THE HYGIENE OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 173 



no desire to increase the frequency or the extent of his 

 indulgence. The other may prove to be one of those 

 unfortunates who cannot remain temperate one who 

 will go on to his own ruin and to break the hearts of his 

 family. Total abstinence is a safe course and it has 

 constantly a larger number of distinguished exemplars. 

 Tea, Coffee, and Chocolate. These widely used 

 preparations are mild stimulants in the best senses of 

 the term. They increase working capacity and at the 

 same time may give a sense of well-being. It is impossi- 

 ble to prove that their use is harmful for the great major- 

 ity of people. Many individuals have found that these 

 beverages disagree with them and such people are 

 usually sensible enough to abstain. Some persons seem 

 unable to make the sacrifice where it is desirable and 

 suffer decidedly in consequence. It is a good plan not 

 to resort to these stimulants when there is no clear 

 occasion for their use. If they are not employed 

 regularly they will be doubly serviceable in a genuine 

 emergency. 



