system is gradually developed, and all changes of food,
apparel, labor, exercise, or position, should be gradual. Even
a change from a bad to a good habit, on this principle, should
be gradual.

302. _Some temperaments require more stimulating food than others._ As
a general rule, those persons whose sensations are comparatively
obtuse, and movements slow, will be benefited by animal food; while
those individuals whose constitutions are highly impressible, and
whose movements are quick and hurried, require a nutritious and
unstimulating vegetable diet.

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300. What kinds of food are appropriate to old age? Why? What kinds to
childhood? Why? 301. What is the effect when there is a sudden change
from a vegetable to an animal diet? How should all changes of the
system be made? 302. Do different temperaments require different kinds
of food? What general rule is given?

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CHAPTER XVI.

HYGIENE OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS, CONTINUED.

303. The MANNER in which food should be taken is of much practical
importance; upon it the health of the digestive organs measurably
depends. But few circumstances modify the proper manner of taking
food, or should exercise any controlling influence.

304. _Food should be taken at regular periods._ The interval between
meals should be regulated by the character of the food, the age,
health, exercise, and habits of the individual. The digestive process
is more energetic and rapid in the young, active, and vigorous, than
in the aged, indolent, and feeble; consequently, food should be taken
more frequently by the former than by the latter class.

305. In some young and vigorous persons, food may be digested in one
hour; in other persons, it may require four hours or more. The average
time, however, to digest an ordinary meal, will be from two to four
hours. In all instances, the stomach will require from one to three
hours to recruit its exhausted powers after the labor of digesting a
meal before it will again enter upon the vigorous performance of its
duties.

306. _Food should not be taken too frequently._ If food is taken
before the stomach has regained its tone and energy by repose, the
secretion of the gastric juice, and the contraction of the muscular
fibres, will be imperfect. Again, if food is taken before the
digestion of the preceding meal has been completed, the effects will
be still worse, because