196 JEROME CARDAN. 



hours. Rise in the first hour of the day, and visit the 

 sick, silent with all, and saying nothing that does not con- 

 cern the case before you. Do not exert yourself so as 

 to become heated, certainly not so as to perspire. Set out 

 by help of a horse, and return on foot. When you have 

 returned put on a warmer garment. Breakfast on bread 

 and a little meat or dried fish. Drink very little. After 

 breakfast, if your engagements let you, study for four 

 hours: studies delight a man, obliterate his cares, prepare 

 for him renown, adorn his mind, and help him to perform 

 his duty in his calling. Then visit patients again, as before : 

 but before supper" (Cardan used and advised only two 

 meals daily, and we may call his early supper a late din- 

 ner, if we please), " ride and visit groves, copses, and 

 pleasant places, walking or riding in the suburbs of the 

 town. If at any time you become wet with . rain or per- 

 spiration, when you return home you have only to see that 

 you have a change of linen dry and warm, and hang up 

 your wet clothes near the fire. Sup your fill. Retire to 

 bed ten hours before the first hour of the day, your hour 

 of rising. When the shortness of the nights makes^ that 

 impossible, supply the deficiency of bed- time by a sleep at 

 noon. 



"From seven things abstain wholly: from summer 

 fruits, from black wine, from vain and copious speech, 

 from falsehood, from gambling, and do not reveal any 



