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SECT. XXI. 



OP FOOD AND HUNGER. 



327. As sleep repairs the loss of the animal powers, 

 so food repairs that of the natural, and supplies fresh 

 elementary particles in the room of those which are 

 constantly wasting. 



328. We are most effectually induced to procure and 

 take food by various calls of nature, all tending to the 

 same end : on one hand, by the intolerable torment of 

 hunger and thirst; and on the other, by the equally 

 powerful allurements of appetite. 



329. Some ascribe hunger to an uneasiness arising in 

 the stomach from its being empty and unoccupied; 

 others to the mutual friction of its rugae ; others not 

 only to the stimulus of its fluids, now secreted in abund- 

 ance, — of the saliva and gastric juice, but to an acri- 

 mony which they acquire when food is not taken in 

 proper time. (A) 



330. Thirst appears referrible both to a very unplea- 

 sant dryness of the fauces, and to the particular sti- 

 mulus of acrid matters, especially of salts, taken by 

 the mouth. It may be, therefore, the consequence of 

 excessive absorption in the cavity of the mouth, such 

 as occurs when the mother applies her infant to the 

 breast, or, what is not uncommon, when venesection or 

 purging have been ordered. Violent passions fre- 

 quently induce thirst. (B) 



