habits, once ingrained, will act as a "Fresh Air Cocktail," providing a natural stimulant that renders artificial vices like coffee or liquor entirely unnecessary. The ultimate goal is a transformed physique, one possessing a "superabundance" of health, achieved through the simple, daily practice of reclaiming the breath.

How It Unfolds

The philosophical foundation The author establishes air as the "Elixir of Life," arguing that its ubiquity has caused society to undervalue its role in preventing disease. He insists that breathing is an art that requires intentional practice rather than passive acceptance.

The preparation of the body The text dictates that effective breathing requires the removal of all constrictive garments, with a particular focus on the dangers of the corset. Proper posture is established as the essential prerequisite for lung capacity.

The cleansing breath This mandatory introductory exercise is detailed as the primary mechanism for expelling stale, toxic air. It serves as the baseline for every other movement in the system.

The progression of exercises The reader is led through increasingly complex maneuvers, from short, controlled inhalations to the strenuous "Climax Breath." Each stage requires the mastery of independent muscle groups, specifically training the chest, back, and abdomen to act without tension.

The environmental argument The final section shifts to the quality of the air itself, emphasizing the importance of ventilation and nasal filtration. It advocates for a disciplined approach to sleep and work environments to ensure the respiratory system remains unburdened by dust or stagnant air.

The People

The book is guided by the voice of the author, Edward Lankow, a professional opera singer who views his own career as a testament to the power of breath. He positions himself as a pragmatic mentor, someone who has moved beyond the "vague teachings" of other instructors to provide concrete, actionable data. He is a firm believer in the superiority of the human body when properly tuned, and he expresses a slight frustration with the public’s laziness regarding their most basic biological functions.

The reader is addressed as a "student" or an individual in search of improvement—whether they are a "business man" suffering from office fatigue, a "delicate child," or a "consumptive" needing a non-strenuous entry point. The author also speaks directly to women, specifically those who wear corsets or are "inclined to stoutness," offering them tailored advice on how to support their bodies during the exercises. Finally, the medical authority of figures like Dr. William H. Fitzgerald is invoked to support the more clinical aspects of the program, such as the use of adhesive plaster to correct mouth-breathing, grounding the "science" in the professional discourse of the 1920s.

In Its Own Voice

“Air is too ridiculously cheap to be much respected by most persons.”

This observation captures the author’s frustration with why people neglect the very element most vital to their survival.

“If you were to breathe desert air, or the air of a blast furnace heated to 130 degrees--this superheated air would be cooled approximately to body temperature before it was passed into the lung cells.”

The author highlights the extraordinary, often unappreciated biological capability of the human nasal passage to protect the lungs.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is about the reclamation of the body through discipline. It treats the human organism as a machine that has fallen into disrepair through poor posture, restrictive fashion, and a lack of mindfulness. It argues that vitality is not a matter of medicine or luxury, but of mechanical efficiency. The underlying anxiety of the text is the fragility of the human, particularly in the face of respiratory illness; the argument is that by consciously controlling the intake of air, an individual can assert control over their own mortality. It is a work of early 20th-century humanism, placing the burden of health squarely on the individual's willingness to practice.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in the history of physical culture or the evolution of wellness trends will find this a fascinating, albeit idiosyncratic, read. It serves as a time capsule, capturing a period when the "open air" movement was at its height and when, in the absence of modern medicine, breathing exercises were heralded as a panacea for nearly every ailment.

The reading experience is earnest and instructional. You will encounter the specific, gendered expectations of the 1920s—such as the intense focus on the corset—which provide a clear window into the social constraints of the era. While the scientific claims regarding "self-poisoning" from air and the extreme suggestion of taping the mouth shut during sleep are clearly dated, the focus on mindful breathing and posture remains remarkably consistent with contemporary interests in stress reduction and somatic awareness. It is a text that asks for your participation; if you are looking for a dispassionate history, you may find the author's relentless focus on exercise a bit tedious. However, if you have a curiosity about how our ancestors sought to "engineer" their own health, this book provides an intimate, precise, and entirely unvarnished look at their methods.