Chapter I: Part 1

Transcriber's notes:

In this plain text version, bold script is denoted by =equals signs= and italic script by _underscores_. Text that was originally rendered in small capitals now appears in full capitals.

No attempt has been made to standardise the numerous inconsistencies throughout the text with respect to punctuation, [e.g. (No. 490,)/(No. 490.)/(No. 490)/(No. 490).], spelling, case and hyphenation [e.g. P. 36/p. 88, DR. MOFFETT/Dr. MUFFETT, Colton/Coulton, toothach/toothache, Head-Ach/Head-ach/Head-ache, nightmare/Night-Mare/night-mare, mouthsful/mouthfuls, scum/skum, table-spoonful/tablespooonful, Curacoa/Curaçoa, and others]. These and various archaic spellings all remain as in the original. The transcription also replicates the original text in its use of upper case, lower case, small capitals, and italics.

On the other hand, several errors, omissions and uncertainties were corrected after referring to the subsequent edition (3rd) of the book for clarification: for example, missing characters resulting from incomplete scan images; missing quotation marks; a missing value for 'Port' in the table on page 138; and a three-paragraph apparent 'blockquote' on page 141 (actually a partial footnote that had become separated from its preceding paragraphs on page 139), is now reunited with the rest of the footnote. A few incorrect page references have been rectified.

The incorrect sequencing of the index replicates that in the original publication. In that era the letters i and j were interchangeable, and words beginning with these letters are grouped together in the index. The words and abbreviations Ditto, ditto, Do., do., are used inconsistently in the index.

Numbered items (sometimes asterisked) of the style (No. 463*) are references to the 3rd edition of "The Cook's Oracle" as mentioned at the top of the page that follows the Contents list.

The footnotes, which are numerous and sometimes lengthy, have been relocated to the end of the e-book. A few of the original cross-references pointed to the _page_ on which the relevant footnote was located rather than to the footnote itself. As the footnotes are no longer on those pages, readers of this plain text version might have difficulty following such cross-references. On page 17, reference to a footnote that simply stated 'see Index' has been changed to an in-line reference (as used elsewhere in the text).

THE ART
OF INVIGORATING AND PROLONGING
LIFE,
BY
FOOD, CLOTHES, AIR, EXERCISE, WINE, SLEEP, &c.
AND
PEPTIC PRECEPTS,
POINTING OUT
_AGREEABLE AND EFFECTUAL METHODS_
TO PREVENT AND RELIEVE
INDIGESTION,
AND TO
_REGULATE AND STRENGTHEN THE ACTION_
OF THE
STOMACH AND BOWELS.

Suaviter in modo, sed fortiter in re.

BY
THE AUTHOR OF "THE COOK'S ORACLE,"
&c. &c. &c.

_SECOND EDITION._

LONDON:
PRINTED FOR HURST, ROBINSON, AND CO.
AND A. CONSTABLE AND CO., EDINBURGH.

1821.

TO THE
NERVOUS AND BILIOUS,
THE FOLLOWING
TREATISE,
ON THE
ART OF MANAGING THOSE TEMPERAMENTS,
IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

ART OF INVIGORATING LIFE 1

Reducing Corpulence 50

Sleep 65

Siesta 94

Clothes 103

Fire 113

Air 119

Exercise 122

Wine 127

Peptic Precepts 156

Index 267

THE NUMBERS _affixed to the various Articles of Food, &c.
are those referred to in the_ THIRD EDITION _of_

THE
COOK'S ORACLE:
CONTAINING
RECEIPTS FOR PLAIN COOKERY
ON THE
MOST ECONOMICAL PLAN FOR PRIVATE FAMILIES:

ALSO

THE ART OF COMPOSING THE MOST SIMPLE, AND
MOST HIGHLY FINISHED
Broths, Gravies, Soups, Sauces, Store Sauces,
AND FLAVOURING ESSENCES:

_The Quantity of each Article is_
ACCURATELY STATED BY WEIGHT AND MEASURE;
_THE WHOLE BEING THE RESULT OF_
Actual Experiments
INSTITUTED IN
THE KITCHEN OF A PHYSICIAN.

"Miscuit utile dulce."

THE THIRD EDITION,
WHICH IS ALMOST ENTIRELY RE-WRITTEN.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR A. CONSTABLE & Co. EDINBURGH;
AND HURST, ROBINSON, & Co. CHEAPSIDE.
_And sold also by all Booksellers in Town and Country._

1821.

THE ART
OF
INVIGORATING AND PROLONGING
LIFE
BY
Diet and Regimen.

"The choice and measure of the materials of which our Body is
composed,--and what we take daily by POUNDS,--is at least of as much
importance as what we take seldom, and only by _Grains_ and
_Spoonsful_."--DR. ARBUTHNOT on _Aliment_, pref. p. iii.

The Editor of the following pages had originally an extremely Delicate Constitution;--and at an early period devoted himself to the study of Physic, with the hope--of learning how to make the most of his small stock of Health.

The System he adopted, succeeded, and he is arrived at his forty-third year, in tolerable good Health; and this without any uncomfortable abstinence:--his maxim has ever been, "_dum Vivimus, Vivamus_."

He does not mean the Aguish existence of the votary of Fashion--whose Body is burning from voluptuous intemperance to-day, and freezing in miserable collapse to-morrow--not extravagantly consuming in a Day, the animal spirits which Nature intended for the animation of a Week--but keeping the expense of the machinery of Life within the income of Health,--which the Constitution can regularly and comfortably supply.

This is the grand "arcanum duplicatum" for "Living all the days of your Life."

The Art of Invigorating the Health, and improving the Strength of Man, has hitherto only been considered for the purpose of training[1] him for Athletic Exercises--but I have often thought that a similar plan might be adopted with considerable advantage, to animate and strengthen enfeebled Constitutions--prevent Gout--reduce Corpulency--cure Nervous and Chronic Weakness--Hypochondriac and Bilious Disorders, &c.--_to increase the Enjoyment, and prolong the duration of Feeble Life_--for which _Medicine_, unassisted by DIET AND REGIMEN,--affords but very trifling and temporary help.

The universal desire of repairing, perfecting, and prolonging Life, has induced many ingenious men to try innumerable experiments on almost all the products of the Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral kingdoms, with the hope of discovering Agents, that will not merely increase or diminish the force or frequency of the Pulse; but with an ardour as romantic as the search after the Philosopher's Stone, they have vainly hoped, that _Panaceas_ might be found possessing the power of curing "all the evils that flesh is heir to."

