There is not only a considerable difference in the digestibility of various Foods,--but also of the time required by different Stomachs to digest them--the sign of which, is the return of Appetite. The digestion of Aliment is perfect, and quickly performed, in proportion to the keenness of our Appetite at the time of taking it--more or less perfect Mastication--and the vigorous state of the organs of Digestion,--as a general rule, _the interval of Fasting_ should seldom be less than three, nor more than five hours[77],--Digestion being generally completed within that time. The Fashion of A.D. 1820 has introduced a much longer fast ("a windy recreation," as father Paul assures the lay brother) than even the elasticity of robust Health can endure, without distressing the adjustment of the System,--and creating such an over-excited appetite, that the Stomach does not feel it has had enough,--till it finds that it has been crammed too much[78]. "When Hunger[79] calls, obey, nor often wait Till hunger sharpen to corrosive pain; For the keen appetite will feast beyond What nature well can bear." This important truth--we would most strongly press on the consideration of Those who attend our COURTS OF LAW, and PARLIAMENT. Many industrious Professional men, in order to add a few pounds to their Income--in a few years are quite worn out--from their digestive faculties being continually disordered and fretted for want of _regular_ supplies of _Food_; and sufficient _Sleep_. An Egg boiled in the shell for five minutes, or _Les Tablettes de Bouillon_ (No. 252), and a bit of Bread, is a convenient provision against the former--_the Siesta_ (see page 94) is the best Antidote for the latter. The sensation of _Hunger_ arises from the Gastric juices acting upon the coats of the Stomach--how injurious it must be to fast so long, that by neglecting to supply it with some alimentary substance which this fluid was formed to dissolve,--the Stomach becomes in danger of being digested itself!!! Those who feel a gnawing, as they call it, in their Stomach, should not wait till the stated hour of dinner, but eat a little forthwith, that the Stomach may have something to work upon. By _too long Fasting_, Wind accumulates in the Stomach, especially of those who have passed the meridian of Life--and produces a distressing Flatulence--Languor--Faintness--Giddiness--Palpitation of the Heart, &c. If the Morning has been occupied by anxiety in Business,--or the Mind or Body is fatigued by over-exertion--these symptoms will sometimes come on about an hour or two before the usual time of Dining,--well masticating a bit of Biscuit, and letting a strong Peppermint Lozenge (see page 99) dissolve in the mouth as soon as you feel the first symptoms of Flatulence,--will often pacify the Stomach, and prevent the increase of these complaints.