7. I never used a large quantity of animal food or stimulants, of any description. 8. I have for several years used tea and coffee, usually once a day--believe them healthy. 9. Vegetable diet is less aperient than a mixed diet, if we except _Indian corn_. 10. I do not think that common laborers, in health, could do as well without animal food; but I think students might. 11. I have selected _potatoes_, when _baked_ or _roasted_, and all articles of food usually prepared from _Indian meal_, as the most healthy articles on which I subsist; particularly the latter, whose aperient and nutritive qualities render it, in my estimation, an invaluable article for common use. Yours, etc., D. S. WRIGHT. LETTER IV.--FROM DR. H. N. PRESTON.[1] PLYMOUTH, Mass., March 26, 1835. DEAR SIR,--When I observed your questions in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, of the 11th of March, I determined to give you personal experience, in reply to your valuable queries. In the spring of 1832, while engaged in more than usual professional labor, I began to suffer from indigestion, which gradually increased, unabated by any medicinal or dietetic course, until I was reduced to the very confines of the grave. The disease became complicated, for a time, with chronic bronchitis. I would remark, that, at the time of my commencing a severe course of diet, I was able to attend to my practice daily. In answer to your inquiries, I would say to the 1st--very much diminished, and rapidly. 2. Rather less; distinct local uneasiness--less disposition to drowsiness; but decidedly more troubled with cardialgia, and eructations. 3. I think not. 4. My disease was decidedly increased; as cough, headache, and emaciation; and being of a scrofulous diathesis, was lessening my prospect of eventual recovery. 5. My febrile attacks increased with my increased debility. 6. Almost four months; when I became convinced death would be the result, unless I altered my course. 7. I had taken animal food moderately, morning and noon--very little high seasoning--no stimulants, except tea and coffee. The latter was my favorite beverage; and I usually drank two cups with my breakfast and dinner, and black tea with my supper. 8. I drank but one cup of weak coffee with my breakfast, none with dinner, and generally a cup of milk and water with supper. 9. With me _much less aperient_; indeed, costiveness became a very serious and distressing accompaniment. 10. From somewhat extensive observation, for the last seven years, I should say, of laborers never; students seldom. 11. Among dyspeptics, potatoes nearly boiled, then mashed together, rolled into balls, and laid over hot coals, until a second time cooked, as easy as any vegetable. If any of the luxuries of the table have been noticed as particularly injurious, it has been cranberries, prepared in any form, as stewed in sauce, tarts, pies, etc.