George Nicholson (printer)

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The Primeval Diet of Man: Arguments in Favour of Vegetable Food: On Man's Conduct to Animals, fourth edition, published in 1819

George Nicholson (1760 – 1 November 1825) was an English printer, writer, and social reformer. He was known for his early advocacy of vegetarianism, animal welfare, and human rights, including women's rights and the abolition of slavery. Active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, he combined his printing work with a commitment to progressive causes, publishing a number of influential texts promoting ethical vegetarianism and humane treatment of animals. His most notable work, The Primeval Diet of Man (1801), synthesised philosophical, medical, and religious arguments in favour of a plant-based diet and continues to be cited in the history of vegetarian thought.

Life and career

Nicholson was born in Keighley, West Riding of Yorkshire, England.

Nicholson had started a printing business with his brother George and in 1797 they moved their business to Manchester. Two of their more significant works were Pious Reflections for Every Day of the Month; Translated from the French of Fénelon by John Clowes and his book, The Conduct of Man to Inferior Animals.

Rachel Prescott of Manchester published a book of poetry in 1799 which was dedicated to Nicholson. Her dedication was based on their congeniality of mind, and on principles which can experience neither alloy nor decay.

Nicholson settled in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire in 1808 where he remained for the rest of his life. He was a nationally known printer of the time. His printing press was at 15 Bridge Street and the premises are now a listed building. Nicholson was an advocate of animal welfare, women's rights and the abolition of slavery.

Nicholson died in Stourport-on-Severn on 1 November 1825.

Vegetarianism

Nicholson was a vegetarian. He authored The Conduct of Man to Inferior Animals in 1797, expanded into The Primeval Diet of Man: Arguments in Favour of Vegetable Food: On Man's Conduct to Animals, in 1801. Nicholson's book cited Porphyry, Plutarch, Erasmus Darwin, John Arbuthnot and many others. A supplement, On Food was added to the 1803 edition, offering vegetarian recipes. The book was republished by Edwin Mellen Press with introduction and notes by historian Rod Preece in 2000.

Nicholson's argument for vegetarianism consisted of five components. He argued that the earliest humans ate a vegetarian diet, and we should mimic this diet as a healthier and moral way of life. Nicholson asserted that human conduct towards animals is frequently unjust and if we recognise how similar we are to other species we will treat them with more respect. He also urged for education and legislative protection for animals.

Selected publications

• The Conduct of Man to Inferior Animals (1797)
• The Primeval Diet of Man: Arguments in Favour of Vegetable Food: On Man's Conduct to Animals (1801, 1819)

See also

• Vegetarianism in the Romantic Era

External links

• George Nicholson from The Ethics of Diet by Howard Williams