This is evident enough to all who have examined the early Pharmacopœias, which are full of heterogeneous compounds, the inventions of interested, and the imaginations of ignorant men.

The liberal and enlightened Physicians of the last and present century have gradually expunged most of these, and made the science of Medicine sufficiently intelligible to those whose business it is to learn it--if Medicine be entirely divested of its Mystery, its power over the Mind, which in most cases forms its main strength, will no longer exist.

It was a favourite remark of the celebrated Dr. John Brown[2], that "if a student in Physic employed seven years in storing his memory with the accepted, but,--unfortunately, in nine cases out of ten,--imaginary powers of Medicine, he would, if he did not possess very extraordinary sagacity, lose a much longer time in discovering the multiform delusions his medical oracles had imposed upon him--before he ascertains that, with the exception of _Mercury_ for the Lues,--_Bark_ for Intermittents,--and _Sulphur_ for Psora--the _Materia Medica_ does not furnish many Specifics--and may be almost reduced to Evacuants and Stimuli:"--However, these, skilfully administered, afford all the assistance to Nature, that can be obtained from Art!

Let not the uninitiated in Medical Mysteries imagine for a moment, that the Editor desires to depreciate their Importance--but observe once for all--that he has only one reason for writing this Book--which is, to warn you against the ordinary causes of Disorder--and to teach you the easiest and most salutary method of preventing or subduing it, and of recovering and preserving Health and Strength, when, in spite of all your prudence, you are overtaken by sickness, and have no Medical Friend ready to defend you.

Experience has so long proved the actual importance of TRAINING--that Pugilists will not willingly engage without such preparation.

The principal rules for which are,--to go to Bed early--to Rise early--to take as much _Exercise_ as you can in the open air, without fatigue--to _Eat and Drink_ moderately of plain nourishing Food--and especially,--to keep _the Mind_ diverted[3], and in as easy and cheerful a state as possible.

Somewhat such a system is followed at the fashionable watering places--and great would be the improvement of Health that would result from it,--if it was not continually counteracted, by visits to the Ball Room[4] and the Card Table.

A residence in the Country will avail little, if you carry with you there, the irregular habits, and late hours of fashionable Life.

Do not expect much benefit from mere change of _Air_--the purest breezes of the country will produce very little effect, unless accompanied by plenty of regular _Exercise_[5]--_Temperance_--and, above all, _Tranquillity of Mind_.--See _Obs. on_ "AIR" and "EXERCISE."

The following is a brief sketch of the usual METHOD OF TRAINING PERSONS FOR ATHLETIC EXERCISES.

The Alimentary Canal[6] is cleansed by an Emetic, and then two or three Purgatives.--See _Index_.

They are directed to eat Beef and Mutton[7]--rather _under_, than _over_-done, and without either Seasoning or Sauce--_Broils_, (No. 94), are preferred to either _Roasts_ (No. 19), or _Boils_--and stale Bread or Biscuit.

Neither Veal--Lamb--Pork--Fish--Milk--Butter--Cheese--Puddings--Pastry--or Vegetables, are allowed.

Beef and Mutton only (fresh, not salted) are ordered;--but we believe this restriction is seldom entirely submitted to.

Nothing tends more to renovate the Constitution, than a temporary retirement to the Country.

The necessity of breathing a pure Air, and the strictest Temperance, are uniformly and absolutely insisted upon by all Trainers;--the striking advantages resulting therefrom, we have heard as universally acknowledged by those who have been trained.

_Mild Home-brewed Ale_ is recommended for Drink--about three pints per day--taken with Breakfast and Dinner, and a little at Supper--not in large draughts--but by mouthfuls, alternately with your food.

_Stale Beer_ often disturbs delicate Bowels--if your Palate warns you that Malt Liquor is inclined to be hard, neutralize it with a little _Carbonate of Potash_;--that good sound Beer, which is neither nauseous from its newness, nor noxious from its staleness, is in unison with the animating diet of Animal Food, which we are recommending as the most effective antidote to debility, &c. experience has sufficiently proved.--There can be no doubt, that the combination of the tonic power of the Hop, and the nourishment of the Malt, is much more invigorating than any simple vinous spirit,--but the difficulty of obtaining it good, ready brewed--and the trouble of Brewing is so great--that happy are those who are contented with Good Toast and Water (No. 463*), as a diluent to solid food--and a few glasses of wine as a finishing "_Bonne Bouche_."

Those who do not like Beer--are allowed Wine and Water--Red wine is preferred to White, and _not more_ than half a pint, (_i. e._ eight ounces), or four common sized wine glasses, after Dinner--none after Supper--nor any Spirits, however diluted.

Eight hours' _Sleep_ are necessary--but this is generally left to the previous habits of the Person; those who take active Exercise, require adequate Rest.

BREAKFAST[8] upon meat at eight o'clock--DINNER at two--SUPPER is not advised, but they may have a little bit of cold meat about eight o'clock, and take a walk after, between it and ten, when they go to Bed.

_The Time requisite to screw a Man up to his fullest Strength_, depends upon his previous habits and Age. In the Vigour of Life, between 20 and 35, a Month or two is generally sufficient:--more or less, according as he is older, and as his previous Habits have been in opposition to the above system.

By this mode of proceeding for two or three months--the Constitution of the human frame is greatly improved, and the Courage proportionately increased,--a person who was breathless, and panting on the least exertion--and had a certain share of those Nervous and Bilious Complaints, which are occasionally the companions of all who reside in great Cities--becomes enabled to run with ease and fleetness.

The Restorative Process having proceeded with healthful regularity--every part of the Constitution is effectively invigorated--a Man feels so conscious of the actual augmentation of all his powers, both Bodily and Mental, that he will undertake with alacrity--a task which before he shrunk from encountering.

The clearness of THE COMPLEXION is considered the _best criterion of a Man's being in good condition_--to which we add the appearance of the UNDER-LIP--which is plump and rosy, in proportion to the healthy plethora of the constitution:--this is a much more certain symptom of vigorous Health than any indication you can form from the appearance of the Tongue--or the PULSE, which is another very uncertain and deceiving Index,--the strength and frequency of which, not only varies in different persons, but in the same person in different circumstances and positions;--in some Irritable Constitutions _the vibration of the Heart varies almost as often as it Beats_--when we walk--stand--sit--or lie down--early in the morning--late in the evening--elated with good news--depressed by bad, &c.--when the Stomach is empty--after taking food--after a full meal of Nutritive food--after a spare one of _Maigre materials_. Moreover, it is impossible to ascertain the degree of deviation from Health by feeling a Pulse--unless we are well acquainted with the peculiarity of it, when the patient is in Health.

