The system readily excretes an excess of vegetable products, and, as a rule, no acute difficulties result from such an excess. Such chronic difficulties as constipation, torpid liver, and indigestion, however, frequently result when an excess of starch is taken above that consumed in energy. On account of the readiness with which putrefaction occurs in protein products, care should be taken not to consume these in too great proportion. A study of the physical ailments of thousands of women has shown, by the constituents in the blood and the condition of the different organs of the digestive system, the habitual taste for foods. One can usually determine which food the individual has formed a habit of eating, because the system will show a lack of the elements which that patient has denied herself on account of her likes and dislikes. It is necessary to change the mental attitude toward certain foods before the system will readily assimilate them; thus, as stated, _a taste for foods which the body requires should be cultivated_. Every mother, with growing children, should be a thorough student of the chemistry of food. If the child’s bones do not increase sufficiently in size and strength after the second year, care in the selection of foods rich in protein and phosphates of lime and magnesium may correct it. Such a child should have scraped meat and whole wheat bread with milk and eggs. If the child stores up too much fat, increase the amount of exercise and of oxygen consumed, and either cut down the proportion of sweets and starches or decrease the quantity of food and require more thorough mastication. If one is thin and undernourished, chemical analysis of the contents of the stomach, intestines, and urine is sometimes desirable. The nerves should be relaxed, and proper food, exercise, and breathing should accompany medical treatment, if medicine is needed. Often an entire change in thought and diet are helpful. Sometimes a torpid condition of the liver and sluggish activity of the intestines are indicated. Special exercises to stimulate this activity and to encourage correct poise and deep breathing are most essential. The mind must often be stimulated and an interest be awakened, directing the thoughts in new channels. Worry and tensity of thought are among the chief causes in the majority of cases of lack of flesh and of a very large number of blood and digestive disorders. * * * * * [Sidenote: Anemia]