THE REMEDIES OF NATURE. 309 



generation of animal caloric has to be increased to balance the depres- 

 sion of the external temperature. Hence the invigorating effect of 

 mountain-air, of sea-bathing, and, in high latitudes, of sea-voyages. 

 The first dose of the tonic can be applied in-doors : sponge and shower 

 baths, or Franklin's air-baths a few minutes' pause between undress 

 and bed-time. 



People who have got rid of the night-air superstition can almost 

 defy dyspepsia by sleeping in a cross-draught, or, in cold weather, at 

 least near a half -open window. Cold, fresh air is an invaluable aid to 

 the assimilation of non-nitrogenous articles of food (fat meat, butter, 

 etc.). Stifling bedrooms almost neutralize the effects of out-door exer- 

 cise. Winter is, therefore, on the whole, the most auspicious time 

 for beginning a dyspepsia-cure. In summer a highland sanitarium is 

 the best place to start with, or, for coast-dwellers, a surfy sea-shore. 

 Early rising, a cold bath before breakfast, frequent ablutions, deep 

 draughts of cold water, flavored with Seltzer and sugar or a few drops 

 of raspberry-sirup, an air-bath before going to bed, and wide-open 

 bedroom-windows, will score an important point in favor of Nature 

 the return of a normal appetite, and with it of renewed strength and 

 mental elasticity. If the after-dinner affliction should show no direct 

 signs of abatement, the patient must bide his time, and, under no cir- 

 cumstances, resort to the drug-exorcism. Temporary blue-devils are 

 far preferable to a persistent blue-pill Beelzebub. But aid Nature by 

 all legitimate means. Masticate thoroughly every mouthful of solid 

 food. Eschew spices. Avoid pickles, cheese, salt meat, sour-krout, and 

 hot drinks. Take a light breakfast, a lighter lunch, postpone the 

 principal meal till the day's work is done, and make the after-dinner 

 hour as pleasant as possible. Court fresh air at all times of the day 

 and the night, and, in the course of two or three weeks, the capacity 

 for active exercise will return. That point gained, the problem of 

 recovery is reduced to a question of perseverance. The distress of the 

 first attempts suggests almost the expediency of an unconditional sur- 

 render, but, after a dozen morning promenades in the park, and as 

 many dumb-bell soirees, the three chief remedies begin to work hand 

 in hand exercise, refrigeration, and temperance. Exercise spices non- 

 stimulating food, fresh air promotes digestion, and restored digestion 

 gives strength for more exercise. 



There will be fluctuations in the progress of convalescence. The 

 valor of it, the confidence in the possibility of complete expiation, will 

 sometimes falter under the realizing sense of past sins. The very 

 effectiveness of the remedies will demonstrate the almost unpardon- 

 able mistake of their long neglect. But the stomach is not implacable, 

 and, in spite of a few fretful relapses, it will, on the whole, accept the 

 terms of reconciliation and ratify the treaty from week to week, till 



braces us up, gives us a sharp appetite, and we indulge freely in food which, while the 

 cold weather continues, can be tolerated by the system." (Dr. C. E. Page.) 



