74 



PHYSIOLOGY AND TEMPERANCE. 



24. Action of the Ferments. The following table will 

 show more readily the action of the various juices on the 

 food: 



25. The Appetite. A desire to take food at stated inter- 

 vals is a natural law common to every living creature. The 

 selection of food in the lower animals is guided by instinct 

 alone. In man, the choice of food depends to some extent on 

 instinct, but more on habit and the ability to procure articles 

 agreeable to the taste. The sense of taste, while mostly a 

 sure guide, may be perverted, and lead to the use of food 

 least suited to the wants of the body. 



The food used should be suited to the age, the occupation, 

 the climate, and the condition of the system. It should be 

 taken at stated intervals. The digestive system requires rest, 



