through the natural process above
described, is not without its baleful consequences, for the Americans
are called a nation of _dyspeptics_.

Eating slowly, masticating the food thoroughly, and drinking but
moderately during meals, will allow the juices of the stomach to fulfill
their proper function, and healthy digestion and nutrition will result.
If the food is swallowed nearly whole, not only will a longer time be
required for its solution, but frequently it will ferment and begin to
decay before nutritive transformation can be effected, even when the
gastric juice is undiluted with the fluids which the hurried eater
imbibes during his meal.

REGULARITY OF MEALS cannot be too strongly insisted upon. The stomach,
as well as other parts of the body, must have intervals of rest or its
energies are soon exhausted, its functions impaired, and _dyspepsia_ is
the result. Nothing of the character of food should ever be taken except
at regular meal times. Some persons are munching cakes, apples, nuts,
candies, etc., at all hours, and then wonder why they have weak
stomachs. They take their meals regularly, and neither eat rapidly nor
too much, and yet they are troubled with indigestion. The truth is they
keep their stomachs almost constantly at work, and hence tired out,
which is the occasion of the annoyance and distress they experience.

EATING TOO MUCH. It should always be remembered that the nutrition of
our bodies does not depend upon the amount eaten, but upon the amount
that is digested. Eating too much is nearly as bad as swallowing the
food whole. The stomach is unable to digest all of it, and it ferments
and gives rise to unpleasant results. The unnatural distention of the
stomach with food causes it to press upon the neighboring organs,
interfering with the proper performance of their functions, and, if
frequently repeated, gives rise to serious disease. People more
frequently eat too much than too little, and to omit a meal when the
stomach is slightly deranged is frequently the best medicine. It is an
excellent plan to rise from the table before the desire for food is
quite satisfied.

LATE SUPPERS. It is generally conceded that late suppers are injurious,
and should never be indulged in. Persons who dine late have little need
of food after their dinner, unless they are kept up until a late hour.
In such cases a moderate meal may be allowed, but it should be eaten two
or three hours before retiring. Those w