DIGESTION AND FOOD. 75 



influence flows in a larger proportion to the stomach, the 

 seat of action, and in a less proportion to the rest of the 

 frame. It is plain, therefore, that while digestion is going 

 on, or until the gastric juice is prepared sufficiently for the 

 digestion, the other parts have a smaller supply of blood to 

 sustain their actions, and less nervous power to quicken 

 their life; they must, consequently, be comparatively lan- 

 guid, and should be suffered to rest. 



157. Full, vigorous action cannot, then, be well sustained 

 in two parts of the body at the same time. If this be at- 

 tempted, one or the other must fail, or both be imperfect. 

 In order to insure perfect digestion, the stomach must be 

 allowed to do its perfect work, and no other organ must 

 make active exertions while this is going on. We should, 

 therefore, let both the body and the mind rest for a short 

 period after each meal. It is a custom in Spain to take a 

 short nap after dinner. This is often quoted as a proof of 

 Spanish indolence. It is no indication of indolence. It is 

 rather a mark of wisdom ; for this leaves the digestive organs 

 an opportunity to do their work undisturbed, and to prepare 

 for the body that new nutriment which is to give it power 

 of action afterwards. 



158. Action of the mind, as well as action of the body, 

 interferes with digestion; and the digestive process inter- 

 feres with mental activity. Immediately after a hearty din- 

 ner, one is indisposed to think, or thinks but lightly. He is 

 averse to study, to business cares, to calculations, and to any 

 matter that requires vigorous thought. Ask him then to 

 consider a grave subject, or ask a boy, in a similar situation, 

 to learn a difficult lesson, and either will be glad to postpone 

 the labor until the digestive process is over. If severe men- 

 tal labor be undertaken, it will not be carried on easily ; 

 and, if it be carried on at all, it will be at the cost of the 

 digestion. Both these operations cannot be performed suc- 

 cessfully at the same time. Yet it is not necessary that the 

 brain be perfectly dormant. A pleasant and light action, 

 such as accompanies cheerful conversation, or reading light 

 works, does not interfere with this work of the stomach. 



