WEIGHT EQUIVALENTS. To convert grains into grammes multiply by 0.065 To convert grammes into grains multiply by 15.5 To convert drachms into grammes multiply by 3.9 To convert ounces (avoir.) into grammes multiply by 28.4 To convert pounds (avoir.) into grammes multiply by 453.6 MEASURE EQUIVALENTS. To convert cubic centimeters into grains multiply by 15.5 To convert cubic centimeters into drachms multiply by 0.26 To convert cubic centimeters into ounces (avoir.) multiply by 0.036 To convert pints into cubic centimeters multiply by 473 To convert liters into ounces (avoir.) multiply by 35.3 To convert gallons into liters multiply by 3.8 FLUIDS WITH MEALS.—The arguments presented by many writers seem to prove that the moderate taking of fluids with the food at meals is not without benefit. But the importance of the thorough mastication of food before it is presented to the stomach must never be overlooked. If this is interfered with in any way by the use of liquids we must promptly prohibit their indulgence. Fluids may be taken ad libitum during meals by those whose digestive powers will allow it; but such persons should keep in mind that the strongest stomach may be abused too far, while those whose stomachs are already unequal to a severe strain should be especially careful as to the quantity of fluid imbibed with the food. The saliva is the best lubricator for the food while it is in the mouth, both because of its starch-digesting powers, and because its alkalinity serves to stimulate a copious flow of the acid secretion of the stomach. Any habit, therefore, which permits the entrance of food into the stomach before it is thoroughly incorporated with saliva must be pronounced pernicious in the extreme. If we cannot afford the time necessary for masticating our food properly and incorporating it thoroughly with saliva, it would be better to take nothing but broths and similar foods. The use of water and other liquids as lubricators is not to be tolerated. On the other hand, if we bear in mind the whole mechanism of digestion, it will readily be seen that, in cases of weakness or want of tone on the part of the muscles of the stomach, when every part of the food cannot be properly presented to the action of the digestive juices, the introduction into the stomach of a moderate amount of water may be of no slight benefit. The mass of food will become more pliable, and so more easily operated upon by the weakened muscles.—_Youth’s Companion._