CONDITION OF THE SYSTEM. 243 



as healthy as these animals, we should be as natural in our habits of 

 taking food. Drinking largely at meals is a mere habit, and a most 

 unnatural and unhealthy one. 



Thirst This sensation does not always arise from the demand 

 for fluids to increase the water of the blood, as in desire for drink 

 which accompanies free perspiration; in this case, water or some 

 other drink is absolutely necessary ; but it often results from fever 

 or local disease of the parts connected with the throat. In these 

 instances thirst may be allayed by chewing some hard substance, such 

 as a dry cracker. This excites a secretion from the salivary glands 

 which removes the sensation. In thirst, from a heated condition of 

 the system, this practice affords relief and is safe, while the practice 

 of drinking large quantities of cold fluids is unsafe, and should never 

 be indulged. 



Hot Food and Drink It should not be taken very hot. 

 When this is done, the vessels of the mucous membrane of the gums, 

 mouth and stomach are unduly stimulated for a short time; this is 

 followed by a loss of tone and by debility of these parts. The prac- 

 tice is a fruitful cause of spongy gums, decayed teeth, sore mouth 

 and indigestion. But neither should it betaken very cold. If a con- 

 siderable quantity of very cold food or liquid be taken into the 

 stomach, the tone of the system will be impaired and the health 

 endangered by the sudden abstraction of heat from the coats of the 

 stomach and surrounding organs, to impart warmth to the cold food 

 or drink. This arrests the digestive process and the food is kept in 

 the stomach too long and produces oppression and irritation. Food 

 and drink warmed, rather than heated, are best suited to the natural 

 condition of the digestive organs. 



It may have been observed that the inferior animals, as well as 

 man, are injuriously affected when a bad quality of food is taken 

 into the stomach, or taken in an improper manner. Cows fed on 

 unhealthy slops, as they are likely to be in cities, decay and go dry 

 in about two years. Is the milk of these diseased animals a safe 

 nourishment for children? 



CONDITION OF THE SYSTEM. 



Violent Exertion Severe exercise of either mind or body 

 should not be taken immediately before or after eating, because all 

 organs when in action require and receive more blood and nervous 

 fluid than when at rest. Of the brain, muscles and vocal organs, 

 this is especially true; and whatever of unusual supply they receive 

 must be taken from other parts of the system. Of course, then, 

 the parts from which these are drawn must be correspondingly 

 weakened. Again, after such an extraordinary local demand and 

 supply some time must elapse before the tide can be arrested and 

 turned to other organs, so as to re-establish the equilibrium of the 



