Give instances when it does and when it does not. 311. Why should not food or drink be taken hot? 312. Why should they not be taken cold? Show some of the effects of improper food upon the inferior animals. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 313. The CONDITION of the system should be regarded when food is taken. This is necessary, as the present and ulterior condition of the digestive apparatus is strongly influenced by the state of the other organs of the system. 314. _Food should not be taken immediately after severe exertion, either of the body or mind._ For all organs in action require and receive more blood and nervous fluid, than when at rest. This is true of the brain, muscles, and vocal organs, when they have been actively exercised. The increased amount of fluid, both sanguineous and nervous, supplied to any organ during extra functional action, is abstracted from other parts of the system. This enfeebles and prostrates the parts that supply the blood and nervous fluid to the active organ. Again, when any organ has been in vigorous action for a few hours, some time will elapse before the increased action of the arteries and nerves abates, and a due supply of fluids is transmitted to other organs, or an equilibrium of action in the system is reëstablished. 315. Thus food should not be taken immediately after severe mental labor, protracted speaking, continued singing, or laborious manual toil; as the digestive organs will be in a state of comparative debility, and consequently unfit to digest food. From thirty to sixty minutes should elapse, after the cessation of severe employment, before food is taken. This time may be spent in cheerful amusement or social conversation. _Observation._ The practice of students and accountants going immediately from severe mental labor to their meals, is a pernicious one, and a fruitful cause of indigestion and mental debility. The custom of farmers and mechanics hurrying from their toil to the dinner-table, does much to cause dyspepsia and debility among these classes in community. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 313. Should the condition of the system be regarded in taking food? 314. When should food not be taken? Why? What is the result when an organ has been in vigorous action? 315. After the cessation of severe toil, how much time should expire before eating? What is one cause of indigestion among students and accountants? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=