ABUSE OF STIMULANTS. 93 



duced by them of being able to do more work, is taken 

 as a sign that they have really strengthened the body. 

 They come to be regarded as foods which may be taken 

 safely so long as there is an appetite for them, and not 

 as medicines to be taken always with caution. 



5. Tea and Coffee. The amount of nourishment con- 

 tained in a cup of tea or coffee, apart from the sugar or 

 milk put into it, is trivial. Both liquids have, however, 

 a great power of making the brain tranquil, and of re- 

 moving the feeling of fatigue or worry. When taken in 

 moderate quantity, they rarely leave injurious after- 

 effects. Some persons, however, experience a sensation 

 of fulness in the head after taking coffee, or are kept 

 awake all night by a small cup of it ; they should of 

 course avoid it. For relieving muscular fatigue, tea or 

 coffee is far superior to any kind of alcoholic drink. 

 Sportsmen out for a day's shooting find a flask of cold 

 tea in the pocket far more useful than a flask of spirits. 

 Generals who have commanded troops in campaigns 

 agree that a ration of coffee is better than one of 

 whiskey for tired soldiers. All commanders of arctic 

 exploring expeditions have come to the conclusion that 

 the men bear fatigue, cold, and anxiety better on tea or 

 coffee than when supplied with rum or whiskey instead. 



6. The Harm done by Excessive Tea- or Coffee-Drinking. 

 Injurious effects of excessive tea- or coffee-drinking 

 are most commonly seen in those who are young, or 

 who, though older, lead indolent lives. The conse- 



5. What is the chief nourishment in a cup of tea or coffee ? 

 Effect of tea or coffee on the body ? When should coffee be 

 avoided? Effect of tea or coffee on muscular fatigue? Illustra- 

 tions. 



6. What class of persons are most liable to be injured by tea- and 