The Editor has now arrived at the most difficult part of his work, and needs all the assistance that Training can give, to excite him to proceed with any hope of developing the subject, with that perspicuity and effect--which it deserves, and he desires to give it.

The _Food_--_Clothes_--_Fire_--_Air_--_Exercise_--_Sleep_--_Wine_, &c. which may be most advisable for invigorating the Health of one individual--may be by no means the best adapted to produce a like good effect with another;--at the time of Life most people arrive at, before they think about these things--they are often become the slaves of habits which have grown with their growth, and strengthened with their strength--and the utmost that can be done after our 40th year, is to endeavour very gradually to correct them.

We caution those who are past the Meridian of Life (see _Index_)--to beware of suddenly abandoning established Customs, (especially of diminishing the warmth of their Clothing, or the nutritive quality of what they Eat and Drink), which, by long usage, often become as indispensable, as a Mathematical Valetudinarian reckoned his Flannel Waistcoat was--"in the _ratio_ that my _Body_ would be uncomfortable without my _Skin_--would my _Skin_ be, without my _Flannel Waistcoat_."

We recommend those who are in search of Health and Strength, to read the remarks which are classed under the titles WINE,--SIESTA,--CLOTHES,--"AIR"--"FIRE"--SLEEP--PEPTIC PRECEPTS, &c.

With the greatest deference, we submit the following sketch, to be variously modified by the Medical Adviser--according to the season of the Year--the Age--Constitution--and previous habits of the Patient,--the purpose it is intended to accomplish--or the Disorder it is intended to prevent or cure.

The first thing to be done, is to put the Principal Viscera into a condition to absorb the _pabulum vitæ_, we put into the Stomach--as much depends on the state of the Organs of Digestion[9] as on the quality of our Diet:--therefore commence with taking, early in the morning, fasting, about half an hour before Breakfast, about two drams of _Epsom Salts_ (_i. e._ as much as will move the Bowels twice, not more,) in half a pint of warm water.--See _Index_.

The following day, go into a _Tepid Bath_, heated to about 95 degrees of _Fahrenheit_.

The Third day, take another dose of Salts--keeping to a light diet of Fish--Broths, &c. (Nos. 490, 563, 564, and 572). During the next week, take the TONIC TINCTURE, as directed in (No. 569). See _Index_. Thus far--any person may proceed without any difficulty,--and great benefit will he derive therefrom, if he cannot pursue the following part of the System:--

RISE early--if the Weather permits, amuse yourself with Exercise in the open air for some time before BREAKFAST--the material for which, I leave entirely to the previous habit of the Individual.

Such is the sensibility of the Stomach, when recruited by a good night's rest, that of all alterations in Diet, it will be most disappointed at any change of this Meal--either of the time it is taken--or of the quantity, or quality of it--so much so, that the functions of a delicate Stomach will be frequently deranged throughout the whole Day after.

The BREAKFAST I recommend, is Good Milk Gruel (No. 572), see _Index_, or Beef Tea (No. 563), see _Index_, or Portable Beef Tea (No. 252); a pint of the latter may be made for two-pence halfpenny, as easily as a Basin of Gruel.

The interval between _Breakfast_ and _Eleven_ o'clock, is the best time for Intellectual business--then _Exercise_ again till about _Twelve_--when probably the Appetite will be craving for a LUNCHEON, which may consist of a bit of roasted Poultry,--a basin of good Beef Tea, or Eggs poached, (No. 546), or boiled in the Shell, (No. 547), Fish plainly dressed, (No. 144, or 145, &c.), or a Sandwich (No. 504),--stale Bread--and half a pint of good Home-brewed Beer--or Toast and Water, (No. 463*),--see _Index_,--with about one-fourth or one-third part of its measure of Wine, of which Port is preferred.

The solidity of the LUNCHEON should be proportionate to the time it is intended to enable you to wait for your Dinner, and the activity of the Exercise you take in the mean-time.

Take Exercise and Amusement as much as is convenient in the open air again, till past Four--then rest, and prepare for DINNER at _Five_--which should be confined to One Dish, of roasted Beef (No. 19), or Mutton (No. 23), five days in the week--boiled meat one--and roasted Poultry one--with a portion of sufficiently boiled ripe Vegetables--mashed Potatoes are preferred, see (No. 106), and the other fourteen ways of dressing this useful root.

The same restrictions from other articles of Food[10], as we have already mentioned in the plan for Training--_i. e._ if the person trained--has not arrived at that time of Life, when habit has become so strong--that to deprive him of those accustomed Indulgencies, &c. by which his health has hitherto been supported--would be as barbarous--as to take away Crutches from the Lame.

DRINK at Dinner, a pint of home-brewed Beer, or Toast and Water (No. 463*), with one-third or one-fourth part Wine, and a few glasses of Wine after--the less, the better--but take as much as custom has made necessary to excite that degree of circulation in your system, without which, you are uncomfortable. Read _Obs. on_ "WINE."

AFTER DINNER sit quiet for a couple of hours--the _Semi-Siesta_ is a pleasant position--_i. e._ the Feet on a stool about eight inches high,--or if your Exercise has fatigued you, lie down, and indulge in Horizontal Refreshment[11]:--this you may sometimes do with advantage before Dinner, if you have taken more Exercise than usual, and you feel tired:--when the Body is fatigued, the Stomach, by sympathy, will, in proportion, be incapable of doing its business of Digestion.

AT SEVEN, a little Tea, or warmed Milk with a very little Rum, a bit of Sugar, and a little Nutmeg in it--after which, Exercise and Amusement again, if convenient, in the open air.

For SUPPER, a Biscuit, or a Sandwich, (No. 504), or a bit of cold Fowl, &c. and a glass of Beer, or Wine, and Toast and Water (No. 463*),--and occasionally (No. 572), _i. e. as light a Supper as possible_--the sooner after _Ten_ you retire to rest, the better.

