in toxic results. Harkness[203] has been quoted as
stating that "taken in moderation; coffee is one of the most wholesome
beverages known. It assists digestion, exhilarates the spirits, and
counteracts the tendency to sleep." Carl V. Voit,[204] the German
physiological chemist, says this about coffee:

The effect of coffee is that we are bothered less by unpleasant
experiences and become more able to conquer difficulties;
therefore, for the feasting rich, it makes intestinal work after a
meal less evident and drives away the deadly ennui; for the student
it is a means to keep wide awake and fresh; for the worker it makes
the day's fatigue more bearable.

Dr. Brady[205] believes that the so-called harmfulness of coffee is
mainly psychological, as evidenced by his expression, "Most of the
prejudice which exists against coffee as a beverage is based upon
nothing more than morbid fancy. People of dyspeptic or neurotic
temperament are fond of assuming that coffee must be bad because it is
so good, and accordingly, denying themselves the pleasure of drinking
it."

The recounting of evidence, both _pro_ and _con_, relevant to the
general effects of coffee could continue almost _ad infinitum_, but the
fairest unification of the various opinions is best quoted from Woods
Hutchinson[206]:

Somewhere from 1 to 3 percent of the community are distinctly
injured or poisoned by tea or coffee, even small amounts producing
burning of the stomach, palpitation of the heart, headache,
eruptions of the skin, sensations of extreme nervousness, and so
on; though the remaining 97 percent are not injured by them in any
appreciable way if consumed in moderation.

So, if one is personally satisfied that he belongs to the abnormal
minority, and has not been argued by fallacious reasoning into his
belief that coffee injures him, he should either reduce his consumption
of coffee or let it alone. Even those most vitally interested in the
commercial side of coffee will admit that this is the logical procedure.

_Effects of Coffee on Children_

The same sort of controversy has raged around the question of the
advisability of giving coffee to children as has occurred regarding its
general action. Dr. J. Hutchinson[207] advocates furnishing children
with coffee, while Dr. Charlotte Abbey[208] is strongly against such a
practise, claiming that use of caffein-containing beverages befor