"In every case wherein we wish to preserve strength, (as in most chronical complaints) we should be extremely cautious in prescribing a rigid regimen,--especially if it is intended to be long continued."--"Things disagreeable to the palate, seldom digest well, or contribute to the nourishment of the Body."--FALCONER _on Diet_, pp. 7, and 8. "What is most grateful to the Palate, sits most easy on the Stomach."--ADAIR _on Diet_, p. 28. "LONGINGS directed by the pure guidance of INSTINCT, and not arising merely from opinion, may not only be satisfied with Impunity, but generally be indulged in with advantage."--WITHERS _on the Abuse of Medicine_, 8vo. p. 233. [89] "As to the quality of food, although whatever is easy of digestion, singly considered, deserves the preference, yet regard must be had to the palate and to the appetite, because it is frequently found, that what the Stomach earnestly covets, though of difficult digestion, does nevertheless digest better than what is esteemed of easier digestion if the Stomach nauseates it: I am of opinion the patient ought to eat only of _one dish_ at a meal."--SYDENHAM _on Gout_. "Every Animal but Man keeps to _one dish_--Herbs are the food of this species--Fish of that--and Flesh of a third."--SPECTATOR, No. 95. "Be content with _one dish_ at a meal, in the choice of that consult your palate."--MANDEVILLE _on Hypochondriasis_, p. 316. [90] "It is surprising how much the condition and disposition of the Stomach and Intestines will vary in the same person at different times."--WHYTT _on the Nerves_; p. 127. [91] "Many people, to be sufficiently nourished, must be supplied with food exceedingly stimulating."--STRUVE'S _Asthenology_, 8vo. 1801, p. 280. [92] "Whosoever dreameth that no _Sick_ Man should be allured to meat, by delightful and pleasant Sauces, seemeth as froward and fantastical as He that would never whet his knife. "Why hath nature brought forth such variety of Herbs, Roots, Spices, &c. fit for nothing but Sauces, &c. but that by them, the Sick should be allured to feed. "Abstinence is as dangerous, as Fulness and Satiety is inconvenient."--DR. MOFFETT _on Foods_, 12mo. 1746, p. 343. [93] "This gentleman had so cold a Stomach, (saith _Suidas_,) that he made a sheath for his Tongue, that he might swallow down his Pottage scalding hot; yea, I myself have known a Shropshire Gentleman of the like quality."--Dr. MUFFETT _on Food_, 4to. 1655, p. 287. [94] "The Chyle appears to be of the same nature, from whatever aliment it has been extracted; if the medical people in different countries were questioned, each would probably approve of the diet used in their own--and would find plausible arguments to prove its superiority, with numerous and admirable examples among their countrymen in support of their theory. "An Englishman would probably be of opinion that wheat-bread, and a large portion of animal food, gives the strongest and most substantial nourishment.