_For those who Dine very late_--the best Supper is Gruel (No. 572), or a little Bread and Cheese, or Pounded Cheese (No. 542), and a glass of Beer--but if You have had an early, or a _Ban Yan Dinner_--or Instinct suggests that the exhaustion, from extraordinary exertion, requires more restorative materials,--furnish your Stomach with a Chop or a Chicken, &c. or some of the easily digestible and nutritive materials referred to in the _Index_ under the article _Food for Feeble Stomachs_--and as much diffusible stimulus as will animate the Circulation, and ensure the influence of "Nature's sweet restorer, Balmy Sleep,"--the soundness of which,--depends entirely on the Stomach being in good temper, and the Heart supporting the circulation with Salutary Vigour. See the _Art of Sleeping_.--_Index_.

For the Diet to be confined to Beef and Mutton, is a sufficient abridgment of the amusements of the Mouth--it is a barbarous mortification, to insist on these being always cooked the same way[12], and we advise an occasional indulgence in the whole range of plain Cookery, from (No. 1) to (No. 98).

_Broils_ (No. 94) are ordered in the plan for Training, probably, because the most convenient manner of obtaining the desired portion _Hot_,--(Food is then most easy of Digestion--_before the process of Digestion can commence, it must take the temperature of the Stomach_--which, when in a languid state, has no superfluous Heat to spare--) but as the Lean part is often scorched and dried, and the Fat becomes empyreumatic, from being in immediate contact with the Fire--a slice of well roasted Ribs (No. 20),--or Sir Loin of Beef (No. 19), or a Leg, Neck, Loin, or Saddle of Mutton (No. 23, or 26, or 31), must be infinitely more succulent and nutritive--whether this be rather _over_, or _under_-done, the previous habits of the Eater must determine--the Medium, between _over_ and _under_-dressing--is in general most Agreeable, and certainly most Wholesome.

That _Meat_ which is considerably _under_-done, contains more Nutriment than that which is _over_-done, is true enough;--that which is _not done at all_, contains a great deal more--but, in the ratio that it is _Raw_[13], so is it unfortunately difficult of digestion, as _Spallanzani_ (see _Index_) has proved by actual and satisfactory experiments.

OUR FOOD MUST BE DONE--_either by our Cook,--or by our Stomach_,--before Digestion can take place--(see 1st page of _Obs._ on _Siesta_); surely no man in his senses, would willingly be so wanting in consideration of the comfort, &c. of his Stomach, as to give it the needless trouble of Cooking and Digesting also--and waste its valuable energies in work which a Spit or a Stewpan can do better.

Thoroughly dressed BEEF (No. 19), or MUTTON (No. 23), is incomparably the most animating Food we can furnish our Stomachs with, and sound HOME-BREWED BEER, the most invigorating Drink--It is indeed, Gentle Reader, notwithstanding a foolish fashion has banished the natural beverage of Great Britain--as extremely ungenteel.--

"Your Wine tippling, Dram sipping fellows retreat,
But your Beer-drinking Briton can never be beat."

_The best Tests of the Restorative qualities of Food_--are a small quantity of it satisfying Hunger,--the strength of the Pulse after it,--and the length of Time which elapses before Appetite returns again:--according to these Rules, the Editor's own experience gives a decided verdict in favour of Roasted or Broiled Beef (No. 19 or 94), or Mutton (No. 26 or 23), as most nutritive,--then Game and Poultry, of which the meat is Brown, (No. 59, or 61, or 74), next Veal and Lamb and Poultry, of which the meat is White--the Fat kinds of Fish, Eels--Salmon--Herrings, &c. and least nutritive, the white kinds of Fish--such as Whiting, Cod, Soles, Haddocks, &c. For further information, see _Oysters_, (No. 181).

The celebrated Trainer, Sir Thomas Parkyns, &c., "greatly preferred BEEF-EATERS--to _Sheep-biters_, as they called those who ate Mutton."

By DR. STARK'S _very curious Experiments on Diet_, p. 110, it appears, that "when he fed upon _Roasted Goose_, he was much more vigorous both in Body and Mind, than with any other food."

That _Fish_ is less nutritive than FLESH--the speedy return of Hunger after a dinner of Fish is sufficient proof--when a Trainer at Newmarket[14] wishes _to waste a Jockey_--he is not allowed _Pudding_, if Fish can be had.

Crabs,--Lobsters (No. 176), Prawns, &c. unless thoroughly boiled, (which those sold ready boiled seldom are), are tremendously indigestible.

_Shell Fish_ have long held a high rank in the catalogue of easily digestible and speedily restorative Foods:--of these _Oysters_ (No. 181), certainly deserve the best character; but we think that they, as well as _Eggs_,--_Gelatinous Substances_,--_Rich Broths_[15], &c. have acquired not a little more reputation for these qualities than they deserve.

OYSTERS are often cold and uncomfortable to Dyspeptic Stomachs--unless warmed with a certain quantity of Pepper, and good White Wine.

_To recruit the Animal Spirits, and produce Strength_, there is nothing like BEEF and MUTTON--moreover, when kept till properly tender, none will give less trouble to the Digestive organs--and more substantial excitement to the Constitution.

The Editor has dined for some years principally upon plainly roasted or boiled Beef and Mutton, and has often observed, that if he changes it for any other Food for several days together--that he suffers a diminution of strength, &c. and is disposed on such days to drink an additional Glass of _Wine_, &c. See _Index_.

However, the fitness of various Foods, and Drinks--and the quantity of Nutriment which they afford--depends very much upon how they are prepared, and as much on the inclination and abilities of the concoctive faculties, which have the task of converting them into Chyle.

It is quite as absurd, to suppose, that one kind of Diet, &c. is equally adapted to every kind of Constitution--as that one Remedy will cure all Diseases.

_To produce the highest degree of Health and Strength_--we must supply the Stomach with not merely that material which contains the greatest quantity of Nourishment--but in making our reckoning, must take into the account, the degree in which it is adapted to the habits and powers of the Organ which is to digest it--the Arms of a Giant are of little use in the Hands of a Dwarf.

_The Plan we have proposed, was calculated for Midsummer-day_,--when plenty of hard Exercise in the open Air will soon create an Appetite for the substantial Diet we have recommended--it is taken for granted, that a Person has the opportunity of devoting a couple of months to the re-establishment of his Health--and that during that time, he will be content to consider himself in the same state as any other Animal out of condition--and disposed to submit cheerfully to such a modification of the rules recommended, as his Medical Adviser may deem most convenient to the circumstances of the Case, and the Age, the Constitution, and previous habits of the Patient, &c. &c.

