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274 . DIETETICAL PROPERTIES. 



But there is still another effect of coffee — that of 

 checking the too rapid consumption of nitrogeneous 

 matter in the system — which, while not nutritious 

 in itself, yet possesses an indirect nutritive value; this 

 result, added to its stimulating character, have made 

 it the chosen beverage for breakfast, and therefore 

 the best staple supply for both our army and navy. 

 By taking a cup of strong, black coffee, without milk 

 or sugar, between two glasses of hot water before rising 

 in the morning and at least an hour before breakfast, the 

 various secretions are stimulated and the nervous force 

 aroused, so that an hour later a hearty meal is enjoyed and 

 the day's labor bf'gun favorably, no matter how the duties 

 of the day and night preceding may have drawn upon the 

 system. While another cup at four in the afternoon is 

 sufficient to sustain the flagging energies for many hours 

 thereafter. In this manner its full effect is best secured, 

 but if along with this the proper diet is taken at the 

 proper time, the capacity for work will be almost unlimited. 

 Its physiological effects upon the human system, so far 

 as they have been investigated, appear to be that while 

 it makes the brain more active it soothes the body gen- 

 erally, making the waste and loss of tissue slower and 

 the demand for food less. It is a mental stimulus of a 

 high order, and therefore is as a beverage liable to be 

 abused for that reason. Through its influence the stu- 

 dent burns the midnight oil to excess, and consequently 

 reduces his store of physical force. 



The German naturalist Martin relates a case he met 

 with of a horse which owed its life to the use of coffee 

 after being in a condition considered as incurable. The 

 animal was reduced to a mere skeleton and so weak that 

 it could scarcely walk, when infusions of coffee were first 

 given it as an experiment, and then some ground coffee 



I. 



