ious and
destructive to life.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

321. What is the effect of eating immediately before retiring for
sleep? How is this illustrated in the case of a healthy farmer? 322.
How should the food be given when both the digestive organs and
general system are debilitated? Give the reason.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

_Observation._ Liquids are rapidly removed from the stomach by
absorption. Hence, in cases of great prostration, when it is desirable
to introduce nutriment into the system, without delay, the animal and
vegetable broths are a desirable and convenient form of supplying
aliment.

323. _The condition of the skin exercises an important influence on
the digestive apparatus._ Let free perspiration be checked, either
from uncleanliness or from chills, and it will diminish the functional
action of the stomach and its associated organs. This is one of the
fruitful causes of the "liver and stomach complaints" among the
half-clothed and filthy population of the crowded cities and villages
of our country. Attention to clothing and bathing would likewise
prevent many of the diseases of the alimentary canal, called "season
complaints," particularly among children.

324. _Restricting the movements of the ribs and diaphragm impairs
digestion._ At each full inspiration, the ribs are elevated, and the
central portion of the diaphragm is depressed, from one to two inches.
This depression is accompanied by a relaxation of the anterior
abdominal walls. At each act of expiration, the relaxed abdominal
muscles contract, the ribs are depressed, the diaphragm relaxes, and
its central parts ascend. These movements of the midriff cause the
elevation and depression of the stomach, liver, and other abdominal
organs, which is a natural stimulus of these parts.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

In cases of great prostration, what is recommended? 323. How is the
influence that the skin exercises on the digestive organs illustrated?
324. What effect on the digestive process has the restriction of the
ribs and diaphragm?

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

325. It is noted of individuals who restrain the free movements of the
abdominal muscles by tight dresses, that the tone and vigor of the
digestive organs are diminished. The restricted waist will not admit
of a full and deep inspiration and so essential is this to health,
that abuse in this respect soon enfeebles and destroys the functions
of the system.

326. _Pur