_Every part of this system must be observed in proportion_--and EXERCISE increased in the same degree, that NOURISHMENT is introduced to the Constitution.

_The best General Rule for Diet_ that I can write, is to Eat and Drink only of such Foods--at such times,--and in such quantities--as Experience has convinced you, agree with your Constitution--and absolutely to avoid all other.

A very different Regimen must be observed by those who live a Life with Labour--or Exercise--or of Indolence,--and at the different Periods of Life.

HUMAN LIFE may be divided into _Three Stages_.

The FIRST, _The period of Preparation_ from our birth, till about our 21st year, when the Body has generally attained the _acmé_ of expansion:--till then, a continual and copious supply of Chyle is necessary, not only to keep our machinery in repair, but to furnish material for the increase of it.

The SECOND from 21 to 42, _The period of Active Usefulness_; during which, nothing more is wanted, than to restore the daily waste, occasioned by the actions of the Vital and Animal Functions.

The THIRD, _The period of Decline_: this comes on and proceeds with more or less celerity, according to the original strength of the Constitution, and the Economy[16] with which it has been managed during the second period. (Age is a relative term,--one man is as old at 40 as another is at 60): but after 42, the most vigorous become gradually more passive[17]--and after 63, pretty nearly quite so.

SIR WILLIAM JONES'S ANDROMETER.

| 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 |
+-----+-----+-----+-----+
1 | | | | | | | | | | | | |--Ideas received through the Senses.
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_______________________|--Speaking, and Pronunciation.
|_______________________|--Letters, and Spelling.
|_______________________|--Ideas retained in the Memory.
5 |_______________________|--Reading and Repeating.
|_______________________|--Grammar of his own Language.
|_______________________|--Memory exercised.
|_______________________|--Moral and Religions Lessons.
|_______________________|--Natural History and Experiments.
10 |_______________________|--Dancing, Music, Drawing, Exercises.
|_______________________|--History of his own Country.
|_______________________|--Latin.
|_______________________|--Greek.
|_______________________|--French and Italian.
15 |_______________________|--Translations.
|_______________________|--Compositions in Verse and Prose.
|_______________________|--Rhetoric and Declamation.
|_______________________|--History and Law.
|_______________________|--Logic and Mathematics.
20 |_______________________|--Rhetorical Exercises.
|_______________________|--Philosophy and Politics.
|_______________________|--Compositions in his own Language.
|_______________________|--Declamations continued.
|_______________________|--Ancient Orators studied.
25 |_______________________|--Travel and Conversation.
|_______________________|--Speeches at the Bar, or in Parliament.
|_______________________|--State Affairs.
|_______________________|--Historical Studies continued.
|_______________________|--Law and Eloquence.
30 |_______________________|--Public Life.
|_______________________|--Private and Social Virtues.
|_______________________|--Habits of Eloquence improved.
|_______________________|--Philosophy resumed at leisure.
|_______________________|--Orations published.
35 |_______________________|--Exertions in State and Parliament.
|_______________________|--Civil Knowledge mature.
|_______________________|--Eloquence perfect.
|_______________________|--National Rights defended.
|_______________________|--The Learned protected.
40 |_______________________|--The Virtuous assisted.
|_______________________|--Compositions published.
|_______________________|--Science improved.
|_______________________|--Parliamentary Affairs.
|_______________________|--Laws enacted, and supported.
45 |_______________________|--Fine Arts patronized.
|_______________________|--Government of his Family.
|_______________________|--Education of his Children.
|_______________________|--Vigilance as a Magistrate.
|_______________________|--Firmness as a Patriot.
50 |_______________________|--Virtue as a Citizen.
|_______________________|--Historical Works.
|_______________________|--Oratorical Works.
|_______________________|--Philosophical Works.
|_______________________|--Political Works.
55 |_______________________|--Mathematical Works.
|_______________________| }
|_______________________| }
|_______________________| }Continuation of former Pursuits.
|_______________________| }
60 |_______________________| }
|_______________________|--Fruits of his Labour enjoyed.
|_______________________|--A glorious Retirement.
|_______________________|--An amiable Family.
|_______________________|--Universal Respect.
65 |_______________________|--Consciousness of a Virtuous Life.
|_______________________| }
|_______________________| }
|_______________________| }_Perfection of Earthly Happiness_.
|_______________________| }
70 |_______________________|--Preparation for ETERNITY.

_The most common cause of Dyspeptic Disorders_, which are so prevalent at the commencement of the Third Period of Life--is an increasing indolence, inducing us to diminish the degree of the active Exercise we have been in the habit of taking--without in a corresponding degree diminishing the quantity of our Food--on the contrary, people seem to expect the Stomach to grow stronger and to work harder as it gets Older, and to almost entirely support the Circulation without the help of Exercise.--

As the activity of our existence--and the accommodating powers of the Stomach, &c. diminish--in like degree--must we lessen the quantity--and be careful of the quality of our Food, eat oftener and less at a time--or Indigestion--and the multitude of Disorders of which it is the fruitful parent, will soon destroy us.

The System of CORNARO has been oftener quoted, than understood--most people imagine, it was one of rigid Abstinence and comfortless Self-denial--but this was not the case:--his Code of Longevity consisted in steadily obeying the suggestions of Instinct--and Economizing his Vitality, and living under his income of Health,--carefully regulating his temper--and cultivating cheerful habits.

THE FOLLOWING IS A COMPENDIUM OF HIS PLAN--_in his own words_.

He tells us that _when Fourscore_

"I am used to take in all twelve ounces of solid nourishment, such as Meat, and the yolk of an Egg, &c. and fourteen ounces of drink:--I eat Bread, Soup, New-laid Eggs, Veal, Kid, Mutton, Partridge, Pullets, Pigeons, &c. and some Sea and River Fish.

"I made choice of such Wines and Meats as agreed with my Constitution, and declined all other diet--and proportioned the quantity thereof to the strength of my Stomach, and abridged my Food--as my years increased.

"Every one is the best judge of the food which is most agreeable to his own Stomach,--it is next to impossible, to judge what is best for another;--the Constitutions of men are as different from each other as their complexions."--p. 36.

"1st. Take care of the quality.

