Before leaving the subject of the prevention and rational treatment of old age, we will give a few hints that may be of use in any stage of life. First, great moderation in the diet should be observed, as large quantities of food may, in the long run, impair the powers of the digestive organs, and also of several of the ductless glands, which are concerned in the operations of digestion and assimilation—the pancreas and liver. Sajous has shown that the secretion of the adrenals takes actual part in the functions of all these organs. Everything that is eaten should be thoroughly masticated and not “bolted”; digestion, in reality, beginning in the mouth. Meat should not be consumed in large quantities, as it is injurious to various glands with internal secretions, especially the thyroid and liver, and after having been taken for a long time in large quantities can promote arteriosclerosis (see Chapter XVI). The best nourishment for increasing the chances of a long life and to defer the effects of old age, is a diet consisting of little meat, much milk, and vegetables. We have for many weeks lived on a diet consisting solely of milk, eggs, bread, butter, and fruits, and, we believe, have never felt so fresh and well disposed to work as during that time and, as friends remarked, never looked so well, either. A strictly vegetarian diet, without milk and eggs, is distinctly unwise and dangerous to health, if followed for a long time. Our anatomical and physiological construction is not adapted to such nourishment (see the chapter on this subject). By many authorities wine is called “the milk of old age.” This is not true, although it is a fact that many old people feel better after an occasional glass of claret, when they have been in the habit of taking it for years. We will deal with alcohol and its deleterious effects in a separate chapter. Far more injurious than red wine used in moderation, are tea and coffee used in large quantities. Unfortunately, many of those who fanatically fight against alcohol, indulge in many cups of black coffee or tea daily, and thus poison their nervous system. Besides containing thein and caffein, they also aid the formation of uric acid, as they contain bodies from which the purin substances are produced (Haig, Hutchison, Walker Hall). Cocoa and chocolate may be taken in larger quantities than coffee or tea. Cocoa with milk is, at the same time, very nutritious, as it contains fatty substances. Spices should be avoided as much as possible, especially sharp, irritating condiments, which are so freely taken, particularly in America. We must not forget that the greater part of all we eat and drink must pass through the kidneys, the fine epithelium of which is thus easily endangered. For the same reason drugs should only be taken under medical advice, and with great reserve, for if taken too freely they may not only injure the kidneys and liver, but also the stomach, which first receives them.