William Andrus Alcott (1798–1859) wrote many books on the topics of education and health. He was a physician and teacher. He 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.