"2dly. Of the quantity--so as to eat and drink nothing that offends the Stomach, nor any more than you can easily digest: your experience ought to be your guide in these two principles when you arrive at _Forty_: by that time you ought to know that you are in the midst of your life; thanks to the goodness of your Constitution which has carried you so far: but that when you are arrived to this period, you go down the hill apace--and it is necessary for you to change your course of life, especially with regard to the quantity and quality of your diet--because it is on that, the health and length of our days do radically depend. Lastly; if the former part of our lives has been altogether sensual--the latter ought to be rational and regular; order being necessary for the preservation of all things, especially the life of man.--Longevity cannot be attained without continence and sobriety[18]."

"At _thirty_ Man suspects himself a Fool,
Knows it at _forty_, and reforms his plan."

By the small quantity of Food, and great proportion of his Meat to his Drink, this noble Venetian, at the age of _forty_, freed himself, by the advice of his Physicians, from several grievous disorders contracted by intemperance, and lived in health of body, and great cheerfulness of mind, to above an hundred.--Briefly, the secret of his Longevity seems to have been, a gradually increasing Temperance "in omnibus"--and probably, after a certain time of Life, abstinence from the "opus magnum."

The source of physical and moral Health, Happiness, and Longevity,--

"Reason's whole pleasure, all the Joys of Sense
Lie in three words, Health, peace, and competence.
But Health consists in temperance alone;
And Peace, oh Virtue! Peace is all thy own."

POPE.

_Intensive Life_, can only be purchased at the price of _Extensive_.

If you force the Heart to gallop as fast during the second, as it does during the first stage of life--and make the steady fire of 42, to blaze as brightly as the flame of 21,--it will very soon be burnt out.

Those who cannot be content to submit to that diminution of action ordained by nature, against which there is no appeal,--as it is the absolute covenant, by the most attentive and implicit observance of which we can only hope to hold our lease of life comfortably,--will soon bring to the diminished energy of the Second Stage of Life--the Paralysis of the Third.

From 40 to 60, a witty French author tells us, is "_La belle saison[19] pour la Gourmandise_;"--for the artificial pleasures of the Palate, it may be, and the _Bon Vivant_ cultivates them as the means of prolonging the vigour of Youth--and procrastinating the approach of Age.

Restoration may certainly be considerably facilitated, by preparing and dressing food so as to render it easily soluble--if the secret of Rejuvenization be ever discovered; it will be found in the Kitchen.

Very soon after we pass the _Meridian of Life_, (which, according to those who train men for athletic exercises, and to Dr. Jameson,[20] is our 28th, and to Dr. Cheyne, about our 35th year,) the elasticity of the Animal System imperceptibly diminishes,--our Senses become less susceptible, and are every hour getting the worse for wear, however Self-Love, assisted by your Hair-dresser, and Tailor, &c. may endeavour to persuade you to the contrary.

Digestion and Sleep are less perfect--the restorative process more and more fails to keep pace with the consuming process--the body is insufficiently repaired, more easily deranged, and with more difficulty brought into adjustment again; till at length the vital power being diminished, and the organs deteriorated,--Nourishment can neither be received, or prepared and diffused through the constitution--and Consumption so much exceeds Renovation, that decay rapidly closes the scene of Life.

One may form some Idea of _the Self-consumption of the human body_, by reflecting that the pulsation of the Heart, and the motion of the Blood connected with it, takes place 100,000 times every day; _i. e._ on an average

the pulse[21] beats 70 times in a minute,
multiplied by 60 minutes in an hour,
----
4200
24 hours in a day,
-----
16800
8400
------
100800 pulsations in a day.

What Machine, of the most adamantine material, will not soon be the worse for wear, from such incessant vibration--especially if the Mainsprings of it are not preserved in a state of due regulation?

The generative faculties, which are the last that Nature finishes--are the first that fail.--Economy in the exercise of them--especially before and after the second period of Life--is the grand precept for the restoration and accumulation of Strength, the preservation of Health, and the prolongation of Life;--we are vigorous, in proportion to the perfection of the performance of the Restorative process, _i. e._ as we Eat hearty, and Sleep soundly--as our Body loses the power of renovating itself, in like ratio, fails its faculty of creating--what may be a salutary subduction of the superfluous health of the Second--during the Third period of life, will be a destructive sacrifice of the strength of both the Mind and the Body.--See also the 9th chapter of the _First_ Edition of WILLICH _on Diet_. 8vo. 1799.

The next organical defect, (we perceive too plainly for our self-love to mistake it,) is manifested by THE EYE[22]. To read a small print--you must remove it from the Eye further than you have been accustomed to do--and place it in a better light.

The FALSETTO Voice now begins to fail, and THE EAR loses some of its quickness--several extraordinary Musicians have been able till then, if a handful of the keys of a Harpsichord were put down so as to produce the most irrelative combinations--to name each half note without a mistake.--When I mentioned this to that excellent Organ Player, Mr. Charles Wesley, he said, "At the age of twenty, I could do it myself--but I can't now." He was then in his 55th year.

About the same time, the Palate is no longer contented with being employed as a mere shovel to the Stomach,--and as it finds its master becomes every day more difficult to please--learns to be a more watchful Purveyor.

After 40,--the strongest People begin to talk about being _Bilious_, or _Nervous_, &c. &c. and the Stomach will no longer do its duty properly--unless the Food offered to it is perfectly agreeable to it--when offended, _Indigestion_ brings with it, all that melancholy depression of the Animal Spirits, which disables a Man from either thinking with precision, or acting with vigour--during the distressing suspension of the restorative process--arise all those miseries of Mind and Body, which drive Fools to get drunk, and make Madmen commit suicide:--without due attention to Diet, &c. the Third period of Life is little better than a Chronic Disease.

As our assimilating powers become enfeebled, we must endeavour to entertain them with food so prepared, as to give them the least trouble, and the most nourishment[23].

In the proportion that our Food is restorative, and properly digested--our bodies are preserved in Health and Strength--and all our faculties continue vigorous and perfect.

If it is unwholesome, ill-prepared, and indigestible--the Body languishes, and is exhausted even in its youth--its strength and faculties daily decrease, and it sinks beneath the weight of the painful sensations attendant on a state of Decay.

Would to Heaven that a Cook could help our Stomachs, as much as an Optician can our Eyes: our Existence would be as much more perfect than it now is, as our Sight is superior to our other Senses.

"The vigour of the Mind decays with that of the Body--and not only Humour and Invention, but even Judgment and Resolution, change and languish, with ill constitution of Body and of Health."--Sir WILLIAM TEMPLE.

The following account of the successful REDUCTION OF CORPULENCE AND IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH, the Editor can vouch for being a faithful statement of Facts.

