198 LETTERS TO BROTHER JOHN. 



at one time, nor do they always exist with the same 

 degree of intensity ; but they are, more or fewer 

 of them, and in a greater or less degree, its unfailing 

 characteristics: and there are few persons, ex- 

 cepting those who earn their livelihood hy hodily 

 labour, who do not occasionally fall into this condi- 

 tion to a greater or less extent; and not a few have 

 their whole lives embittered by it. 



Now this, my dear John, is that condition of 

 body, to avoid or to remedy which is the object of 

 all dietetic rules : for it is that from which almost 

 all other diseases spring. If, from having neglected 

 this previous state of things, you become affected 

 with any distinct disease, as fever, cough, pain, &c., 

 the best and only advice I have to give to you 

 is this : " Go at once and put yourself under the 

 care of that medical man (not of him who wears 

 the smartest coat, drives the smartest equipage, 

 and trims his whiskers after the smartest fashion ; 

 nor of him who smiles with the sweetest grace, 

 speaks in the kindest tone, has the whitest hand, 

 and the softest voice) whose general conversa- 

 tion bespeaks him a man of talent, a scholar and, 

 not a coxcomb, but a gentleman." In choosing 

 a medical man, and in endeavouring to satisfy 

 yourself as to his talent, you should not question 



