MEALS MEDICINAL: 
WITH 
SELB ALL, SLM LeEe See 
(of Edible Parts.) 
INTRODUCTION. 
Tue purpose of this Handbook is to explain what are the curative 
constituents of such dishes, and table-waters, as a Doctor can 
adequately order instead of drugs, when prescribing against 
diseases ; these same matters of diet being actually medicinal, 
though in the pleasant guise of eatables, and drinks, to suit the 
palate. It will be found that no reason whatever can be urged 
why curative meals of such a character shall not be always effec- 
tively employed for treating sick persons : indeed, why nauseous 
medicaments shall not be altogether supplanted by savoury pro- 
ductions from the cook, and the vintner. Pursuing which 
methods the Doctor, when minded to administer certain 
remedies hitherto dispensed by the Chemist, will remember, or 
learn (for he does not always know) how to fulfil his object 
far more agreeably through help from the kitchen. Thus also 
the patient may be led to comprehend how such, and such 
culinary preparations can do him equal good in lieu of repulsive 
doses from the Apothecary ; and he, or she will gratefully accept 
welcome meats, and refreshing drinks, in the place of potions, or 
pills, for curing definite diseases, as readily as for purifying, 
purging, or strengthening the system. Furthermore, after this 
manner the intelligent cook, becoming apprised of the proper- 
ties, and virtues which her roasts, and stews, her vegetable 
purées, and her choice confections, are able to convey, if 
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