30 January, 1821.

MY DEAR SIR,

In consequence of the Conversation I had with you, upon the advantages I had derived from Exercise and attention to Diet in the reduction of Weight, and your desire that I should communicate as far as I recollect them, the particulars of my Case; I have great pleasure in forwarding to you the following Statement.

I measure in height six Feet and half an Inch,--possess a sound Constitution and considerable activity.--At _the age of_ _Thirty_ I weighed about 18 Stone--two years afterwards I had reached the great weight of nineteen Stone, in perfect Health, always sleeping well and enjoying good Appetite and Spirits--soon after, however, I began to experience the usual attendants on fullness of Habit, a disinclination to rise in the morning from drowsiness, heaviness about the Forehead after I had risen, and a disposition to Giddiness;--I was also attacked by a complaint in one of my Eyes, the Symptoms of which it is unnecessary to describe, but it proved to be occasioned by fullness of blood, as it was removed by cupping in the temple. I lost four ounces of blood from the temple; and thinking that the loss of a little more might be advantageous, I had eight ounces taken from the back; and in order to prevent the necessity, as far as possible, of future bleeding, I resolved to reduce the system--by increasing my Exercise and diminishing my Diet.

I therefore took an early opportunity of seeing Mr. Jackson, (whose respectability and skill as a teacher of sparring is universally acknowledged,) and after some Conversation with him, determined upon acting under his Advice.

I accordingly commenced _Sparring_, having provided myself with flannel Dresses, which I always used, being extremely careful on changing them to avoid the risk of cold, and I recollect no instance in which I was not successful.

I also had recourse to _Riding_ Schools, riding without stirrups, so as to have the advantage of the most powerful exercise the Horse could give;--these exercises I took in the morning in the proportion probably of sparring twice a week, and riding three or four times.

Frequently at night I resumed my Exercise,--_Walking_ and sometimes _Running_, generally performing about five miles an hour, till I again produced perspiration; every other Opportunity I could resort to of bodily exercise I also availed myself of.

In respect to diet, I had accustomed myself to Suppers and drinking excellent Table Beer in large quantities, and for probably ten Years, had indulged myself with Brandy and Water after Supper:--this practice I entirely discontinued, substituting Toast and Water with my Dinner, and Tea and a good allowance of Toast for Supper, always avoiding copious Draughts.

I left off drinking malt Liquor as a habit, and indeed, very seldom drank it at all.--I took somewhat less meat at Dinner, avoiding Pies and Puddings as much as possible, but always took three or four Glasses of Port after dinner.

During the time I was under this training, I took the opinion of an eminent Physician upon the subject, who entirely approved of my Plan, and recommended the occasional use of Aperient medicine, but which I seldom resorted to.

_The Result of all this, was a reduction of my Weight of upwards of three Stone_, or about Forty-five Pounds, _in about six or seven months_.--I found my activity very much increased, and my wind excellent, but, I think, my Strength not quite so great, though I did not experience any material Reduction of it: my Health was perfect throughout.

I then relaxed my System a little, and have up to the present time, being a period of ten Years, avoided the necessity of bleeding, and have enjoyed an almost uninterrupted continuance of good Health, although my Weight has gradually increased; sometimes, however, fluctuating between 7 or 8 Pounds and a Stone, according to my means of Exercise,--always increasing in Winter, and losing in Summer;--and at this moment (January 29th, 1821,) I am about a Stone more than I ought to be, having ascertained, that my best bodily Strength, is at sixteen Stone and a half.

When the object is _to Reduce Weight_, rest and moderate Food will always sufficiently restore the exhaustion arising from Exercise;--if an additional quantity of Food and nourishing Liquors be resorted to, the Body will in general be restored to the weight it was before the Exercise.

I have sometimes lost from ten ounces to a Pound in weight by an Hour's sparring. If the object be not to reduce the weight, the Food may safely be proportioned to the Exercise.

You will readily perceive, that the plan I adopted, ought only to be resorted to by Persons of sound Constitution and of athletic bodily Frame,--it would be absurd to lay down a general rule for the adoption of all fat men.

I think, with all lusty men, the drinking of malt Liquor of any kind is injurious,--Meat taken more than once a day is liable to the same Objection. I still persevere in the disuse of malt Liquors and Spirits, and Suppers, seldom taking more than four Glasses of Wine as a habit,--although I do not now deem it necessary to make myself so far the Slave of habit, as to refuse the Pleasures of the Table when they offer.

I am, dear Sir,

Yours very truly,

* * * * *

The following are the most interesting Facts in Dr. Bryan Robinson's Essay on the Food and Discharges of the Human Body, 8vo. 1748, which has become scarce.

"I am now, in _May_ 1747, in the 68th year of my age. The length of my Body is 63 Inches: I am of a sanguine but not robust constitution--and am at present neither lean nor fat. In the year 1721 the Morning weight of my body without Clothes, was about 131 Avoirdupois pounds, the daily weight of my food at a medium was about 85 Avoirdupois ounces, and the proportion of my Drink to my Meat, I judge was at that time about 2.5--to 1.

"At the latter end of _May_ 1744, my weight was above 164 pounds, and the proportion of my Drink to my Meat was considerably greater than before, and had been so for some time. I was then seized with a Paralytic disorder, which obliged me to make an alteration in my diet. In order to settle the proportion of my Drink to my Meat, I considered what others have said concerning this proportion.

"According to _Sanctorius_, though he reckons it a disproportion, the drink to the meat in his time, was about 10 to 3 in temperate bodies.

CORNARO'S drink to his Meat, was as 7 to 6.
Mr. RYE'S, in winter, as 4 to 3.
Dr. LINING'S, at a medium 11 to 3.
And my drink to my meat 5 to 2.
A mean taken from all these makes the
Drink to the Meat--about 2 to 1.

B. ROBINSON _on Food and Discharges_, p. 34.

"At the age of 64, by lessening my food, and increasing the proportion of my meat to my drink, _i. e._ by lessening my drink about a third part, (_i. e._ to 20 ounces) and my meat about a sixth, (_i. e._ 38 ounces) of what they were in 1721, I have freed myself for these two years past from the returns of a _Sore throat_ and _Diarrhœa_,--Disorders I often had, though they were but slight, and never confined me. I have been much more costive than I was before, when I lived more fully, and took more Exercise, and have greatly, for my age, recovered the paralytic weakness I was seized with three years ago.

