None but the most obstinately ignorant Visionary, would dream of laying down absolute Rules[86] for governing the caprice and whims of the infirm Stomachs of Crazy Valetudinarians. Codes of Dietetics[87] are almost useless,--the suggestions of Reason are often in direct opposition to the desires of Appetite. In most matters regarding the adjustment of that supreme organ of existence,--the STOMACH,--"honest Instinct[88] comes a Volunteer."--_Ventriloquism_ seldom falls to make out a fair title, to be called "unerring." A due respect to the suggestions of Instinct, every Invalid will find highly advantageous,--natural longing has frequently pointed out Food--by which _Acute Diseases_ have been cured, when the most consummate medical skill was at fault, and Life at its lowest ebb. It is needless to insist upon the importance of Diet and Regimen in _Chronic Disorders_. Be content with ONE[89] Dish,--from want of submission to this salutary rule of Temperance--as many men dig their Grave with their _Teeth_, as with the _Tankard_;--DRUNKENNESS is deplorably destructive, but her demurer sister GLUTTONY destroys an hundred to her one. _Instinct_ speaks pretty plainly to those whose instruments of Digestion are in a delicate state--and is an infinitely surer guide than any Dietetic rules that can be contrived. That the Food which we fancy most--generally sits easiest on the Stomach--is a fact which the experience of almost every individual can confirm. The functions of Digestion go on merrily when exercised by Aliment which the Stomach asks for--they often labour in vain when we eat merely because it is the usual hour of Dining--or out of necessity, to amuse the Gastric juices, and "lull the grinding stomach's hungry rage." To affirm that any thing is wholesome, or unwholesome,--without considering the subject in all the circumstances to which it bears relation, and the unaccountable peculiarities of different Constitutions,--is, with submission, talking nonsense. Let every Man consult his Stomach;--to eat and drink such things--and in such quantities--as agree with that perfectly well, is wholesome for him, whilst they continue to do so[90]:--that which satisfies and refreshes us, and causes no uneasiness after, may safely be taken in moderation--whenever the Appetite is keen--whether it be at Dinner or Supper. What we have been longest used to, is most likely to agree with us best. The wholesomeness, &c. of all Food, depends very much on the quality of it--and the way in which it is cooked. Those who are poor in Health, must live as they can;--certainly the less Stimulus any of us use the better, provided it be sufficient to properly carry on the Circulation:--I sometimes hold it lawful to excite Appetite when it is feeble by Age, or debilitated by Indisposition.