54i 
of our comprehension of these facts. Tt is probable that Tacitus, 
Juvenal and Pliny, as well as most other writers of imperial times, 
throw more light upon their own character than upon those depicted 
by them, while our knowledge of early Roman character is involved 
in an iridescent haze. T. S. JEROME 
Capri, Italy 
PLUTARCH ON HEALTH 
Let us sec whether the theory put forward in the preceding pages 
is confirmed by a Greek work which was written about the end of the 
first century after Christ. 
Among the Moral Treat isos of Plutarch is included a work the 
Latin name of which is de lunula sanitate praecepta. It is intended 
for the use of those who devote themselves to study or politics (137 c), 
and lays down the rules which must be observed by such if they wish 
to keep in health. At first sight it appears to be a sensible but 
somewhat commonplace series of remarks ; but a more careful reading 
proves that it throws a flood of light upon the hygienic conditions of 
the period when it was composed. Before proceeding I will give a 
short analysis of the contents. 
It is necessary to keep the hands warm, as chill in the extremities 
invites fever (123 A). It is useful to accustom the body when in health 
to the diet which would be necessary in illness, and it should not be 
thought insufferable to dine unbathed (123 B—D). The body ought 
to be nourished, as a rule, with simple foods, so that, should an 
occasion occur when feasting cannot be avoided, no harm results fiom 
indulgence. If some high official invite 11s, or other imperative call 
come when we are indisposed, it will be less boorish to abstain than 
to fall into irXevpiTK or <f>peviTui through false shame (123 L i_4 L) j. 
Food and drink are to satisfy hunger and thirst. Dainties should 
not be consumed merely because they are costly, or because we wis 1 
to boast that we have eaten them. The body must not tyrannise 
over the soul, nor yet the soul over the body, so as to cause ovei- 
indulgence. A man should take a pride in his power to abstain. 
Rich, tempting dishes cause us to eat too much (124 E—126 B). 
Pleasure is impossible without health. Me are wont to neg ec 
plain living when we are well, and in sickness to lay the blame upo 
climate («ep«9, xwpas'), instead of our own intemperance. en 