"Hence we gather, that good and constant Health consists in a just quantity of food; and a just proportion of the meat to the drink: and that to be freed from chronical disorders contracted by Intemperance--the quantity of food ought to be lessened; and the proportion of the meat to the drink increased--more or less, according to the greatness of the disorders, p. 61.

"I commonly ate four ounces of Bread and Butter, and drank half a pound of a very weak infusion of Green Tea for _Breakfast_. For _Dinner_ I took two ounces of Bread, and the rest Flesh-meat,--Beef, Mutton, Pork, Veal, Hare, Rabbit, Goose, Turkey, Fowl tame and wild, and Fish. I generally chose the strongest meats as fittest, since they agreed well with my stomach, to keep up the power of my body under this great diminution of my food; I seldom took any _Garden stuff_--finding that it commonly lessened perspiration and _increased my weight_.--I drank four ounces of water with my meat and a pound of Claret after I had done eating. At night I ate nothing, but drank 12 ounces of water with a pipe of Tobacco, p. 63.

"There is but one Weight, under which a grown body can enjoy the best and most uninterrupted Health. p. 91. That Weight is such as enables the Heart to supply the several parts of the body with just quantities of Blood. p. 100.

"The weight under which an Animal has the greatest strength and activity--which I shall call its _Athletic weight_,--is that weight under which the Heart--and the proportion of the weight of the Heart to the weight of the body are greatest: the strength of the Muscles is measured by the strength of the Heart, p. 117.

"If the weight of the body of an Animal be greater than its _Athletic Weight_, it may be reduced to that weight by evacuations, dry food and exercise. These lessen the weight of the Body, by wasting its fat, and lessening its Liver; and they increase the weight of the Heart, by increasing the quantity and motion of the blood. Thus a game Cock in ten days is reduced to his athletic weight, and prepared for fighting.

"If the Food, which with Evacuations and Exercise, reduced the Cock to his athletic weight in ten days, be continued any longer, the Cock will not have that strength and activity which he had before under his athletic weight; which may be owing to the loss of weight going on after he arrives at his athletic weight.

"It is known by experiment, that a Cock cannot stand above 24 hours at his athletic weight, and that a Cock has changed very much for the worse in 12 hours.

"When a Cock is at the top of his condition, that is, when he is at his athletic weight, his Head is of a glowing red colour, his Neck thick, and his Thigh thick and firm;--the day after his complexion is less glowing, his Neck thinner, and his Thigh softer;--and the third day his Thigh will be very soft and flaccid. p. 119.

"If the increase of weight in a small compass of time, rise to above a certain quantity, it will cause disorders.

"I can bear an increase of above a pound and a half in one day, and an increase of three or four pounds in six or seven days, without being disordered; but think I should suffer from an increase of five or six pounds in that time.

"An increase of weight may be carried off by lessening the Food,--or by increasing the Discharges.--The discharges may be increased either by exercise, or by evacuations procured by art.

"By lessening the daily quantity of my food to 23 ounces, I have lost 26 ounces;--by fasting a whole day, I lost 48 ounces, having gained 27 the day before.

"Mr. Rye was a strong, well set, corpulent man, of a sanguine complexion; by a brisk walk for one hour before breakfast he threw off, by insensible perspiration, one pound of increased weight; by a walk of three hours, he threw off two pounds of increased weight. The best way to take off an increase of weight which threatens a distemper, is either by fasting or exercise. p. 84.

"The mean loss of weight by several grown bodies caused by a purging medicine composed of a drachm of _Jalap_ and ten grains of _Calomel_, was about 2-3/4 Avoirdupois pounds; and the mean quantity of Liquor, drank during the time of Purging, was about double the loss of Weight."--ROBINSON _on the Animal Economy_, p. 458.

"I have lost, by a spontaneous _Diarrhœa_, two pounds in twenty-four hours; and Mr. Rye lost twice that quantity in the same time."--_On the Food and Discharges of Human Bodies_, by B. ROBINSON, p. 84.

"Most _Chronic Diseases_--arise from too much _Food_ and too little _Exercise_,--both of which lessen the weight of the Heart and the quantity of Blood;--the first by causing fatness; the second by a diminution of the blood's motion.

"Hence, when the LIVER is grown too large by Intemperance and Inactivity, it may be lessened and brought to a healthful magnitude by Temperance and Exercise.--It may be emptied other ways by art; but nothing can prevent its filling again, and consequently secure good and constant Health--but an exact Diet and Exercise. Purging and Vomiting may lessen the Liver, and reduce it to its just magnitude;--but these evacuations cannot prevent its increasing again, so long as persons live too fully, and use too little exercise--and can only be done by lessening the Food and increasing the Exercise."

"Much sleep, much food, and little exercise, are the principal things which make animals grow fat. If the Body, on account of Age or other Infirmities, cannot use sufficient Exercise, and takes much the same quantity of Sleep, its weight must be lessened by lessening the Food, which may be done by lessening the Drink, without making any change in the Meat; as I have proved myself by experience."--p. 90.

On this subject, see also--Dr. STARK on _Diet_, and SANCTORIUS' _Medecina Statica_. Dr. HEMING on _Corpulency_.--Mr. WADD on _Corpulency_.--Dr. ARBUTHNOT on _Aliment_.

SLEEP.

"When tired with vain rotations of the Day,
Sleep winds us up for the succeeding dawn."

YOUNG.

Health may be as much injured by interrupted and _insufficient Sleep_, as by luxurious indulgence.

Valetudinarians who regularly retire to rest, and arise at certain hours, are unable, without injurious violence to their feelings--to resist the inclination to do so.

"Pliant Nature more or less demands
As Custom forms her; and _all sudden change
She hates_, of Habit even from _bad_ to _good_.
If faults in Life--or new emergencies
From Habits[24] urge you by _long time_ confirm'd,
Slow must the change arrive, and stage by stage,
Slow as the stealing progress of the Year."

ARMSTRONG'S _Art of Preserving Health_.

How important it is, then, to cultivate good and convenient Habits:--_Custom_ will soon render the most rigid rules, not only easy, but agreeable.--

"The Strong, by bad habits, grow weaker, we know;
And by good ones, the Weak will grow stronger also."

The Debilitated require much more rest than the Robust:--nothing is so restorative to the nerves, as sound, and uninterrupted Sleep, which is the chief source of both Bodily and Mental Strength.

The Studious need a full portion of Sleep, which seems to be as necessary nutriment to the Brain, as Food is to the Stomach.